Ebenezer United Church of Christ

Our History

The Ebenezer United Church of Christ had its humble beginning near the present site in May, 1882. The need for a church in our community was felt by a group of interested men and women who had to walk from their homes to the Arches Grove Christian Church for worship services.

Their dream became a reality when a decision was made to hold Sunday School and prayer meetings weekly in an old frame building, formerly used as a cotton gin owned by J. Kirk located in the Richmond Hill Community, Company Shops which was later named Burlington, North Carolina. The first church was organized in this building with approximately thirty members. Among these pioneers with a vision were Mr. M.A. Albright, Mr. Brown Cooper, Mr. James Hazel, Mr. Wiley Headen, Mr. Lucien Sellars and Mr. Henry Turner. Mr. Wiley Headen served as leader until a pastor was chosen.

When the congregation outgrew the small frame building, a decision was made to build a larger frame church. Rev. J.D. Levister donated a portion of the land for the new church. After about five years of planning, the first Ebenezer Christian Church was built under the leadership of Rev. Brutus Young, assisted by Rev. J.D. Dunn in organizing the church. Rev. Dunn served as pastor from 1882 - 1889. The Deacon Board, Missionary Circle # 1, and the Senior Choir were organized. The church membership continued to grow under the pastorate of Rev. J.D. Mabrey (1889 - 1898), Rev. L.A. Ruffin and Rev. C.W. Ray (1898 - 1903), and Rev. J.H. McBroom (1908 - 1916).

When the members of the church decided to build a brick structure under the pastorate of J.W. Patton (1916 - 1919), Deacons Byrd Chandler, James Hazel, Henry Turner and Lucian Sellars mortgaged their homes as collateral for the loan.

During the pastorate of Rev. C.A. Harris (1921 - 1930) the first church mortgage was burned. Rev. I.D.C. Goodson served as pastor (1930 - 1933).

The second brick church was built under the pastorate of Rev. W.M. Lake (1933 - 1969). The church dedication was held on April 26, 1964. The following organizations were formed:

  • Executive Council
  • Deacon & Deaconness Board
  • Pastor's Aide Society
  • Trustee Board
  • Missionary Circle # 2
  • Pilgrim Fellowship
  • Boy & Girl Scout Troops
  • Senior & Junior Usher Boards
  • Women's Day
  • Men's Day
  • Homecoming
  • Prayer Breakfast
  • Prison Ministry
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Sunbeam & Junior Chiors
  • Ladies Aide Society

The decision was later made by the members to merge with the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. Prior to joining the Southern Conference, the church was a member of the Lincoln Conference. As a result, our church name was changed from Ebenezer Christian Church to Ebenezer United Church of Christ.

Rev. W.M. Lake resigned in 1969, after having rendered faithful service for thirty-six years. The Rev. F.A. Hargett (1969 - 1970) served as interim pastor until Dr. Marvin L. Morgan assumed pastorate (1970 - 1977). Under the leadership of Rev. Morgan, the Gospel Choir, the Young Adult Choir, and Missionary Circle # 3 were organized and the second church mortgage was burned. After serving seven years, Dr. Morgan resigned the pastorate to assume a higher position.

Rev. C.L. Thompson (1977 - 1995) was called by the congregation and an installation service was held on October 23, 1977. Under Rev. Thompson's leadership, the Pastor's Aid Society, the Sunbeam Choir and the Youth Department, and the Junior Choir were reunited. The nurses were organized, Awards Day and Senior Citizens Day were added to the church calendar. After serving faithfully for seventeen years, Dr. Thompson retired due to poor health.

Our present pastor, Rev. Larry E. Covington assumed pastorate in November, 1995. He was installed as pastor in January, 1996. Under the pastorate of Rev. Covington our church membership has grown from 325 to 850 plus members. Due to the growth of the church, we now have two Sunday morning services; the 8:00 am Morning Glory Service and the 11:00 am Worship Service. The church now has over thirty-nine functioning ministries and as an incorporated entity is the umbrella for five other self-sustaining programs:

  • Excel Christian Academy (and age 3 through grade 5 school)
  • The Excel Afterschool Enrichment Program
  • The Ebenezer Center for the Performing Arts
  • The King's Cuisine
  • The Ebenezer Center for Christian Opportunities (a community recreation center)

On August 25, 2002 the Ebenezer Center for Christian Opportunities, a 13,000 sq. feet facility, housing the Academy and other programs was dedicated. It stands as a testament to the faithfulness of God and the commitment of God's faithful people.

Ebenezer continues to experience growth in all areas. It is indeed the fellowship of excitement, a haven of hope and a lighthouse pointing weary souls to the safe harbor of God's love.