​EBENEZER
BAPTIST CHURCH

Ebenezer Baptist Church is “A Church Determined to Know God.” Under the leadership of Pastor Roland P. Forbes, Jr., Ebenezer Baptist Church is committed to Making Disciples, Maturing Believers, and Multiplying Ministries. Our Vision To advance the Kingdom of God by Making Disciples, Maturing Believers, and by Multiplying Ministries that effect change in the lives of the community, region, and the uttermost parts of the world. Our Decree We the members of the Body of Christ, give ourselves totally in worship to you oh Lord. We want to hear from you, embrace you, that we may complete your will for our lives. We seek to be in your presence, so we can have a Christ-centered approach to living. Therefore, we are becoming empowered disciples; confident and capable in everything we do for the Kingdom of God. Our Scripture Focus Matthew 6:33 (The New King James Version) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

The Ebenezer Baptist Church was started as a mission in October of 1900 with fifteen members. The first meeting was in a house on Strawberry Street which can no longer be identified. The first pastor was the Rev. Edwards of Steelton, who was sent here by the Rev. J. T. Hamilton, pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Steelton, and a member of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention. For several years, the little congrega­tion worshipped in the Odd Fellow’s Hall at 525 Chester Street; and in Robert’s Hall in the 100 block of North Prince Street. Members from the State Missionary Board visited the congregation, from time to time, and stressed the need of greater religious work among the Negro People in Lancaster. On December 23,1900, the mission was organized as the Ebenezer Baptist Church with a membership of seventeen. The first formal services were held in the Lancaster Court House and were conducted by the pastor who was assisted by ministers from nearby towns. The church covenant was read in these services. The second pastor was the Rev. Albert M. Howe of Altoona. He was succeeded by the Rev. Taylor M. Davis, of Philadelphia, in June of 1903. Rev. Davis was a Theology student at Lincoln University. Under his splendid leadership, the church continued to progress and the lot at 420 Locust Street was purchased for the sum of three hundred seventy five dollars. On July 17, 1904, the Rev. W. R. Carey was called as pastor to replace the Rev. Davis. During his admin­istration, a church treasurer was elected; and a building and finance committee was organized to transact the business of the church. Building plans were drawn up by C. Emlen Urban and the contract to build the church on the lot at 420 Locust Street was given to Mr. E. B. Rhineer. Although the church was organized on December 23, 1900, it was not incorporated until May 19,1905. Among the charter members were: the Rev. W. R. Carey, Thornton Monroe, John B. Welsh, Charles Green, Robert Spragons, William Payne and Fannie Monroe. The building of the church began in 1905, and on May 27, the corner stone was laid. The building was completed in 1906 and the Rev. W. R. Carey officiated at the dedication services. By that time, the membership had increased to twenty five. Rev. Carey served for four years; and under his vigorous leadership, the church grew in every respect. The Rev. H. W. Childs followed Rev. Carey as pastor and resigned after serving one year. Then, The Rev. George W. Carter succeeded Rev. Childs in March of 1909 and served for two years before leaving to accept another charge. The Rev. A. W. Scatterfield then became pastor on January 27,1911. The church contin­ued to progress under the leadership of all the ministers mentioned and the mortgage on the church was paid off. The Rev. J. C. King of Frankfort, Penna. conducted the mortgage burning services on Sunday, August 10, 1919. The next year, the Rev. Morrison accepted a call to another church. Then, The Rev. J. E. Philpot, a field missionary from the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention, conducted services here for about one year. The church, then, branched out, and under the divine guidance of the Rev. Mark Thompson, the parsonage was purchased at 311 Locust Street. Following the Rev. Thompson, the Rev. M. F. Matthews served from November of 1926 until March 8, 1927, at which time he was called to pastor the church. In 1927, the church on Locust Street was sold to the congregation of the Church of The Living God and the present edifice was purchased from the Pente­costal congregation at a cost of ten thousand dollars. The church was dedicated and the corner stone was laid in August of 1927. The Rev. J. C. King delivered the message. The Rev. Matthews and the Masonic Lodge of Lancaster assisted in these services. The charter was also changed in 1927, in that the church was transferred from the Ministerial Conference of Philadelphia to Ebenezer Baptist Church of Lancaster, Penn­sylvania. Under the leadership of Rev. Matthews, great things were done and the fruits of many ideals that exist today is a result of his interest and energy. He was instrumental in starting Rev. Louis A. Butcher, Sr. and Rev. William B. Carr in the Ministry. The Rev. Butcher was ordained in the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Rev. Carr was ordained in Bethel A.M.E. Church. In 1944, the mortgage on the parsonage was paid off and linoleum was installed in the main auditorium of the church. The death of Rev. Matthews on April 29, 1945, again, left the church without a pastor; but the name he left behind was an accumulation of all the big and little things he did during his lifetime. He taught that if one would die great, everything he does down to the smallest detail, must also be great; and that nations and people must learn to live in harmony with each other; and feel morally responsible for contributing some good to the community around them. His sacrifices, his interests, and his desires will never be fully known. He is remembered as a genuine and sincere leader of his flock. Rev. Matthews was laid to rest in the valley in West Chester, Pennsylvania on May 2, 1945. Under the leadership of the Official Board, whose chairman was Brother David Payne, and Rev. Louis A. Butcher, Sr., a son of the church, the church continued to go forward in Rev. Matthews’ footsteps. In Feb­ruary of 1946, a call was extended to the Rev. T. A. Crawford, of Washington, D. C., who was pastoring the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Rev. Crawford took charge on the first Sunday in May of 1946. In less than two years, the sum of $3,325.29 had been raised and paid out to cancel the mortgage and to make some very needed repairs. Among the things accomplished under Rev. Crawford’s leadership are: renovation of the parsonage and the basement of the church; installation of pews; laying of sidewalk; the interior and the exterior of the church painted; a furnace installed; new lighting system and an electric organ put in; the pulpit, and the choir stand renovated; and the mortgage on the church was burned on Sunday, November 30,1947. The Ministerial Association and its committees, the sister churches, the community friends of Ebenezer, and the rehabilitation and improvement fund played a great part in helping to renovate and beautify the church. The congregation of the Pentecostal Church contributed to the liquidation of the mortgage. There were also others who made contributions to the church as follows: Sister Pricile Henderson, a sil­ver Communion Set in 1922; The Sewing Circle, silver Communion plates in 1935; Brother and Sister Frank Hart, linen table cloth for the communion table; Sister Margaret Balis, first Junior Choir robes; St. John’s Episcopal Church, pulpit chairs; Bro. James Ewell, the Christian and U.S. Flags; Brother Talbert Michaels, collection table; St. Paul’s Reformed Church, bulletin board; Mrs. Hugh Kelly, kitchen sink; Mr. Jerry Wil­son, water cooler; the First Baptist Church, Grace Evangelical congregational Church and the Ebenezer Bap­tist Church Usher Board, hymnbooks; Sister Thelma Morris, sponsored the painting of the church auditor­ium in 1936; and the Missionary Circle sponsored the painting of the church auditorium in 1943. The following is a list of organizations and their respective leaders that were at work in 1950: The Sun­day School, Deacon Hezekiah Snow, Superintendent; the Missionary Society, Sister Josephine Snow, Presi­dent; the Junior Missionary Society, Sister Louis Butcher, President; The Coal Club, Sister Oplelia Jackson, President; the Usher Board, Brother Ernest Christian, President; the Choir Club, Sister T. Alexander Craw­ford, President; the Pastor’s Aid Club, Sister Margaret Balis, President; and the Willing Workers Club, Sister Clara Esely, President. Rev. Crawford served this church from May of 1946 until July 1954. Under his leadership, the church progressed in every way. He was called to another field of labor. For the second time in ten years, the church was without a pastor. Again, the Official Board, with the able assistance of two of the sons of the church, Rev. Louis A. Butcher and Brother James A. Ewell, who was then preparing himself for the ministry, transacted the business of the church in a very fine way. On January 14,1955, The Rev. Leroy Mapp was called to pastor the church. Rev. Mapp took charge on the first Sunday in April, 1955. During his pastorage, the membership increased greatly; the youth of the church were organized into a meaningful working unit; the financial condition of the church was improved and a number of improvements was made on the building. Among them were: the laying of a concrete floor in the basement and covered with asphalt tile; side-wall panelling was installed and new rest rooms were provided. An address system and a water fountain were installed. The church was painted on the inside; car­pet was installed in the sanctuary; and a Bible, a cross and candle sticks were acquired for the communion table. After eleven years of dedicated service to the Ebenezer family and the community, in April of 1966, Rev. Mapp submitted his resignation and moved on to pastor in another field of labor. The Rev. R. T. Duncan, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, succeed Rev. Mapp in September of 1966. Rev. Duncan was a zealous personality. He contributed to the continuous progress of the church; and after about a year of service, he resigned to take up the pastorage at another church. In July of 1968, the church extended a call to the Rev. Robert E. McMorris, who was Dean of Men at Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina. Since Pastor McMorris has been the Under-shepherd of the flock, the Lord has bountifully blessed the church. Among the many things that have been done are: a parsonage was purchased at 642 East End Avenue; the complete renovation of the church (inside and outside) as fol­lows: the sanctuary was completely re-plastered; a new sub-floor was installed and covered with tile; new carpeting and a new steel baptistery were installed; new pews and new pulpit furniture were purchased. The choir room was partially re-plastered; a new sub-floor was installed and covered with tile; partitions were installed to provide a dressing room for the choirs; two double closets for choir robes were built in and a door was cut leading to Lime Street. In the basement, a new ceiling was put in; two foundation supports (steel post) were installed to sup­port the upper floor; new lighting fixtures were installed; one wall was extended and replaced with cement blocks and a side door was cut leading to the parking lot. A new furnace was installed and the furnace room was fire-proofed. The hot-water-heater was replaced; two new cooking stoves and a hood, a double sink and new kitchen cabinets were installed. The entire church was painted, twice, inside and outside. Under the dynamic leadership of Pastor McMorris, and with the help of God and the people, Ebenezer has grown spiritually, numerically and financially. The dedicated members of the Ebenezer Family, and the prayers and help of her many friends, and the sustaining hand of a merciful God, have been the secret that has kept Ebenezer on the march for seventy five years. SURELY, “THE LORD HATH DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US, WHEREOF WE ARE GLAD!” (Psalms 126:3). Under the leadership of Pastor McMorris, the Ebenezer Baptist Church Family continued to prosper. In 1975, monthly meetings of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People were held at Ebenezer. The Gospel Train Program was our first Black ministry in song over the radio and television. The inside of the church was painted. 1977 was the continuation of Vacation Bible School. In 1978, a new furnace was installed as well as the installation of air conditioning and the security system. In 1979, Wilkins Garrett was licensed to preach the Gospel Ministry. In January 1980, Dale Ford and Freddie Weeks were licensed to preach the Gospel Ministry. Bro. Thaddeus Godwin and Paul Futch were put on trial for the Deaconiate 1980 was the creation of the Junior Choir and the beginning of the bus ministry. The church family recommended two(2) females to serve on the Official Board; namely Sisters Martha Johnson and Brenda Tyrance. In September 1980, Brothers Godwin and Futch were ordained to the Deaconiate. In December 1980, the mortgage on the parsonage was paid off. In February 1981, Kevin Daniels and Alonzo Bennett were put on trial to the Deaconiate. The church was perm bricked. Bro. James Thomas and Melvin Baber became licensed to preach the Gospel in 1981.October 1981 was the establishment of the Kamala Dennison Memorial Fund which was used towards the restoration and beautification of the outside bulletin board. The Nursery started in December 1981. In June 1982, licensees Fred Weeks, Thomas and Baber were ordained to the Gospel Ministry with Kevin Danie and Alonzo Bennett ordained to the Deaconiate in November 1982. Earl Hammond was put on trial as a walking Deacon Ebenezer changed to the New National Baptist Hymnal. The major project for 1983 was the decorating of the church interior. Rev. McMorris was elected Moderator of Central Baptist Association. New robes were purchased by the Gosp Chorus. In July 1983, Bro. Gregory Taylor was put on trial as a walking Deacon. In June 1984, the van was purchased to increase bus ministry. Brother Taylor and Hammond were ordained to the Deaconiate in September 1984. New robes were purchased I the Senior Choir in January of 1985. In June 1985, John Clark became a Son of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Projects for 1985 consisted of the installation of new carpet in the church, the first mortgage was paid in full and the windows were covered with plexi-glass. Hek Christian became the first female treasurer. In October 1986, robes were purchased for the Young Adult Choir. Ebenezer joined the local Chapter of the NAACP as a life member. The accomplishments were many while Rev. McMorris was Pastor. The church had extensive involvement in con munity affairs. Activities include providing a space for the monthly NAACP meetings, the South Area Bing Conl Children’s Christmas Event, Minority graduation, Martin Luther King School Project for educational outreach program Water Street Rescue Mission, Crispus Attucks Center, assisting the School District of Lancaster in the dedication of d Carter-McCrae Elementary School. Rev. Robert E. McMorris retired as Pastor of Ebenezer in July of 1988. Under his leadership, membership increase and members took an active part in the church. The services of Daniel Mack as Treasurer from 1975-1985 and Rosa Harris from 1977-1990 as Church Clerk should be noted. During the period from August, 1988 to June 1989 the church was without a Pastor. Rev. James Thomas, our Assistant to the Pastor, the combined boards with Deacon Robert Baber, chairman of the Deacon Board from 1975-88 and Deacon Cornelius Cunningham 1989-present as Chairman continued as we moved forth. Trustee Chairmen Howard Sheppard 1989-90 and Leamon Troublefield 1991-present were willing and able to keep God’s finances and properties always proper order and repair. Membership continued to grow. In June 1989, Ebenezer called the Rev. David Minus, Jr. as Interim Pastor. The church re-activated the You Department, increases in timings and foreign missions. And the parsonage was fully refurbished. The church set aside Brother William Harris, Sr. as a walking Deacon and he was ordained to the Deaconiate. The Pulpit Committee became actively involved in the search for a. pastor under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the church. On March 10, 1990, Ebenezer called Reverend Roland Purnell Forbes, Jr. as Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. He w installed as Pastor in June, 1990. Ebenezer definitely has been blessed. With our present Pastor, truly we, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, thank God for you and you labor in His vineyard and say, “the Lord hath done great thins for us whereof we are glad.” The Lord continue to bless the church under the leadership of Pastor Roland P. Forbes. Pastor Forbes redesign the Christian Education Board with Sis. Ruby Wilkerson as the Chairperson, with classes for boards of the church to grow spiritually. The Youth Department was reactivate with Bro. Daryl Glover and Sis. Jurietha Sheppard as its directors. A new 1990 Doge van was purchased. March 17-24,1991 we celebrate the church 90th Anniversary with a week of spiritual uplifting, with a banquet at the Holiday Inn. A new organ and sound system was purchased, a new roof was installed at the parsonage. A New Building Fund Committee was established in hopes of building a new Ebenezer with Bro. Howard Sheppard as Chairperson. The Combine Choir Day was established. The first church family album was completed. In 1993 A Packard Bell Computer System was installed. Brothers Lawrence Galloway, Sr, Eugene Hampton and Abraham Morant was installed as Deacons and their wives as Deaconess. Bro. Clifton Jenkins became the church’s first full time pianist/organist. The first Men/Women’s Day was held. A plaque honoring past and present Sunday School Superintendents was blessed. Breakfast is being served after Sunday School. The New Building Fund Committee held a banquet at The Iris Club. In door/outdoor carpet was installed in the choir room, secretary’s office and back vestibule. The church celebrated Pastor & Sis. Forbes’s third anniversary with a banquet at Crispus Attucks Community Center. In 1994 100 new King James Bibles was purchased and dedicated. A new heating system was installed. The Scholarship Fund was established. The Deaconess Ministry starting cooking and serving food at Crispus Attucks Homeless Shelter. The Food Bank Ministry was established. In 1995 All boards became Ministries, and the Tape Ministry, The J.O. Y., and the Mime * Ministry was established. Deacon Thaddeus Godwin was licensed to preach the Gospel. The Deacon and Deaconess Ministry donated a new cross, candle stick holders and flower vases. A second church family album was completed. The Scholarship Ministry became The Education Ministry. The church voted to start a retirement fund for our Pastor, depositing $2000.00 a year. In 1996 Pastor & Sis. Forbes’s Sixth Anniversary was celebrated with a banquet at The Hotel Brunswick. Bro. Richard Hampton was licensed to preach the Gospel. The Mime Ministry went to Hartford, Connecticut to minister. In 1997 The Mime Ministry went to minister in Florida, minister at a Community Concert at The Boys and Girls’s Club, minister at a Father’s Day Concert at the Fulton Opera House Studio Theater. New hymn books were purchased, the appliances were replaced in the parsonage and complete outside renovations begin on outside of the parsonage. The Couple’s Ministry was established. In 1998 The Mime Ministry did a concert at The Lancaster Fulton Opera House. Bro. Allen Morant was installed as a Deacon and his wife as a Deaconess. A 1999 new Ford van was purchased. The Men and Women Fellowship Ministry was established. The Education Ministry presented a banquet in honor of our seven high school graduates: Sis. Shannon Ashley, Bro. Devon Forbes, Sis. LaTasha Godwin, Sis. Regina Hampton, Sis. Jecoah Jones, Sis. Shante Morant, Sis. Tiffin Preston, and Sis. Nakia Tumblin and two college graduates Sis. Veronica Johnson and Sis. Tyra Salapeh. Renovations started on the church sanctuary with new all new windows, padding for the pews. While construction was being done, Sunday services were held at the Boys & Girls Club. The Lord Blessed us with a completely new sanctuary. Sis. Vondol Hammond and Sis. Shannon Ashley was licensed to preach the Gospel. The Single’s Ministry was established. Pastor & Sis. Forbes’s tenth anniversary was celebrated with a spirit filled week and a banquet at the Brunswick Hotel. Biblical Counseling training was established. The arrival of our present Pastor, Rev. Roland P. Forbes, Jr., brought a brand new passion and assignment for ministering to the very lives of God’s people both locally and internationally. Under the leadership Pastor Forbes’s since his arrival in March 1990 and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the ministry of Ebenezer has grown tremendously into a multi-cultural ministry that meets the needs of the community. Just to name a few E.B.C. now has two morning celebrations, a children and youth ministry (Joshua Empowerment), an outreach ministry (Room For More) which seeks to meet the needs of our local community, a Pastoral Care ministry which is responsible for meeting the daily needs of member, an Education ministry which provides Scholarships to High School and College Students, a Mime ministry which minister unto the Lord through dance and mime to name just a few. Most recently, the church went under renovations to complete Phase 1 of a 3 Phase Vision for the ministry, and is presently preparing to begin with Phase 2. The Ebenezer Baptist Church ministers to its local community through various ministries such as the Room For More Outreach Ministry, which provides clothing, household items, toys, and other items to persons that who are without. Weekly E.B.C. provides breads and pastries and bi-weekly E.B.C. provides food to members with in our local community. Today the ministry has over 600 Kingdom Citizens and counting and ministers locally, nationally and internationally with its missions work in Kenya, Africa. The desire for this Kingdom Body of Believers is to, “Seek first the Kingdom…” Matthew 6:33 as we fulfill the mandate of Matthew 28:19-20 by, Possess the Kingdom…Processing and Producing Kingdom Citizens.

THE BIBLE The Holy Spirit Guided human authors so that what they wrote in Scripture is accurate and without error. Ultimately, the real value of the Bible is realized in our life as we apply the Scriptures to Life. 2. GOD Our view of God will impact the way we live…God is defined as Spirit, a person, life, self-existent, unchanging, unlimited by time and space, and a unity…. God consistently works out His eternal plan by guiding and overseeing all things by His wise and holy purpose. 3. TRIUNE GOD We believe that God is triune in nature and that he reveals himself as triune. That means that God is three persons, each person is fully God, and that there is only one God. Each person is distinct, and the Father is not the Son, and the Son is neither the Father nor Holy Spirit as is the same for the Holy Spirit. 4. CHRIST Jesus is in fact God incarnate in human form. He is the second person in the Trinity who came to live among us, die for us, and resurrect that someday we might be able to live with Him forever. 5. THE HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit is not merely a force but has all the attributes of personality and is also God as the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit’s work brings us to Christ and salvation, equips us for ministry, empowers us for service, and produces spiritual fruit in our life. 7. HUMANITY People are unique beings. Contrary to the evolutionary view of origins, the biblical view of people identifies them as unique from animals, created in the image and likeness of God. People have both a physical and metaphysical aspect — body and soul or spirit. Because of our ancestral parent’s failure to obey God, sin was introduced into the human experience — causing the need for reconciliation to God our creator. 8. SALVATION The single most significant experience in life is that involved in receiving the salvation provided by Christ on the Cross. This experience involves conversion, regeneration, justification, and sanctification and grants us eternal life with Christ. 9. THE CHURCH Jesus instituted the church as a means of Christians assembling together to encourage and help one another in the Christian life and to enable them to be more effective in reaching out to others. In summary, the “ekklesia (Greek for church) is a group of “called-out ones” established for worship, instruction, fellowship, and evangelism.

I. The Scriptures. We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried. II. The True God. We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. III. The Fall of Man. We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. IV. The Way of Salvation. We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. V. Justification. We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. VI. The Freeness of Salvation. We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation. VII. Regeneration. We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life. VIII. Repentance and Faith. We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. IX. God's Purpose of Grace. We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love; prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence. X. Sanctification. We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer. XI. Perseverance of the Saints. We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. XII. The Law and Gospel. We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church. XIII. A Gospel Church. We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons whose Qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. XIV. Baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self ­examination. XV. The Christian Sabbath. We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God. XVI. Civil Government. We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord -Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth. XVII. Righteous and Wicked. We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. XVIII. The World to Come. We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.

SUNDAY GATHERING TIMES 8:30 am – Church School (classes for all ages) 9:15 am – Intercessory Prayer Service 10:00 am – The Celebration of Worship 10:15 am – Teen Church and Children’s Church(2nd & 4th Sundays) 10:15 am – Nursery Available 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Tuesday The School of Discipleship @ 6:15 pm Wednesday Lunch in the Word @ 12:00 pm Momma C’s Kitchen (FREE Family Dinner-1st Wednesdays) The Wednesday Experience @ 7:00 pm Friday Youth Ministry Night, 3rd Fridays @ 6:30 pm Saturday Morning Prayer Service @ 6:00 am The School of Discipleship @ 10:00 am