
OUR CHURCH & HISTORY
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.
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.
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.
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.
Under the leadership of Pastor Mittie C Muse, Sr., integrating technology and audiovisuals transformed worship service into true uninhibited praise and worship. Rev. Dr. Mittie C Muse Jr., served us from the fall of 2015 until Fall of 2023.During this season, God set in motion spiritual growth in prayer, hope, faith, and grace amongst all generations within the church.
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 Kevin L. Nesmith.
