100 OBJECTS/Day 79: Bricks to build Ebenezer Baptist were made on site

Ebenezer Baptist Church, its white peaked arches stretching toward heaven, dominates the landscape of the small town of Cordova.

The sanctuary has served as a home for the local Southern Baptist Church since 1926.

The building is reminiscent of the Gothic style with tall, slender, peaked windows lining each side of it and on both sides of the front door.

The name Ebenezer, which means stone of help, came from 1 Samuel 7:12. Following an Israelite victory over the Philistines, Samuel set up a stone to commemorate the occasion and named it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto the Lord has helped us.

A history of the church reports that it was constructed on land donated by Mrs. Henry Gibson during the pastorate of the Rev. M.O. Owens. It was valued at $29,000 and had a seating capacity of 350.

Bricks made on the spot were used in construction of the building. At some time, they were painted white and remain so today.

In 1942, the Rev. J.M. Lane challenged church members to pay off the buildings indebtedness. Offerings covering the full sum were received on two consecutive Sundays.

Over the years, Ebenezer has had a strong working relationship with the local public school system. In 1943, the local school burned, and classes were held in the church for the next year and a half.

Almost 20 years later, the school system returned the favor.

In 1962, the church building was declared unsafe and services were held in the school while extensive repairs were made.

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100 OBJECTS/Day 79: Bricks to build Ebenezer Baptist were made on site