Originally called First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Ebenezer AME Church was founded in Bremerton in 1912. Church members met in a tent on Seventh Street near Pacific Avenue. There were initially 11 “faithful souls”. In its infancy, the church faced many problems including discrimination. Still from that tent on Seventh Street, a building was purchased and moved to its present site at 902 Park Avenue. From conception members of the church fought for equality and fair play. It should be no surprise to find that the Bremerton NAACP was founded by some the members of the church and other people of color in the community.

The record of early members is incomplete, but the founding membership included Mr. John and Mrs. Lucinda Enox, Mr. A.J. Spears and Mr. William Creasman. The Rev. G.W. Kinchion had the distinction of being the first pastor (1912-1913).

Among the list of pastors was included the Rev. Frank C. Cummings, (1952-1956), later Bishop of the Eleventh Episcopal District, who was instrumental in remodeling the sanctuary. After which the Rev. Harvey Vaughin, Jr., (1968-1970) continued improvements by painting the building, laying rugs, and acquiring a pulpit and furnishings. Over the years the church has done extensive refurbishment.

Through the years the church has been involved in many types of community outreach. The local YWCA’s founders and original committee personnel included members of Ebenezer. On going ministries have included education project, feeding and clothing ministries, prison visitation nursing home, hospital, etc. The church sponsors with the Kitsap County Commissioners, the City of Bremerton, and Olympic College the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day community celebration for the past 30 years in the year 2024.

The church is one of thousands of congregations that makes up the African Methodist Episcopal Church globally. It is a member of the Fifth Episcopal District and the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference – Cascade District (formally known as the Puget Sound Annual Conference).

The church building has been occupied by the same ministry longer than any other denomination.