Music has played an important part in the life of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Around 1908, history has it that males became active in the music auxiliary of Ebenezer. Under the leadership of Rev. Campbell, different choirs were organized, and the men of the Church actively participated. Some of those early pioneers were J. Matthews Walton, W. H. Crawford, N. W. Rhambo, and Walter Jones. At one time in our Church history, there was a Boy’s Choir (circa 1921), which included the following known members: Robert Hancock, Earnest Rhambo, and Isaac Craig, Jr.

Both men and women at Ebenezer have held leadership in choral music here. Some of the men who have held the position are: Lee Bryant, Beno Suel, Andrew J. Hayden, Charlie Johnson, A. L. Countee, and Ludie Boykins. It was under the directorship of Virgie Carrington DeWitty that the most well-known male group emerged – The Violet Carrington Singers. This group broadcasted on the radio every Sunday evening by remote control for a while. The group also made recordings and played concert dates. The members of the group were: Charles Lee, first tenor; Monroe E. Graves, bass; Hige Russell, second tenor; Everette F. Rhambo, Jr., baritone; and Virgie Carrington DeWitty, accompanist.

Throughout the Church history, there were always male choruses organized to provide the music for Men’s Day. Under the leadership of Dr. Marvin C. Griffin, a male chorus was officially organized in the early 70’s. Walter N. West was the Director for the chorus. The Male Chorus performed various types of Christian music. The chorus later became inactive. In 1988, C. DeShun Boyd, then Minister of Music, reorganized the Men’s Chorus. The chorus performed throughout the Austin community and in San Antonio. The chorus was also featured on the Ebenezer Music Ministry’s recording, “Upon This Rock”. After Mr. Boyd’s death, the Male Chorus once again became inactive. In 1995, Lonnie VanZandt took the leadership in reorganizing the Men’s Chorus. With the approval of James P. McKinley, then Minister of Music, the Men’s Chorus performed one selection during the eleven-o’clock worship service on the third and some fifth Sundays. In 1997, Leroy Davis was appointed by Dr. Gloria Quinlan, present Minister of Music, as Director of the Men’s Chorus after retirement of Lonnie Van Zandt. The current Men’s Chorus has appeared throughout the Austin community on various programs as well as providing music presentations at nursing homes in the Austin area. It is also featured during the Music Ministry’s Annual Fall Concert. None of this would be possible without God’s grace and the support of the Ebenezer Church Family.