History of
Macedonia

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church had its beginning in 1894 with Rev. William DeVane as its organizer and pastor. Assisting Rev. DeVane in the organization were the pastor and officers of Enoch Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Middle Sound. The group met in the old East Wilmington (then known as Gideon Heights) school building

Rev. DeVane was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Nixon. Rev. Nixon served briefly and was succeeded by Rev. Copeland. Under Rev. Copeland, the first Deacon Board was organized. The deacons were the late Peter Willie, Tom Ennette, George Maides, and Jim Maides, Sr.

Rev. Timon Hall, followed by Rev. Morrison were the next pastors. Under Rev. Morrison’s pastorate, a small wooden building located on Princess Place Road, less than two blocks away from the present location, was constructed and the first Choir and Usher Board was organized. Rev. J. M. McKnight and Rev. Walker pastored Macedonia very briefly. Rev. J. W. Bell succeeded them and served for thirty years. During Rev. Bell’s pastorate, a new wooden church was built on the present site on Manly Avenue. After Rev. Bell, Rev. G. P. House served a short term as pastor. Then, Rev. W. E. Beamon came and served us for five years. The next pastor to serve Macedonia was Rev. W. H. D. Flowers of Longwood, North Carolina. During his pastorate, the wooden church was remodeled and bricked-in. Later, a Junior Choir was organized.

Rev. Aaron A. McCrae succeeded Rev. Flowers and pastored Macedonia for ten and one half years. Under his pastorate, our present Educational Center was erected in 1981, the Rev. A. A. McCrae Gospel Choir and the former Young Adult Department was organized.

On February 14, 1988, Macedonia invited a young preacher named Terry L. Henry to preach a sermon. Rev. Henry graced us with a moving sermon entitled, “The Cost of a Good Seat” taken from St. Matthew 20: 20-23. He was installed as our pastor on Sunday, August 14, 1988.

Under Pastor Henry’s leadership, our membership is constantly growing. In addition to the construction and expansion of an 800+ seated sanctuary, Pastor Henry has, as led by the Lord, restructured our church programs and worship services to focus fully on giving glory to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ through Ministry. Following God’s command, several ministries have been actualized throughout the congregation.

God has given us the faith and vision to construct a multi-purpose worship center to house our Christian Education, Youth and Outreach ministries. We give all honor and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. We, the Macedonia Baptist Church family, extend to you the invitation that the Apostle Paul extended to the Corinthians: Come on over to Macedonia…we want you to know what God’s grace has accomplished in…Macedonia!

(II Corinthians 8: 1, Good News Bible).

…upon this rock I will build My church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. MATTHEW 16: 18