“What became of the Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church?” someone asks. Its story is one of shifting congregations. It is also a testament to community service.
Originally, it wasn’t Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church at all. In the late 19th century, Philadelphia’s population boomed. Churches sought to expand into growing neighborhoods. The Spring Garden Street Presbyterian Church chose this corner. It is at 21st Street and Columbia Avenue now Cecil B. Moore Avenue. They commissioned Henry Augustus Sims to design a chapel.
As congregations dwindled, Spring Garden and Fairmount Presbyterian merged. They needed a larger building. J. William Shaw designed the sanctuary. It was built in the Richardson Romanesque Revival style for $55000. The sanctuary had improved sightlines and acoustics. A Tiffany glass arch was installed above the organ. Tiffany studios made the stained-glass windows. The complex was renamed McDowell Memorial Presbyterian Church. This honored the late Rev. John McDowell.
During the Great Depression, white congregants left. In 1936, the original congregation dissolved. A new church formed. It served African-American residents. It was named McDowell Memorial Community Presbyterian Church Sunday School Mission.
Then, in 1954, Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church acquired the building. Rev. Quinton D. Davis led Macedonia. He moved from Georgia to escape racial terrorism. For years, he held services in homes. In 1961, he preached his first sermon in the new church.
For nearly twenty years, Davis led Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church. The church offered sermons. Its music ministry was strong. The Davis Chorus led it. The church was active in the community. It ran food pantries and banquets. Rev. Davis died in a car accident in 1980. He was driving to his brother’s funeral.
The Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church’s closing date is unclear. In 2016, the church hosted a play reading. In 2018, it was listed for sale. By 2019, the building showed wear. There was peeling paint and water damage. The Tiffany arch was later removed. Pews were cut up.
Today, the Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church building is vacant. Graffiti covers it. The Tiffany stained glass windows are boarded over. The rear roof collapsed between 2019 and 2020. This section housed the Sunday School. It also had a lecture space. By 2022, that section was demolished. Even the tower was removed.
The story of Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church is one of neglect. It shows a disregard for Philadelphia’s architectural heritage. Despite its condition, the building could still serve the community. Instead, it faces further decay. It may be demolished. Few may notice its loss. It is a familiar story in Philadelphia. It is a story of lost potential.