The Historic Ebenezer
United Methodist Church
Redemption Hill Church has met at the historic Ebenezer United Methodist Church since April 2011. Extending and celebrating the legacy of Ebenezer UMC and the history of God’s work on this corner since 1838 has been a core part of RHC’s mission over the past 15 years. It isn’t just a building to occupy, Ebenezer has opened the door for our church’s story to be woven into the tapestry of a bigger story. All along the. way we have moved by faith. What started as a handshake agreement has developed into a long partnership with deep relationships.
Interview with Ebenezer UMC Trustees
On August 19, 2018, the Trustees of Ebenezer UMC joined us for an interview on the history of the church, as well as their experience of DC that has spanned decades.
History and Background
In a church that had segregated seating for black and white congregants, the black congregants outgrew their allotted space in the galleries. With the support of the mother church, property was purchased at 4th and D St SE in 1838. The original church was a small-framed building known as “Little Ebenezer.”
The first public government-sponsored school for black children in Washington, DC, was established at Little Ebenezer 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, with Emma V. Brown as its first teacher.
The existing building was constructed in 1897, following a storm that had irreparably damaged an earlier structure. Ebenezer United Methodist Church has occupied the same location since 1838. The current building was designed by architects Crump and Palmer in a blend of Romanesque and Neo-Colonial styles. The church still operates out of this building today.
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. Ebenezer has left a lasting legacy to celebrate, preserve, and learn from.