Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) was organized by 78 people, on January 31, 1947, at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, in Little Rock.   The Reverend W. O. Lindsey served as chairman of that meeting and Sis. Norena W. Wells Porter served as its secretary.  The persons present were enrolled as members of the newly organized congregation and chose “Emmanuel Baptist Church” as church name, taken from the meaning of Emmanuel (God with Us).  Psalm 100 was chosen as the theme scripture for the congregation and “How Firm a Foundation” was the original hymn chosen. The Rev. Emmanuel C. Dyer was elected as pastor.

  • Rev. Dyer served as pastor until his death in April 1960.   
  • The congregation completed its first building unit at 817 Chester Street, Little Rock, and began meeting there on Sunday, July 4, 1948.  
  • In 1960, Rev. W. O. Lindsey was elected as our second pastor and served as church leader until he entered glory in 1981. 
  • In 1964, Emmanuel moved to 1816 Wolfe Street. 
  • In 1976, Rev. Lindsey led the church in a move to our present location at 3323 W. 12th Street, after purchasing the structure.  
  • In December 1982, the Emmanuel Baptist Church building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as asset 82000874 .
  • 1982, Rev. Howard O. Gardner was elected as pastor.  The Board of Christian Education was reorganized, and the burning of the church’s mortgage under his leadership was celebrated.  
  • In 1988, Rev. Wendell Griffen was elected as EBC’s pastor. Under his leadership, EBC’s administrative procedures and ministries were updated, and the sanctuary was renovated.
  •  In 2002, Rev. James Lamb was elected to serve as our fifth pastor.  The Community Development Corporation was reorganized as “Blessings 4 U, Inc”.  Rev. Lamb served as pastor until May 2005. 


In 2006, Rev. Al B. Morgan was elected as EBC’s sixth pastor.  He was officially installed on March 19, 2006.  Under his leadership, the annual revival services was initiated, and the annual community fair (clothing, school supplies, and food giveaway, and public safety, security and health awareness information distribution) began.  Also while under Pastor Morgan’s leadership, EBC installed a wheelchair lift, provided ongoing educational scholarships to members pursing higher learning, installed a computer lab, refurbished the infant and toddler nursery, and made general infrastructure improvements and repairs throughout the church building.  Throughout Pastor’s tenure, EBC continues to sustain its membership levels and our member participation in ministries and church efforts continues to increase.

  • In 2011, two outstanding loans were paid off and EBC, once again, became debt-free. 
  • In 2016, the exterior of the church was painted and the majority of the outdated  HVAC system by replaced with new efficient modular units.

Emmanuel Baptist Church has been blessed by God throughout it's 72-year history. 

All Hail King Jesus!
All Hail Emmanuel!

 

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