PROV 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
Faith in God and the Church have always been the foundation of the African American family. In the days of slavery, our belief in God and the Songs of Zion were an integral part of our spiritual and mental well-being. With deeply rooted beliefs and values, the African American community began the first black church in the Nolensville area. Worship services began in an old farm house located on the land that would eventually be purchased to build the first church.
On April 21, 1869, the land was purchased and the dream became a reality. The land was deeded to the African American community with the stipulation that it must be used for a church. If not, the land would revert to the Williams family. This was the beginning of Nolensville Methodist Church.
In 1916, the Board of Education and the African community joined together to build a two- story frame building. The lower level would be used as a school and the upper level for worship services. The school was the only black educational facility in the community and was attended by children of all ages. It was divided into two classrooms, one for the elementary and one for the high school. Reverend Dixon, one of the first pastors of the church, served as a teacher and lived in the house located next door to the school. The house also served as the church parsonage until it became unfit to live in. The house was eventually torn down and the land was then used as a parking lot for the church.
School and worship services continued in the two-story, frame building until it was condemned. The Lodge Hall, located near the condemned building, was used by both the school and the church until a new facility could be built. In 1943, renovation began on the condemned building. The top floor was torn down and repairs were made to the lower floor in order for it to be used for worship services. In the mid 1900s, construction began on the new church that would eventually replace the old frame building. A block building was constructed around the frame building. When this structure was completed, the frame building was torn down and services in the new church were held.
In the early 1960's, Nolensville Methodist Church became Ebenezer Methodist Church and in 1968, it was renamed after becoming a member of the United Methodist Conference. It became Ebenezer United Methodist Church under the leadership of Reverend Green T. Jobe.
n later years, the church was remodeled. A kitchen and indoor rest rooms were added. Gas heaters replaced pot-bellied wood stoves, air conditioners replaced hand fans, and ceiling lights replaced oil lamps. The members have always worked hard and continue to work hard at improving the church.
In 1979, new pews, with padded cushions, were added, some were purchased by the church while others were donated by family members in memory of loved ones that had gone on before. The kitchen was renovated and modern appliances were added, many of these things were done by the church members.
Over the years, Ebenezer United Methodist Church has grown both spiritually and physically. Other improvements included a public address system (1983), a cold drink machine (1984), tables and chairs for the kitchen (1985), a baptismal pool (1986), stained glass windows in the sanctuary, ceiling fans in the kitchen, a copier machine (1996), paved parking lot with bumpers, television and VCR, and a church library.
On June 25, 2000, the official ground breaking ceremony was held for the construction of six Sunday School classrooms. And on April 15th, 2001 we had our consecration ceremony which was conducted by our former Superintendent Reverend Clifton Johnson.
In 2003 the following new ministries were started: Children's Church, which was lead by Annice Hill and her assistants Janika Dial, Jayme Howse, Brandon Claybrooks and Jay Morton, IV. The praise team which is made up of members of the congregation and our own Daughters of Praise dance group made up of members from the children's choir.
On March 21st, 2004, we had our mortgage burning and dedication ceremony of the educational annex with our current Superintendent Reverend Lloyd Mabry. This year with the help of God and the support of the members purchases were made to improve the church with a new PA system and new storage shed.
Truly Ebenezer is on the move and we continue to grow with each passing year. We give praise to God for making all things possible and who is an ever present source in the life of Ebenezer.