Special Churches: Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to travel to Atlanta on a diversity trip. We stopped at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Walking into this historic sanctuary was both chilling and awe-inspiring. Its walls and stained glass windows has seen so much.

Ebenezer Baptist Church is located in the Sweet Auburn section of Atlanta -- a poor, black, urban neighborhood. Standing as a chamption of social justice and civil rights, this sturdy brick church was at first an anchor in its neighborhood and later for the nation. Built in 1914, Ebenezer Baptist Church was the church home of Martin Luther King Jr., whose father was the minister. Previously, his maternal grandfather served as minister. In 1948, Dr. King was ordained and appointed associate pastor to his father, where he served for eight years until his untimely death.

Dr. King performed weddings, funerals and baptisms in this old church, as well as used its pulpit to preach civil rights based on the principles of nonviolent action. As the movement swelled, the church was the scene of tragic events. On April 9, 1968, Dr. King's funeral was held there. In June 1974, Dr. King's mother was fatally shot while playing the church organ for Sunday morning worship. Recently, Coretta Scott King's funeral was held in the small sanctuary.

The aging church became too small and run-down for the current congregation. Worship was moved across the street into a new mansion of a church. Ebenezer is now a National Historic Site and is cared for by the National Park Service. Admission is free and well worth a visit if you are ever in Atlanta. Be sure to also stop at Dr. and Mrs. King's gravesite which is next to the church.