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reetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We come with great jot in our hearts and ecstatic praise on our lips to God for the great things He has done, is doing, and will do. This is a wonderful time of celebration and reflection for the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church family. Today we turn a page in the EMBC history book in the celebration of 109 years this rock has stood in service to this and surrounding communities. God has truly smiled on us. I am here today because of the unmerited favor of God and I stand on the shoulders of giants who have gone before me. One of whom is the late and beloved Pastor Joe C. Johnson, who served for forty-one years in this house. A man of great stature and compassion who mentored and helped prepare me to continue to build on this well laid foundation. He is truly missed and I am honored to be chosen to succeed him in this work. We are grateful to those dedicated and faithful pioneers who worked long and hard .and contributed to the inception and longevity of this house of faith. We’ve come a long way through paths watered with tears, over mountains that seemed unclimbable, through valleys of sorrows, and mountain tops of successes and celebration, but we’ve come this far by faith and our “good days” far outweigh our bad days. We serve with expectation that God is going to do greater and mightier things. God waits for us expecting us to do greater and mightier things. As we continue to build and press toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus, it is our prayer that God’s will be done in and through this house; that God will always rule and reign in this house; that this will be a house of prayer; that the Spirit of the Lord will always be full in this house; and that this house will continue to be a place of refuge for those in need. Our thanks to the Anniversary Committee for their service and commitment and to Pastor William Bradley and the New Hope Baptist Church family of Deltona, Florida for their continued love and support of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church family. May God continue to bless and keep you is my prayer. Yours in Christ, Reverend Wayne Allen, Sr., Pastor/Teacher
EBENEZER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH CELEBRATES 109 YEARS OF MINISTRY
EMBC HIGHLIGHTS From a humble planting of three little acorns under a rubber tree in 1909, a great sprawling oak has grown and stands today as a beacon of hope for the lost, a place of refuge for the needy through caring, sharing, and giving. Most of all the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church is a place where family comes home and God is glorified. In 1909 - with a Sunday School class of three students, the Church was founded. Sis Lougenia Johnson was the Sunday School Teacher and Reverend A. T. Taylor was called as the first pastor in 1910. 1911- the Church purchased land on NW 9th Street and 1st Avenue in Hallandale. The First building for church services was constructed in 1912 and the church was named Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Sister A. T. Taylor organized the first Missionary Society. 1915- The Missionary Sisters purchased the church bell through mail order. 1929 – The Pastor’s Aide was organized under the leadership of Pastor Gifford. 1931- Under the leadership of Pastor J. R. Hankerson, Choir #1 was organized and because of rapid growth later expanded to an additional Choir #2. 1932- Under the leadership of Pastor Reverend J. H. Grant, and addition was added to the existing structure. 1936-Under the leadership of Pastor Harden, Usher Board #1 was organized. 1944-Under the leadership of Pastor O. W. Foster, additional land was purchased and a concrete structure was built. 1951-Usher Board #2 was organized 1955-A concrete structure was built on 9th Street to replace the wooden structure. 1956-Usher Board #3 was organized. 1958-The Young Matrons was organized 1961-Additional land was purchased on NW 1st Avenue in Hallandale. 1964-The third Structure was build on NW 1st Avenue and the dedication service was held on May 31, 1964.
EBENEZER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH CELEBRATES 109 YEARS OF MINISTRY
1972-The mortgage on this structure was paid off. 1977- Pastor O. W. Foster passed away on January 28th. 1977- The 14th Pastor, Reverend Joe C. Johnson was installed on March 31st.. 1978 Additional land was purchased and two young ministers were licensed, Minister’s Victor T. Curry and Johnny Bell, the Young Adult Choir was organized, and a new Deacon, Addington Braynen, was ordained. 1980-The Male Chorus and Royal Ambassadors were organized. 1984- Hosted F.E.C.A. District Congress and First Pioneer Day Celebration 1985—First Church Family Picnic @ Greynolds Park and First Church Directory printed 1987-First 7:45 AM Worship Service 1988-First Evening Funeral 1989-Purchased more property on NW 9th St., Singles and Marriage Ministries organized 1993-Burned the mortgage on the church 1994-First N.A. Ministry organized 1996-First Women’s Revival and Men’s Ministry organized 1997-The original church bell was placed on the church grounds 1998-First Choir Reunion and opened Little Scholar Child Care Center 2003-First Summer Camp Program S.U.P.E.R. 2010-The City of Hallandale Beach established the site of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church as a historical site and the church, one of the oldest in the Palms of Hallandale area. 1977-Mid 2000’s-Under the leadership of Pastor Joe C. Johnson (22) men were called, licensed, and ordained and Pastor Herbert Wilkerson (pastured prior to serving at EMBC but served faithfully at EMBC) 1990-2016-Seven women were called, licensed, and ordained to serve at EMBC
EBENEZER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH CELEBRATES 109 YEARS OF MINISTRY
EBENEZER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH CELEBRATES 109 YEARS OF MINISTRY
To walk in the footsteps of Jesus took more than just good shoes, To help us understand that Jesus died for us was more than just good news. You were man of honor, who understood the cost, Still you denied yourself, submitted to God and then took up your cross. You heard the Father’s voice, calling your name from the sky, And saw a band of Angels cheering you on as you walked by You understood that Heaven would now be your home, You leave us in good hands, Jesus Christ is still seated on the throne! We say a collective thank you, to you once again We are truly blessed to known you as Pastor and as friend. You’ve helped us learn to grow in faith and continue to look towards the Lord We are witnesses to your faithfulness, and trust that great is your reward!