The Mission of Ebenezer AME Church Tyler (Ebenezer-Tyler)

Empowering a vibrant community rooted in faith, Ebenezer AME Church ministers to the holistic development of all people - spiritually, socially, physically, and mentally.

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The Vision of Ebenezer - Tyler:

• Ebenezer TOGETHER: We build and strengthen our bonds through vibrant worship, fellowship, and compassionate care, extending beyond our walls to embrace near and distant neighbors.

• Ebenezer TEACHING: A community dedicated to lifelong learning, we offer diverse opportunities to learn from and share wisdom, nurturing growth within ourselves and with others, near and far.

• Ebenezer TOUCHING: Driven by the call to serve, we actively engage in outreach, missions, and evangelism, making a tangible difference in the lives of those around us.

• Ebenezer TAKING CARE: Recognizing God's entrustment, we embrace responsible stewardship of our resources – human, material, financial, and cultural – fostering abundance and sustainability within our community.

 

The Purpose of Ebenezer - Tyler:

Together, through these guiding principles, we strive to embody the spirit of Ebenezer – a cornerstone of hope, service, and transformation.

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The History of Ebenezer - Tyler:

This religious institution was created over a century ago by a small band of Black Christian Pioneers dedicated to carrying out the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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During the month of October 1873, a small group met at the home of J.W. Winters for the purpose of organizing an African Methodist Episcopal Church.    The first Trustees, Peter Clemons, Berry Clemons, and J.W. Winters, sought and bargained for the first church site located in the East End of Tyler.  The 100ft x 180ft building was purchased with $30 which they struggled for ten long months to pay the note in full.  After joining the Annual Conference, a pastor was sent.

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This same group of Christian pioneers knew that in order to survive in a thriving community, the AME Church must become active in the mainstream of society.  To do this they succeeded in organizing the first Public School for Blacks in the Tyler Area.  They would use their sanctuary for classrooms.  This practice was continued for eight years until Dunbar High School was constructed in 1881. When we stop and think about this great accomplishment with meager resources, we all should be convicted to do more and thus create a culture and level of expectation of excellence for our generations to come.

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In 1957, under the leadership of Rev. J.T. Simpson, Ebenezer moved to Queen Street in North Tyler. The Ebenezer Day Care and Fellowship Hall were erected in the early 1960s.  A six-room parsonage was built in 1976; in 1979, approval was given to erect our church building.  Under the leadership of Pastor William Vaughn, the two-story Ruby Stubblefield Fellowship Hall was erected.

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Under the leadership of Pastor Mittie C Muse, Sr., the integration of technology and audiovisuals transformed worship service into true uninhibited praise and worship. Many men of God have led Ebenezer, and from each, we continue to be blessed and favored by God with both spiritual and physical growth. This continuation of blessings and favor from above is evident in our present leader, Pastor Mittie C Muse Jr., who came to us in the fall of 2015, and we praise God for him and his family. Pastor Mittie C Muse, Jr. set in motion spiritual growth in prayer, hope, faith, and grace amongst all generations within the church. 

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While all Ebenezer members, both past and present, have been proud of our humble beginnings and great strides of an illustrious past, we must center our thoughts and energies on the relevant struggle of mankind and serve as a Christ-centered beacon of light to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We must not be complacent with just sharing the gospel, we must “wake up” “get up” and be active so that God’s program on this earth continues to move forward.  We can only do this by serving as true disciples in the truth of Christian values, worship, and reverence to God.   So our mission lives on to share the knowledge and gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered, was Crucified, Died, was Buried, and Arose so that we all may have salvation, which is God’s free gift to an undeserving people in this our earthly home.