Look for the revival of the Ebenezer Theater at 17 South Washington Street, slated to debut June 4-12 with the 36th Annual Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival. Behind the restoration is Paul Prager, well-known for refurbishing numerous Federal buildings in the historic center of Easton.
The original Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal church was constructed in 1856 with brick reclaimed from the 1829 place of worship it replaced, just a few blocks away. It was sold in the mid-20th century and used as the Historical Society of Talbot County headquarters. They converted the former sanctuary into an auditorium. Prager acquired the property in 2014 with the intent of providing Easton with a performing arts venue that would attract notable talent to the Eastern Shore, be a site for art exhibitions and a place for book readings in collaboration with the Flying Cloud book shop.
The Bluepoint team restored the interior in a Victorian Gothic and Aesthetic Movement design, keeping with the original features such as stained-glass windows and gothic arches. As per Bluepoint’s press release: “Period wallpapers from Bradbury & Bradbury embody the high ideals of mid-19th century interior design. The pressed-tin ceiling has been transformed by 24K gold leaf, hand-applied by Maryland artist Kelly Walker, who also created a dramatic celestial canopy over the stage.” It is estimated that the auditorium will accommodate up to 180 people.
The restoration also includes a state-of-the-art sound system, which is excellent news for Chesapeake Music who calls the Ebenezer Theater their new home. Their upcoming festival will feature 15 acclaimed musicians presenting six concerts over two weekends.
