Church History

History is recognized as a value; it gives us insight into the past as well as help us to understand and fully appreciate the present. It also enables us to plan for future generations. Every generation owes its descendants a history so that it will not be crippled by a lack of knowledge of its own inception. The New Ebenezer Baptist Church’s history is compiled to be passed on and to inspire future generations to love, respect, and honor the heritage left by those who have gone before us. Just as Jesus did when he left the Word to explain our lineage, foundation for faith and purpose for his plan. Our history embodies a deeply rooted commitment in God’s command to, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28:19

Our church’s exact organizing date is unknown. however, it is generally accepted that sometimes in 1910, the Fifth Street Baptist Church divided. She gave birth to at least two offspring; Union Baptist Church and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Eventually, the Ebenezer congregation rented the space at (2200 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC) owned by Ebenezer Lutheran Church for twelve years.

  • From(1921-1930)
    Rev. J. G. Green Pastored Ebenezer Church. Under his leadership, we purchased a lot at 1912 Lady Street, Columbia SC 29210. Pastor Green died in 1930. 
  • From 1931-1958 Rev. A. L Peterson served as pastor
    Under his leadership, Ebenezer became New Ebenezer Baptist Church. A new building was erected at 1912 Lady Street, Columbia, SC.  Pastor A.L. Peterson died in February 1958.
  • From 1965-1987
    Rev. William M. Fair became Pastor of New Ebenezer Baptist Church.  Rev. Dr.  Fair oversaw the completion of a new Sanctuary which stands at its current location (1236 Gregg Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201) however, he died two weeks prior to moving into the new sanctuary, on December 18, 1987.

In March 1989-present
Rev. Michael Ross became the Pastor. He is still making history here a New Ebenezer Baptist Church. His focus is on being about what God is about.   His Love for the Lord and his congregation is, Rooted in Faith, Resting in God’s Promise, and Remaining in God’s Principles. Hebrews 11:1-13    

Dr. Ross is a native of Vienna, Georgia, the son of Mrs. Annie Eva Ross and the late Isaiah Ross, Sr.  Dr. Ross has been the pastor of New Ebenezer Baptist Church since April 1989.   Dr. Ross is a dynamic preacher and teacher of the gospel.  He oftentimes preaches series of sermons that focuses on a specific topic or issue.  Series preaching allows sermons to relate to each other, affording the listener broader range of knowledge regarding a topic or issue.  His perspective is that goal of preaching should be evangelistic, exhortation and certainly educational.

 

Dr. Ross was educated in the public school of Dooly County, Georgia, where he graduated from High School.  Upon graduating from High School, Dr. Ross entered the United States Army and completed four successful years.  While in the Army, Dr. Ross matriculated at Troy State University for two and one-half years.  He transferred from Troy State to Mercer University where he received the Bachelor of Arts degree.  He also graduated from Gulf Coast Seminary where he was awarded the Bachelor of Theology degree.  In addition to these, he graduated from I.T.C. Morehouse School of Religion, where he received the Master of Divinity degree.  In May of 1993, he was conferred the Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where he focused on developing a model of ministry to mentor Black boys between the ages of 8-13 through the Sunday School.  Dr. Ross has attended the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in the continuing education courses.

Dr. Ross is active in the community and various organizations throughout the city, state and nation.  He formerly served as Dean of the State Congress of Christian Education of the E&M Convention of South Carolina.  He also has served as Director of Christian Education of the E&M Convention.  He has served on the faculty of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education of the National Baptist Conventions of USA, Inc.  He has served on the program committee of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.  He is an Adjunct Professor of Religion at Morris College in their extension division and has taught at Benedict College and Voorhees College.  Dr. Ross has preached revivals and conducted workshops throughout United States.

He is married to the former Ms. Carolyn Lawrence.  Dr. Ross is the father of two children, Rashada T. and Michael Brandon Ross, two grandsons and one granddaughter.

Pastor Ross

Clergy

Reverend Faye Daniels – Executive Administrator

Rev. Faye Daniels is the daughter of the late Frank L. and Florence J. King.  She is a native of Evansville, Indiana and graduated from Central High School.  She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology.  She also received a Masters of Theology Degree from Truth Bible College and Seminary in Jacksonville, Fl. 

In 1997, Faye Daniels joined New Ebenezer Baptist Church.  She was called to preach in 2001 and was licensed to preach by NEBC Church Council on Sept. 11, 2001.  Minister Daniels was ordained on July 12, 2005 by the Midlands Baptist Association.  She was the first ordination the Association performed.  She is an Associate Minister of NEBC.  Rev. Daniels recently joined the NEBC staff as Executive Administrator of the Church.