“God, in all his wise providence, put into the hearts of a few of his Baptized Believers to expand His good work by establishing a church. The name of that church would be Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.”

Wednesday, May 2, 1956, marks the beginning of our church history when Reverend Felix Robinson Sr., Founding Pastor, called together Reverend Otto Robinson, Sis. Annie Bell Robinson, Sis. Katie Washington, Bro. John Washington, Bro. Samuel Robinson, Sis. Mary Robinson, Sis. Christine Robinson, and many others, to organize a church.

After a powerful prayer service, it was confirmed by Holy Spirit that a Missionary Baptist Church would, in fact, be organized. The name of this church would be… EBENEZER.

The following Monday morning, May 7, 1956, the Lord directed Reverend Felix Robinson and Brother John Washington to 1943 Ashby Avenue in Berkeley, CA. Knowing this was the place God called them to be, they immediately occupied the building and began preparing it for worship. 

The following week, an installation service was held. Reverend A.O. Bell acted as Moderator, while Reverend I.H. Lewis, Reverend C.E. Henderson and Reverend J.L. Richards were present. That evening, Rev. A.O. Bell took in eight people with letters to become members and following the invitation, Brother James Hampton Sr. and Sister Estella Hampton became members by Christian experience. The church unanimously elected Reverend Felix Robinson as Pastor of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, and on Sunday, May 13, 1956, Mother’s Day, Ebenezer held its very first worship service and our doors have been open ever since. Over the past 65 years, the church has gone through much growth and transition. In August of 1968, the church purchased a larger building at is present location—1839 Woolsey Street in Berkeley. 

Rev. Robinson pastored faithfully for 30 years, until God called him home. After careful consideration and much prayer, the body then elected Rev. Earl H. Bill, Jr. to take the helm as Pastor, where he served for 19 years until his retirement on December 31, 2005.

In June 2006, Rev. Kevin Craddock, Sr., faithful servant and son of Ebenezer, was elected Pastor and installed on October 29, 2006. He is currently our Sr. Pastor and the Director of Christian Education. In December 2018, God’s victorious hand was on his life, as he prevailed over a health crisis. During this time, Minister Kevin D. Craddock, II, stepped in as Lead Pastor and has been guiding us forward. 

Through so much change happening in the world over the years, through presidents and pandemics, through wars and protest, Ebenezer continues to stand as a testimony that “thus far has the Lord brought us."