Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta: History, Worship, and How to Visit

Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta is one of the most significant churches in the United States, especially for anyone interested in civil rights history, Black religious life, and Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Whether you live in the city or are planning a visit, knowing what Ebenezer is, where it is, and how it works today can make your time there much more meaningful.

Where Is Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta?

Ebenezer Baptist Church is located in the Sweet Auburn / Old Fourth Ward area, just east of downtown Atlanta.

Current church (Horizon Sanctuary)

• Address: 101 Jackson Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Located near the intersection of Auburn Avenue and Jackson Street, a short distance from the Atlanta Streetcar line and the Downtown Connector (I-75/85).

Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church building

• Address: 407 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Just down the block from the modern Horizon Sanctuary.
• Part of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

If you’re planning a visit, you’ll likely see two church buildings:

• The modern blue-glass Horizon Sanctuary, where regular services are held.
• The historic brick church on Auburn Avenue, preserved largely as it looked when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached there.

Why Ebenezer Baptist Church Matters in Atlanta

A centerpiece of Atlanta’s civil rights history

Ebenezer Baptist Church is best known as the spiritual home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family. For someone in Atlanta, it functions as:

• A working church with an active congregation.
• A historic landmark central to the story of the American civil rights movement.
• A key stop within the MLK Jr. National Historical Park, which also includes:
  • Dr. King’s birth home
  • The King Center
  • Dr. King and Coretta Scott King’s tombs
  • Historic Fire Station No. 6

A long-standing Atlanta institution

Ebenezer Baptist Church was founded in 1886, during a period when Black churches in Atlanta became crucial spaces for:

• Worship and community life
• Mutual aid and education
• Organizing for civil and human rights

Over time, Ebenezer became one of the most influential Black churches in the city, connected to both religious leadership and public service.

Historical Highlights You Should Know

For Atlanta residents and visitors, understanding a few key historical points helps put Ebenezer in context.

The King family and pastoral leadership

Ebenezer has been closely tied to the King family:

• Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. (“Daddy King”) served as pastor.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was co-pastor at Ebenezer from 1960 until his assassination in 1968.
• The church was a hub for:
  • Civil rights meetings
  • Sermons that connected faith and social justice
  • Community-based organizing in Atlanta and beyond

Today, Ebenezer continues under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock (Senior Pastor), who is also a U.S. Senator from Georgia. Many people come specifically to see the church where faith and public service intersect so visibly.

Role in the civil rights movement

From an Atlanta perspective, Ebenezer:

• Hosted mass meetings, strategy discussions, and prayer services connected to civil rights actions in the city.
• Helped mobilize local residents, students, clergy, and community leaders.
• Provided a spiritual foundation for nonviolent protest, both locally and nationally.

When you sit in the historic sanctuary, you’re in the same space where civil rights leaders prayed, planned, and preached.

Visiting Ebenezer Baptist Church: What to Expect

If you’re in Atlanta, you can experience Ebenezer in more than one way:

• As a visitor to the historic site
• As a worshipper or guest at services and programs

Worship services and church life

The active congregation meets in the Horizon Sanctuary at 101 Jackson Street NE.

Typical activities (always verify details before you go, as schedules can change):

• Sunday worship services

  • Morning services are common and may include preaching, choir/music, and prayer.
  • Services often draw both regular members and visitors from around the world.

• Bible study and midweek programs

  • Many Atlanta residents join Ebenezer for midweek teaching or small-group experiences.

• Special services and observances

  • Events around Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day)
  • Holy Week, Christmas, and other major church seasons
  • Community-focused services and remembrance events

📝 Tip: If you plan to attend a Sunday service, arrive early. Parking around Auburn Avenue can fill quickly, especially on special weekends such as MLK Day or major civic events.

Visiting the historic sanctuary as a landmark

The historic Ebenezer Baptist Church building at 407 Auburn Avenue NE is part of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, managed by the National Park Service (NPS).

As a visitor, you can:

• Sit in the sanctuary where Dr. King preached.
• See recreated pulpit and seating to reflect the church’s mid-20th-century appearance.
• Listen to audio of Dr. King’s sermons or speeches (often played in the sanctuary).

Because it’s part of a national historical park, visitor access often follows NPS visitor center hours. Rangers or volunteers may be available to answer questions and provide context.

How to Get There from Around Atlanta

Ebenezer is close to downtown Atlanta, the State Capitol, and major roads, making it relatively easy to visit.

By car

• From Downtown / Five Points:
  • Drive or ride east along Edgewood Avenue or Auburn Avenue toward Jackson Street.
• From Midtown:
  • Take surface streets south and east, or I-75/85 South and exit near downtown, then head toward Auburn Avenue.

Parking options may include:

• On-street parking near Auburn Avenue and Jackson Street (time limits and enforcement apply).
• Limited church and visitor parking lots, especially on Sundays and during major events.

Because parking rules and availability can change, many locals check current signs and consider transit or rideshare, especially on busy weekends.

By MARTA

Using MARTA can be simpler if you’re already in Atlanta:

• Rail:

  • Take a Red or Gold Line train to Peachtree Center or Five Points station.
  • From there, walk, catch a bus, or use the Atlanta Streetcar toward the King Historic District.

• Bus and Streetcar:

  • The Atlanta Streetcar has a stop near the King Historic District.
  • Several MARTA bus routes pass close by; routes and numbers may change, so it’s wise to check a current map or trip planner.

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Take MARTA rail (Red or Gold Line) northbound to downtown Atlanta.
• Transfer as needed to reach the King Historic District via walking, streetcar, or bus.
• Rideshare services are also commonly used for a direct trip from the airport.

Nearby Landmarks and Things To Do

Ebenezer Baptist Church sits within one of Atlanta’s most historically rich neighborhoods. Many visitors combine it with nearby sites in a half-day or full-day visit.

Within the MLK Jr. National Historical Park

All within walking distance:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home (on Auburn Avenue)
• The King Center and Reflecting Pool
• Tomb of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King
• Historic Fire Station No. 6
• Visitor Center with exhibits on civil rights and Dr. King’s life

In the surrounding area

• Sweet Auburn Curb Market (Municipal Market)
  • Indoor market with local food vendors and small businesses.
• Auburn Avenue Historic District
  • Once called the “richest Negro street in the world,” with historic Black-owned businesses, institutions, and churches.
• Atlanta BeltLine – Eastside Trail (a bit farther but reachable)
  • Popular walking and biking trail linking Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market, and other neighborhoods.

Combining Ebenezer with these stops gives you a broader view of Black history, community, and present-day Atlanta life.

Contact and Practical Information

Below is a simple overview of the two main sites associated with Ebenezer Baptist Church:

For the most up-to-date information, Atlantans and visitors typically check:

• Ebenezer Baptist Church office for:

  • Service times
  • Special events
  • Ministry programs and volunteering opportunities

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park Visitor Center for:

  • Historic church access hours
  • Ranger-led tours
  • Park maps and exhibits

Because schedules, events, and contact numbers can change over time, it’s wise to confirm details shortly before your visit, especially for holidays, MLK Day, or large public events.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Plan around MLK Day: The area around Ebenezer is especially busy during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, with services, marches, and events. Expect larger crowds and tighter parking.
• Dress comfortably: If you’re touring multiple sites (historic church, King Center, birth home), be prepared for walking between locations.
• Be respectful of worship times: The Horizon Sanctuary is an active church. If you’re visiting as a tourist, be mindful that services may be in progress and that some spaces are for congregational use.
• Bring out-of-town guests: For Atlantans, Ebenezer is a powerful place to take family and friends to help them understand the city’s role in civil rights and American history.

By understanding both the living church and the historic site, you’ll be better prepared to appreciate Ebenezer Baptist Church not just as a building, but as a central part of Atlanta’s story—past and present.