Celebrating 40 Years of Academic and Spiritual Excellence!

“They said it could not be done…Pastor Gerson C. Marshall did it!”

Ebenezer Preparatory School, founded by the late Pastor Gerson C. Marshall in September 1981, is a co-ed, independent, Christian school in Brooklyn, New York, that currently enrolls students from Nursery to Grade 8. The school is associated with Ebenezer Missionary Chapel, Inc., founded by Pastor Marshall in 1976. Pastor Marshall believed that children could best develop their potential through daily exposure to the Holy Bible in their varied academic activities.

Our motto is, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. This mission statement is rooted in our belief that when we provide children with a strong spiritual and academic foundation, they will develop into God-fearing adults ready to make a positive impact in the world. We believe in guiding children to embody the fruit of the Spirit, exercise intellectual curiosity, and compassion to others as critical thinkers and problem-solvers.

Pastor & Mrs. Marshall

Founders of Ebenezer Preparatory School

Pastor Marshall was a God-fearing man of Faith, Vision, Wisdom, and Passion. He was highly motivated to help people accomplish the impossible.

Gerson Carlisle Marshall was born on March 17, 1941, in St. Joseph, Barbados, West Indies. He was one in a family of 8 boys and two girls. He migrated to Brooklyn, New York, in 1961, where he met “His Trinidadian Queen,” Joy. They were married in 1963, and this union produced three children, Joy, Timothy, and Nadine. His family was the pride and joy of his life.

In December 1976, the Lord was pleased to answer the prayers of 7 dedicated Christians and established Ebenezer Missionary Chapel, Inc., located on 387 East 51st Street in Brooklyn. Pastor Marshall was committed to training and delegating authority to the leaders and congregation. His burning desire was to see people develop their God-given gifts and function through the Holy Spirit’s leading, independently of him. Like the Apostle Paul, he wanted to see believers edified and the lost won for Christ. He always emphasized that this work was not a “one-man show” and enforced that he would not always be around.

After establishing Ebenezer Missionary Chapel, Inc., the Lord gave Pastor Marshall a vision to address the community’s need for a Christian educational institution. In 1980, he was led to the abandoned, dilapidated Ingersoll Nursing Home and prayerfully purchased the property at 5464 Kings Highway, our present location. Pastor Marshall faced endless ridicule and criticism for this act of faith, yet he persevered against the odds. After months of extensive renovations and aggressive fundraising, Ebenezer Preparatory School opened with five students in September 1981. Pastor Marshall and his very supportive wife, Joy J. Marshall, and other dedicated family and friends, worked tirelessly to ensure this educational ministry’s proper establishment. The labor of these faithful servants paid off. After two years, the school expanded to accommodate Early Childhood classes from Nursery to Kindergarten and educated students in all major subjects, including Spanish and Computer Education in Grades 1-8. The Lord enabled us to give our students an excellent academic and spiritual education despite our economic and financial challenges.

On April 7, 1994, at the age of 53, the Lord called Pastor Gerson C. Marshall home to glory. The church and school have continued because of God’s grace and faithful provision. Ebenezer Missionary Chapel, Inc. and Ebenezer Preparatory School have upheld Pastor Marshall’s vision and commitment of keeping JESUS CHRIST as their foundation, “walking by faith and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Today, Pastor Marshall’s wife, children, relatives, church members, and friends work diligently in the school, and our students are thriving academically, spiritually, personally, and socially. We are grateful for the dedicated staff, parents, alumni, and extended family who have helped carry the torch lit by our dearly departed founder. As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Ebenezer Missionary Chapel, Inc. and the 40th Anniversary of Ebenezer Preparatory School, we reflect on the legacy of the late Pastor Gerson C. Marshall. He is fondly remembered for his love of Christian fellowship, family, friends, fun, and food. We thank God for this faithful, tireless, humble worker who gave freely of his bear hugs, his time, his wallet, and his heart. Let us endeavor to move forward, pressing toward the prize while standing firm on God’s promises written in Mark 11:24, “…what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

Happy, heavenly 80th birthday, Pastor Marshall!