“Faith, hope, and a strong determination.” These words encapsulate the spirit of Macedonia Baptist Church. It is more than just a building. It is a testament to the enduring power of community.
Macedonia Baptist Church has a history rooted in faith. It showcases the dedication of its members. The church was organized in 1894 by Rev. C. Clark and others. Founding members included Deacon Jerry Peters Sr. and his wife Mrs. Sally Peters. Also, Deacon C.H. Peters and his wife Mrs. Suzie Peters were founding members. For several years, the church operated with only seven members and two deacons.
Down the years, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church has been served by several Deacons. Doss Pruitt and Tony Pruitt held the position. Henderson Perkins and John Edmond also served. Hardy Mack and Ed Williams were deacons. Norman Waits and A. Allen dedicated their time. John Whitfield and Larvester Stephens served faithfully. Austin Pruitt Jr. and Hamilton Rainge were deacons. E.V. Allen and George Allen contributed. Willie Mitchell and Thomas Northcutt Sr. were deacons. Bennie L. Rodgers and Kim L. Spelling also served. Gary L. Webster also served. Rev. Michael L. Johnson Sr. is the current Pastor.
Originally, Macedonia Baptist Church had two cemeteries. The Old Macedonia Cemetery was located west of the Linden Cemetery. It served as the burial place for church members from 1897 to 1947.
Several notable members are buried there. Deacon C. H. Peters rests there. Deacon Doss Pruitt and Deacon Tony Pruitt are buried there. Mrs. Sally Henderson Perkins also rests there. Elbert Perkins and Ms. Mary Davis are buried there. Mrs. Ophelia Roper Edmond and Becky Pruitt Perry also rest there. Ms. Bobbie Perry and Ms. Rosie Perry are buried there. Clarkie Pitts and Henry Pruitt are there. Mrs. Anna Allen Pruitt and Austin Pruitt Sr. rest there. Mary Allen Pruitt and Jim Earl Pruitt are buried there. Elbert Hall McWhorter and Robert “Bob” Northcutt are buried there. Mrs. Sarah Northcutt also rests there. Hugh Relford and Lurace Sanders are buried there. Florine Smith Sanders and Junius Smith also rest there. World War I Army veteran Willie Pruitt is buried there. World War II Army veteran Carter Shepherd rests there too. Mosaic Society of America members also rest there. Anna Mitchell and Ellen Tucker are there. Virgie Tucker and Francis Stephens also rest there. Willie Stephens is buried there. The present church cemetery, Macedonia Cemetery, is located on Dorsey Street. It is due south of the church.
In 2003, Macedonia Baptist Church members organized a “Grand Centennial Celebration.” Ms. Tracie D. Alexander led a research committee. The committee discovered an original deed. It showed the purchase of land on West Henry Street in 1894. They found that the church was organized ten years prior to being chartered in 1904. The history of Macedonia Baptist Church represents faith and hope. It represents a strong determination by its members to make progress.
The Macedonia Baptist Church was organized after severing relations with Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. This happened on June 20 1904. Macedonia was located on the corner of South Liberty and East Valley Streets. Reverend W.M. Evans was the first pastor. He served from 1904 to 1905. Chartered officers were Deacons C.H. Ray, John A. Alston, Arthur Jones and Dan Jackson. The other recorded members were Mrs. Emma Rogers and Mrs. Fannie Foster. Services were held at the South Liberty – East Valley Streets location until July 1904.
Later in 1904, the congregation moved temporarily. They worshipped upstairs over the Wright Scruggs Shoe Store. The shoe store was in the Andrews Building. This was below the old Chapman Building. The Andrews Building was demolished in 1978. The Macedonia Church family searched for a new home. In the fall of 1904, a lot was purchased. A slat building was constructed. This building faced Exchange Street and the old C & WC Railroad. Macedonia remained there for 10 years from 1904 to 1914.
Faith, hope, and a firm belief in the power of God binds the Macedonia Church family together. It is with these principles that the church continued to grow. It made progress. May the spirit of faith, hope, and determination continue to guide Macedonia Baptist Church. May it inspire all who enter its doors.