Music Ministry

As music has been always an essential part of our worship service, the Senior Choir’s existence dates back to the founding of Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1892. The pipe organ, located in the choir stand, was purchased from the First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, being installed in 1923. The melodious sound and aesthetic beauty of this instrument was enjoyed for years. Some of the organists who had the privilege to play this rare and historic instrument included Jane Carey, Amanda Carey, Mary Hooker, Minnie Allen, Beaulah Jackson, Professor John Pendleton, John Southall, Mattie Chisholm, Louise Cooper, and Hattie DeBerry. During the 1970’s, a new organ was purchased on which former musicians James Jenkins and Thomas Bryant, Jr. displayed their God-given talents.

Over the years, the Senior Choir has long maintained a strong membership. Its numbers increased under the direction of such choristers as James Gunnell, Phil Hooker, T.H. Riddick, Lucretia Carey, Matilda Edwards, L.P. Jackson, Gladys Mayo, and Josephine Whitsett. Historically, Ebenezer’s choir has been one of the largest organizations in the church. Such attests further to the important role music has played in our worship.

Since the death of our former Minister of Music, Thomas E. Bryant, Jr. in October, 1998 , numerous individuals have assisted the Senior Choir as we have searched for a full-time musician. They have included Sheree Ford-Dudley, Louvenia Michie, Timothy Holmes, George Melvin, David Diggs, Amy Tillerson, Judy Pointer, and Bernadette Whitsett-Hammond. Louvenia Michie played the longest for the choir during this time period, being with us for four years. Her love and devotion helped us endure through difficult times.

Today's choir is twenty-three voices strong. Phyllis Bowman is our directress, Sonny Wells, our saxophonist, and Calvin Tate, our drummer. Until recently, Rev. Christopher Porter has been the Minister of Music of Ebenezer Baptist Church. His talent in playing both the organ and piano is surely a spiritual gift. As the result of a serious accident, however, he has been unable to continue in this position. Presently, Beverly Freeman-St. John is serving as our musician. Her anointed musical ability and her beautiful spirit have uplifted the choir to new heights.

As the Senior Choir continues to spread the Gospel through songs, whether it is at a Sunday morning worship service, a night Revival in or out of town, or a visit to sing at a nursing home, our prayer is that someone will be led to live for Jesus. It is hoped that through our songs of praise and testimony, someone will ask, "What must I do to be saved?"

The Ebenezer Baptist Church Senior Choir realizes that "Through It All", God has blessed us richly. He continues to be our "Shelter in the Time of the Storm" and our "Rock of Ages". We know that if we continue to pray and lift our voices in praise to Him, He will continue to "Order our Steps".