How about a church that started with just a few members and grew into a community beacon? That’s the story of New Macedonia Baptist Church. This church stands as a testament to faith and growth. It started with humble beginnings but has become a pillar in Washington D.C.
New Macedonia Baptist Church was founded on January 1 1958. Reverend H. C. Mack and Reverend Lorenzo Young were key founders. They gathered a small group from New Southern Rock Baptist Church. Reverend Lorenzo Young became the first pastor. Early services were held at 5th and P Streets NW. The church officially incorporated on March 25 1958.
The first officers included Deacon William Duncan and Deacon Melvin Alexander. Trustees were W.B. Munford and Edward Jones. The Faithful Gospel Chorus formed soon after. Sister Minnie Walker was its first member. Reverend Moore later joined as Assistant Pastor.
On April 13 1958 the congregation marched to a new location. It was at 1000 East Capitol Street NE. They held a dedication service there. In 1960 Reverend Lorenzo Young passed away. Reverend Moore served as Acting Pastor but later resigned.
New Macedonia was without a pastor for a time. But God remained the head of the church. In May 1960 Reverend Dr. Robert L. Walls Sr. was elected as the new pastor. He brought dynamic preaching and strong leadership. Under his guidance the church flourished.
In 1970 New Macedonia Baptist Church assumed the mortgage for the East Capitol Street property. Early members included Deacon Melvin Alexander and Sister Mary Alston. Others were Sister Grace Webster and Deacon Ozias Richardson. Later members like Sister Mary Westry and Deacon Jefferson Best joined.
In 1972 the church purchased land on Massachusetts Avenue SE. The address later changed to Alabama Avenue. This was for a new church building. Mr. John Lyon helped with financial assistance. The groundbreaking ceremony was on May 12 1973. Construction began soon after.
Despite an injury Pastor Walls continued the building project. He held meetings with Deacons and Trustees. On March 16 1974 the congregation entered the new church. It could seat 400 people. A weeklong dedication service followed.
In 1974 Pastor Walls established the New Macedonia Early Learning Center. It provided a nurturing environment for young children. They learned spiritually academically and socially.
By 1979 the church outgrew its seating capacity. The sanctuary expanded to seat 550. In 1981 overcrowding happened again. Another expansion increased seating to 800. By 1984 the church retired its mortgage.
In 1985 a parsonage was purchased for Pastor Walls and his wife. In 1986 the church bought the Merrimac School and additional land. Pastor Walls envisioned a Senior Citizens Center.
The Robert L. Walls’ Senior Citizens Center opened in September 1991. It has 48 housing units. It also has a large activities room and laundry facilities.
In 1993 renovations required the church to relocate services temporarily. Dupont Park Seventh Day Adventist Church provided space. In 1995 the church purchased adjacent properties to expand parking.
Ministries grew under Pastor Walls’ leadership. These included a radio broadcast and a counseling ministry. Over 80 gospel preachers consider Pastor Walls a father figure.
In 2001 Reverend Dr. Robert L. Walls Sr. recommended Reverend Patrick J. Walker as Co-Pastor. Reverend Walker later became the third pastor in 2003. Since then the church has grown significantly.
Today New Macedonia Baptist Church continues to thrive. It enhances its facilities and ministries. It remains committed to serving its community. It stands as a beacon of faith. It also stands as a testament to its founders’ vision. The New Macedonia Baptist Church welcomes all. It continues to grow and serve.