Ebenezer United Methodist Church is the oldest black congregation on Capitol Hill. In 1827, the colored membership had out grown the galleries that were reserved for them in the white mother church, Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church; they wanted a church of their own so that they could serve God in their own manner. A lot located on the corner of Fourth and D Streets, SE was purchased on April 27, 1838. A small frame church was immediately erected on the site and named “Little Ebenezer.” Rev. Noah Jones became the first colored pastor in 1864.
The first Sunday school was formed here in 1840. The first public government sponsored school for colored children in Washington, DC was established here at the church in 1864. By May of 1865, the enrollment grew from 40 to 104 students. The school then moved to Second and C Streets, SE and named Lincoln School.
The significant increase in the congregation at “Little Ebenezer” created a need to build a larger church in 1870. That building was destroyed in a storm beyond repair, which necessitated the building of the present church building at the cost of $26,718.55
Years later in 1968, The Methodist Church merged with The Evangelical United Brethren Church to form the The United Methodist Church. Ebenezer’s name changed to Ebenezer United Methodist Church.
On April 29, 1975, Ebenezer was designated a Historical Landmark. There have been several churches organized from Ebenezer and a number of sons and daughters have become ministers of the gospel. With God as our guide, we press forward and continue to be a beacon light to our community here on Capitol Hill for all seeking our Lord and Savior. We have truly “Come this Far by Faith.”
