Ebenezer's History

Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen and called it Ebenezer (the Rock of Help), saying "Hitherto hath the LORD helped us".
(1 Samuel 7:12)

The particulars concerning the organization of Ebenezer Church are not known. However, it was certainly in existence in the year 1785 (and possibly before). Originally called Indian Land, Ebenezer's first known pastor was the Rev. John Simpson. The first statistical report was sent to the Presbytery in 1808 when the church reported 59 on the roll.

Four buildings have served Ebenezer church. The first log structure was located somewhere in front of the present building across the road. The second structure, constructed in 1826, was a wooden frame building which stood to the left of the present sanctuary and faces what was then the road to India Hook. It was used until 1890, when a brick sanctuary was constructed. This building was used until 1955 when the current brick sanctuary was dedicated. The John C. Bailey Activities Building was completed in 1972.

By 1819 (at least, and probably earlier) the Academy Building for the teaching of rudimentary education was constructed at Ebenezer. The building currently standing was built in 1859-60 to replace an earlier building which was destroyed by fire when a chemistry experiment went awry. The Academy Building has been listed on the National Register of Historical Sites.

The cemetery adjacent to the church has been used as a community burial ground since the time of the first settlement. The oldest marked grave is that of Stephen McCorkle who died on September 22, 1790 at the age of 55. Ebenezer Memorial Association was organized in 1945 for the purpose of caring for the church and cemetery grounds.

Ebenezer has always been a missions-oriented church. Its efforts have spawned several daughter churches in the area: Allison Creek (1854), Rock Hill First Presbyterian (1869), Tirzah (1915), Covenant Presbyterian (1955). Additionally, Ebenezer has spawned two granddaughter churches: Oakland Avenue (1912) and Northminster (1949 -- now defunct).

In 1985 Ebenezer affiliated with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Ebenezer has weathered times of toil and tribulation, yet, the church, a spiritual bulwark in this area, is still witnessing to the glory of God and to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ebenezer has lived up to its name as a "rock of help" in this community and in the world because it stands firmly upon the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ Who is our help from ages past and our hope for years to come.