History of Ebenezer Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church was establised in 1884 and has been a solid rock for 125 years. Built on the solid rock of our Lord and Savor Jesus Christ. Ebenezer Baptist Church has been blessed with many wonderful pastos over the years who not only preached the Gospel but, took their ministries beyond the church doors.
The Pastors of Ebenezer Baptist Church
Reverend William Wallce.......................................................1884 to 1885(?)
Reverend Elihah Jenkins........................................................1885(?) to 1891(?)*
Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. ........................................1892 to 1893
Reverend Alexander Childs...................................................1894(?) to 1929(?)
Reverend James Walter Brooks.............................................1930 to 1932*
Reverend Lloyd Willaim Howard ...........................................1934 to 1936*
Reverend William H. Smart ....................................................1937 to 1950
Reverend L. T. Lewis ...............................................................1951 to 1953
Reverend Dr. Samuel L. Spears .............................................1954 to 1986*
Reverend Dr. Darold E. Foote ................................................1988 to 1989
Reverend Matthew C. Haskell, Sr. .........................................1990 to 1998
Reverend Byron P. Wess .......................................................2000 to 2004
Reverend Dr. John L. Payne ..................................................2006 to Present
(?) Approximate date *Died in service
Reverend John L. Payne
Reverend John L. Payne is the Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Prior to coming to Ebenezer he was an active member of McKinley Memorial Baptist Church in Willow Grove Pa. He served as the Associate Minister where he assisted the pastor with the Missions Ministry, Community Outreach Ministry, Bible Study, Prayer Band and he was an advisor to the Youth Ministry. Reverend Payne is also a member of the Board of Christian Education.
Reverend Payne was a member of the First Baptist Church of Crestmont for over 30 years. He served as the Associate Minister for three years, a Deacon for 23 years where he was the chair for two terms, Boy Scout Leader, Youth Leader, member of the Voices of Faith, member of the Male Chorus, usher, and served on various committees for church projects.
On July 16, 1998, he received his Certificate of License to preach the gospel and in 2002 he was ordained at the McKinley Memorial Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. Lowell McCown. Reverend Payne graduate from Suburban Bible Institute and in 2003 he received his Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree of Theology from Slidell Baptist Seminary. Continuing on with his education, on July 10, 2006, Reverend Payne received a Doctorate of Theology.
He is married to Patricia Simmons Payne and they have three children, John Jr., Eric and Melany and they are blessed with six grandchildren.
His favorite scripture is Saint John 13:35 and his favorite song is OH I WANT TO SEE HIM.