“Where shall we go and what shall we do?” asked a group of African Americans. This question sparked the story of Macedonia Church.
Macedonia Church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. It began in the Hillsdale/Barry Farm area of Washington D.C. This area was a settlement for African Americans after the Civil War.
The Freedmen’s Bureau established Barry Farm in 1867. The settlement addressed housing shortages for black refugees. General O.O. Howard of the Freedmen’s Bureau met with refugees. They were living on K Street between 14th and 17th Streets. Howard informed them they couldn’t stay on private land. Their poignant question followed.
Howard asked what would make them self-sufficient. The almost unanimous answer was land. The Freedmen’s Bureau bought 375 acres from the Barry family. They were former slave owners. The land was divided into one-acre lots. Newly freed African Americans eagerly acquired these lots. Howard noted the hopefulness of the settlers. He regarded the enterprise as judicious and beneficent. Macedonia Church was quickly built on one of these purchased plots. The first church was erected by formerly enslaved families.
New Macedonia Baptist Church was organized on January 1 1958. Reverend H. C. Mack Reverend Lorenzo Young and a few members from New Southern Rock Baptist Church founded it. Reverend Lorenzo Young became the first pastor. Church services occurred at 5th and P Streets NW in Washington D.C. The church was incorporated on March 25 1958.
On April 13 1958 the pastor and congregation marched to 1000 East Capitol Street NE. A church dedicatory service was held there. Reverend Moore later served as Assistant Pastor. In May 1960 Reverend Dr. Robert L. Walls Sr. was elected as the new pastor.
Under Pastor Walls’ leadership on February 1 1970 the church assumed the mortgage for the property. In 1972 they purchased land at 4200 Massachusetts Avenue SE for a new church building. The address later changed to 4115 Alabama Avenue. Construction began after a groundbreaking ceremony on May 12 1973. The new edifice could accommodate 400 people. A weeklong dedicatory service was held.
In 1974 Pastor Walls established the New Macedonia Early Learning Center. By 1979 the church expanded its main sanctuary to seat 550. Further expansion in 1981 increased seating to 800. The mortgage was retired in 1984. In 1986 the church purchased the Merrimac School. In September 1991 the Robert L. Walls’ Senior Citizens Center was completed.
In January 2001 Reverend Dr. Robert L. Walls Sr. recommended Reverend Patrick J. Walker as his Co-Pastor. On June 13 2003 Reverend Patrick J. Walker was elected as the third pastor. In August 2006 The Early Learning Center was renamed The New Macedonia Christian Academy.
Today Macedonia Church continues to thrive. It stands as a beacon of hope. It symbolizes the enduring spirit of its founders. Their quest for land and faith shaped this community. Macedonia Church remains a testament to their legacy.