Rev. James Buck Jr. is the assistant pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
What does Ebenezer mean to you?
To me, Ebenezer means just what the name means — “a stone of help.” Ebenezer has a rich history of helping this community and propelling some of its people to higher heights in life. I just want to be a part of being able to be “a stone of help.”
What influences does that church history have on how you think about it?
Ebenezer has a history like none other. Some of the most famous preachers have been here like the Rev. B.W. Smith with his famous sermon “Watch Them Dogs.” Also the level of pastors that have come through this place went on to be pillars of this community. If that is the history of the church, then its influences are a part of my inner man. Henry Drummond once said that “the law of influence is that we are influenced by those of who we habitually admire.” I can admire men who stand for the community and stand for its sake of safety. I admire men who can take in any person regardless of race, color, background and ethnicity. The history of Ebenezer is that they had and still have a great influence on its recipients and responders and its community.
What challenges confront the church members?
We are challenged by all sort of things that may be individual, inclusive and exclusive of those perimeters that surrounds us daily. We struggle just as others do, but we know that our struggle is not in vain. As an inclusive branch of Zion, we have to deal with the tearing down of the Christian belief. We have to come and be charged back up from the persecution that we endure day by day. Just as all of humanity deals with some level of pain, we know where our help comes from.
Why do you think that Ebenezer has a successful attraction for young people?
The attraction for young people, I believe, is that we try to incorporate them in all of our levels of worship. We have ministries that allow them to release frustration through sports and also young adult Bible studies. We also are beginning to put together our Community Development Center that will allow our youth to come into the center late in the evening and just get away from the harshness of the outside world. Make no mistake about it, there are some who will come and not stay. But through the spirit of God, we do our best to keep our youth involved in our services. The young people are in charge of the second Sunday service at the church beginning at 10:45 a.m. We invite all who have not changed their lives and who are looking to be hip holy and hip hop to come and be a part of this dynamic service.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is “Malcolm X.”
What is the best book that you read in the last year?
“The Covenant with Black America” authored by Tavis Smiley and Cornel West.
What are your achievements?
My achievements are high school, military, college, moving to city to city and tutoring.
What are your interests and hobbies?
Sports, reading, traveling, networking, preaching and singing.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Carolina Kitchen in Largo, Md.
What concerns do you have about the community?
One of my concerns is silence when it comes to the transition of the community. There are a large number of those who do not possess the economic voice to stand up for their part of being included. I plan to take some sort of action to help those who may not have the finances to fight for their properties or who may not have a voice.
What are the community hidden treasures?
I think that this area is a big vault that has yet to be unlocked. There are great and talented children and seniors. One of the hidden treasures is that we really don't tap into into the trueness of our diversity. We have an array of objects and possibilities in this city. I would suggest that if you want to see this city explode with just good entertainment and acceptance, encourage it citizens to participate in a heritage festival that involves all aspects of ethnic appreciation. I know that there is a big festival that takes place in downtown, but how marvelous if the political spin would be taken off of it and we could all afford to attend.