Our History
Ebenezer Holy Temple, Incorporated, commonly referred to by its acronym, EHT, Inc., was formed in 1974 by Elder William Henry Carter (1923-1980) in the City of Hartford, Connecticut at 234-236 Capen Street.
Elder Carter believed that the name Ebenezer (“Hitherto hath Jehovah helped us” – helping stone, 1 Samuel 7:12) was divinely revealed and biblically supported.
Elder William Carter was a licensed Pentecostal preacher in the state of Connecticut, who preached holiness, and believed God for everything.
Prior to 1974, the church was in the Fire Baptized organization operating as Ebenezer Church of God, Fire Baptized, Inc. under the Bishopric leadership of Bishop Calhoun of Ohio and Vice Bishop Alice Wilson of Philadelphia, PA.
In the late 1960’s Elder William Carter became associated with Bishop Bobby Blue, Jr. of New Haven, an individual who would subsequently establish a new organization known as Rehoboth Temple Church of God. Elder Carter was approached and asked to serve as Vice Bishop of this newly formed organization. After much pray and supplication, in 1973, Elder Carter accepted the position and thus, changed the church’s name to Ebenezer Rehoboth Temple, Inc.
After serving as Vice Bishop for one year, in April 1974, Bishop Carter was compelled to establish this organization, known today as Ebenezer Holy Temple, Inc.
Bishop Carter worked in the vineyard as one of God chosen servants until he was called home in September 1980, leaving his wife, Evangelist Annie L. Carter, six children and a church family. The church operated without a bishop/Pastor until 1982 at which time, Evangelist Carter accepted the leadership of this organization as Overseer. There were many struggles and obstacles during Overseer Carter’s leadership, but “what God has put together let no man put asunder”. As Overseer Carter kept the faith and held the church family together, there were many that came and many went. This church is built on a solid foundation of God and though times seemed impossible, we already had the victory.
For the faithfulness of our Founder and Leaders, God knew the future. In July 1997, Minister Tyrone Black, grandson of Bishop and Overseer Carter was ordained as the new pastor of Ebenezer Holy Temple, Inc. In June of 2002, he became Overseer and shortly after elevated to Bishop. He is now the Prelate of Ebenezer Holy Temple, Inc. God made it possible through His love and grace, the first church to become affiliated with this organization under Bishop Black’s leadership was Overseer Charity Watson and Mount Bethel Church, Hartford, CT. He then added Hartford Faith Tabernacle, Pastor Ethel Green; The Prayer Place, Pastor Katherine Taylor, Bloomfield, CT; Rehoboth Church, Pastor Herman Brown, Bloomfield, CT; and, Holy Ghost Deliverance Church, Bishop Lou Ella Smith, Bloomfield, CT.
In 2002, in honor of the founder, of this organization, we added the dba Carter Memorial Temple.
Under the leadership of Bishop Tyrone Black, the organization is being blessed. The local church has experienced so many milestones, including: in 1997, first church van was purchased; 2004, church paid off its mortgage; 2005, completed renovations of church building; 2008, purchased 100 custom made pew chairs; in July 2012, the church sold its property at 234-236 Capen Street to Mount Bethel Church of God; from July through October 2012, the church worshiped at the Farmington Marriott in Farmington, CT; on October 27, 2012, the church purchased its new facility at 110 Russ Street in the city of Hartford, CT; the first service was held on Saturday, November 19, 2012. We thank God for the vision that was given to William Henry Carter and his obedience to God. The mantle has been passed and we are going forth in the name of Jesus.