Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church became what it is today, because of the vision that Peter Eckert had for his congregation. In 1874 the first two Mennonite Brethren families—then many more—moved to the prairies of Kansas, settling in Marion County, in an area they soon named Ebenfeld or “Even Field.” Their arrival marks the beginning of the story of Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church, formally organized in 1876 and the first MB congregation to form in North America. 

From the beginning, Ebenfeld has provided a spiritually nurturing church home for a diverse group of men, women and children. Other settlers from South Russia who were from Mennonite, Lutheran, Catholic, Reformed and other traditions joined the early MB pioneers who came to the Ebenfeld community from 1874 to 1884. Over the years, this variety in our membership has continued, making Ebenfeld a vital congregation that is committed to fellowship, worship and discipleship as we also serve the communities in which we live and work. 

One indicator of Ebenfeld’s growth is the expansion of the church buildings over the years. Ebenfeld’s current sanctuary was built in 1925; the previous meeting place burned in December 1924. An educational wing was added in 1956 and a fellowship hall was built in 1997.  Two classroom buildings were also moved to the church grounds. The high school youth group meets in the former one-room schoolhouse which has undergone a complete remodel and is across the road from the church building. The Ebenfeld MB Church cemetery is located on the property.   In addition to these facilities, the pastors’ offices and a meeting area are located at 107 N. Main Street in Hillsboro.

Ebenfeld supports the ministries of the United States Mennonite Brethren Conference. This support has characterized Ebenfeld for much of the past 145 years.  A number of early Mennonite Brethren leaders called Ebenfeld home, including Abraham Cornelsen, one of the 18 charter members of the Mennonite Brethren Church and the congregation’s second pastor, and H.W. Lohrenz, P.C. Hiebert and J.K. Hiebert, who were instrumental in the founding of Tabor College. P.C. Hiebert also helped to organize Mennonite Central Committee, a global inter-Mennonite relief agency, and served as its chairman for the first 33 years.