Ebenezer Baptist Church, Austin

Ebenezer Baptist Church, located in Austin, has a rich history that traces back to its formation in 1875. The church's genesis was in the living room of Elisa Hawkins, one of the original charter members. It was Henrietta Willis, another Austinite, who named the initial group, and Reverend C. Ward who led them during their early years.

The congregation first gathered in Mrs. Hawkins' home at 1104 East Tenth Street, which is now a central area in East Austin. Under Reverend Ward's leadership, the small group expanded, enabling them to build their first framed structure at Catalpa & Curve streets. This building was soon outgrown, leading to the construction of a brick sanctuary at East Tenth and San Marcos by 1885. A notable addition to this sanctuary was a stucco spire, erected in 1915 under the guidance of Reverend Jerome E. Lott.

The church's original name was Third Baptist, reflecting its status as the third Baptist congregation in Austin. The "Ebenezer" - meaning "stone of help" - was added to its name when the congregation moved into the Gothic-style brick sanctuary in 1886.

The current church structure, a limestone and brick edifice in Gothic Revival design, was erected between 1950 and 1955. One of the church's towers houses the bell from the first brick church, symbolizing the continuity of the congregation's history.

Beyond its architectural significance, Ebenezer Baptist Church is renowned for its active involvement in missionary work, choirs, and support for various local and national projects. These initiatives include scholarships, programs for the elderly, contributions to the United Negro College Funds, and participation in volunteer councils of the Texas State Hospitals.