EBC History

Beginnings: 1912

Ebenezer Baptist Church began in 1912, in the home of Isaac and Louisa Starling. A group of local Christians had been meeting in their home in Failsworth, regularly gathering for prayer and worship. When their leader became ill and could no longer lead them, he expressed his desire for the group to continue and join a Baptist congregation. Much prayer was dedicated to this matter.

One day, as Louisa sat in front of her fire, the Lord revealed His plans to her in a vision. She saw two men knocking on her door—men she did not know. Sometime after this experience, two men indeed came knocking on her door. When Louisa opened the door, there stood the two men from her vision. Recognising them, she said, "Come in thou blest of the Lord," quoting Genesis 24:31. The two men were Pastor H. Deall and Mr. Froud from Bethel Church, Macclesfield. 

Unbeknownst to Louisa, Bethel Baptist Church in Macclesfield had been praying about opening a church in Manchester. The Bethel church belonged to a group of churches called the Old Baptist Union. The church had heard about the small group of Christians meeting in Failsworth from some Christians in Stockport.

Joining the Old Baptist Union

After much prayer, the small group felt that joining the Old Baptist Union was the Lord’s will for them. On Saturday, November 9, 1912, twelve members of the group in Failsworth traveled to Macclesfield, where they were baptized by Pastor Deall. On Thursday, November 21, 1912, Pastor Deall oversaw a meeting where the group officially became members of the Old Baptist Union.

Growth and Expansion

As the group continued to meet at Louisa and Isaac’s home in Failsworth, their numbers began to grow. There was a great need to find larger premises for worship. In April 1913, it was agreed that they would rent Manor Hall in Newton Heath for £2 a week. On Saturday, May 24, 1914, they moved into Manor Hall. While there, the Lord continued to bless the work, and their numbers continued to grow, prompting another search for larger premises.

The church moved to a building on Mill Lane, Failsworth, where they worshiped for a few years. The work continued to grow, and with much prayer and hard work, the church began to save for a new building.

Establishing a Permanent Home: 1928

In 1928, with great joy and thanks to God, the church moved to its present premises on Linwood Street, Newton Heath. It was decided that a Sunday School building was needed to fulfill the church’s work. By September 1938, the building was completed.

Debt-Free Milestone: 1947

On Monday, September 24, 1938, Pastor Mottershed was walking along Oldham Road when a businessman, Mr. R. Schofield, asked him how much money was required to clear the debt on the new building. The total was £350, Mr. Schofield invited Pastor Mottershed to his office, where he signed a cheque for the required amount. This was all thanks to God, as on Saturday, September 28, 1938, the Sunday School building was officially opened, free of debt.

Activities and Community Involvement

Over the years, Ebenezer Baptist Church has been involved in many activities:

• Brass Band: Started in the 1950s, it still meets every Friday night, attracting people from other churches who enjoy their time together.

• Junior and Senior Youth Groups: These groups played a significant role in the church, and many of those involved have remained part of the church family.

• Girls and Boys Brigade: Had many members over the years, organising camps and activities where the love of Jesus was shared with young people.

The work of the Sunday School has always been a key part of the church, creating many happy memories and leading many children and young people to find the Saviour and go on to serve Him in various places. 

Current Church Family and Charities Supported

Today, our church family comprises many nationalities. Over the years, we have supported numerous charities, including:

• Asia Link

• Leprosy Mission

• Barnabus (Manchester Christian Homeless Charity)

• Platform 67

• Various other Christian organisations

Present Day Meetings 

Click here to view the current meeting schedule

Faithfulness of God

Over the years, God has been faithful to our church family. We have shared many sad and happy times together and can joyfully testify that many lives have been changed by the power of God. We have seen many baptised and following their Lord through the waters. Numerous faithful pastors have served up to the present day, ensuring that the word of God is faithfully taught. 

Meaning of Ebenezer

The name "Ebenezer" is found in 1 Samuel 7:12: "Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means ‘the stone of help’), for he said, ‘Up to this point the LORD has helped us!’"

God has indeed been faithful up to this point, and we continue to raise our Ebenezer, trusting in His help and guidance.