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Dr. Roberts served as
the senior pastor of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist church in Atlanta,
Georgia for 30 years. A visionary and gifted leader, he uses his
exceptional skills in addressing major
issues of our time, creating an awareness in others, sensitizing them to
act in meeting the challenges of today. Dr. Roberts delivers messages
which stimulate the mind, are thought provoking and get to the heart of
the matter.
They cause one to think
deeply and act compassionately. It is with this type of leadership that
Ebenezer continues to be a strong voice for the oppressed and an advocate
for justice.
Dr Roberts is a native of
Chicago where he received his formative education in the public school
system. He graduated cum laude from Knoxville College. His master of
Divinity was received from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and
his master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Prior to coming to
Ebenezer, he worked in various administrative positions in the
Presbyterian Church, U.S., and was pastor of Weequahic Presbyterian Church
and Elmwood United Presbyterian Church in New Jersey. He is the recipient
of numerous honors from civic, social, and religious organizations. He has
been listed in Ebony Magazine as an Outstanding clergy person. He is also
the recipient of five honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees. He serves on
several boards and committees both locally and nationally.
This multi-talented man of
all seasons is a great energetic orator and an accomplished musician. He
is an administrative wizard and negotiated successfully in securing bank
financing for Ebenezer's new
Horizon Sanctuary.
To the casual observer
this eight million dollar edifice may be merely a soaring brick building
with a magnificent interior. But the structure, dedicated on March 21,
1999, is much more. Everything from construction materials to interior
design to the location of the property encompasses the early roots of the
Christian religion along with the symbols of our African Heritage
During the past half
century of Dr. Roberts' dynamic leadership many new members have been
added and financial giving has increased more than 300 percent. When he
took the helm at Ebenezer, he launched an expansive community out reach
program that included The Teenage Mother's Ministry, a tutoring program,
counseling, a food Co-op and a seniors day care center. He envisions
starting a parochial school that would concentrate on providing a good
education and clear role models for youth, particularly young males.
Dr. Roberts and his wife
Esther Wortham Roberts are proud parents and grandparents. They have one
son, C.J. and two daughters, Cheryl (Leslie), Cynthia (Sonny) and 6
grandchildren. |