Church History

The first African-American Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southwest was organized in New Orleans, LA on June 4, 1892. That organization was the result of the work of Elder Charles M. Kinney, a pioneer African-American minister, who found six African Americans already observing the Sabbath in the city when he arrived in October of 1891. Those six pioneer members were Sis. Elvenia Bolds, Bro. & Sis. Schemel, Bro. & Sis. Frank Smoot, and Bro. Josh Williams. Elder Kinney reported the newly founded church as the fourth African-American church in the region. 

Church Mission

From the inception of this church body to present day, Ephesus has been led by many devoted pastors and church members. After over 125 years of faith and service to the community, we remain steadfast in our commitment to spreading the gospel throughout the land. We are a changing people, empowering people, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in order to grow, and go, to win others for Christ.

Church on the Move

During these unprecedented times that our world is in, our vision is to “be a beacon of light in the New Orleans metropolitan area and a catalyst for spiritual, physical, social, and environmental wellness in our community.” We are committed to real and relevant ministry to the community according to Matthew 25:35-40, as well as Matthew 28:19-20. Our modus operandi operates around our 3 core principles: exalting, empowering, and enlarging. Please join us as we seek to exalt God in all that we do, empower those around us to reach their highest potential, and enlarge God’s kingdom.


For more information on our beliefs, please visit here.