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 many 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!
