Greater Macedonia Baptist celebrates 100 years

Published 12:01 am Friday, November 1, 2019

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Psalm 133:  1

On Nov. 10, The Greater Macedonia Baptist Church will be celebrating our 100th Year Anniversary and Harvest Program! 

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Macedonia was established when the Rev. David Lewis brought a few members from under Cedar Hill (the site of present-day Cedar Apartments) to Mt. Bethany Baptist Church on Brenham Avenue.

Rev. James Jimmy Bell replaced Rev. Lewis as pastor; and for a period, the congregation remained at that location. Record shows that the lot at 33 Minor Street was purchased in 1924; and the Greater Macedonia Baptist Church was erected on the lot.

Under the leadership of Rev. Bell, Macedonia became one of the leading Baptist churches in the area.  During this period, the Rev. Leroy Graves became the superintendent of Sunday school. Rev. Graves served in this capacity for many years. Rev. Bell served as Macedonia’s pastor, until his death in the early ’50s.

After Rev. Bell’s death, Rev. David Wood of Louisiana was elected pastor and served for one year.  In 1956, Rev. Rubin Logan was elected pastor; under his leadership, Macedonia began to move forward.  Rev. Logan, a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), lead Macedonia to become a major meeting place for civil rights activities.

In 1970, Macedonia’s old sanctuary was demolished and a new was one erected. The new structure was smaller than the old structure because of city code enforcement. In November, 1989, the lot adjacent to Macedonia was purchased to build an annex.    

In 1992, Rev. James C. Anderson was elected as the shepherd to lead the congregation. Under his leadership, the annex was completed.  Rev. Anderson served as pastor until his death in 2011. In 2011, Rev. Clifton Marvel became pastor and is presently leading the congregation. 

In 2014, an educational complex was added for much needed Sunday school, Bible study, and vocational Bible school space.   

Today, Macedonia holds Sunday school every Sunday from 9:45 a.m. until 11 a.m., youth service on the first Sunday of each month, at 11 a.m., Communion service on the third Sunday of every month at 11 a.m., and Testimonial service on the 2nd Sunday of every month at 11 a.m.

The Anniversary celebration is scheduled for Nov. 10, 33 Minor Street, Natchez. The service will begin at 2 p.m., with special guest Pastor Joe Picket and Zion Hill Baptist Church #1 Choir. 

We cordially invite residents of Miss-Lou area to come join us, as we celebrate this milestone in our history. Dinner will be served. We will look forward to seeing each of you come and fellowship with the Friendly Church on Minor Street, “Where Everybody is Somebody and Jesus Christ is Lord!”

The Greater Macedonia Baptist Church Family is led by The Rev. Clifton Marvel, Pastor

Kimula Wallace-Turner is a member of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church.