Our Church History
In the year of 1885, a small group of Christian believers joined themselves together under the leadership of Rev. Jenkins McNatt to form the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. These members included one ordained deacon, Bro. Joe Frasier, and two experienced members, Bro. Abram, and Sis. Annie Stevens, who had moved to this area from Tom’s Creek Baptist Church. Services were held in a small log cabin on this present ground.
In 1887, Rev. D.J. Garvin was called to pastor. Enough members had joined the church to make formal organization possible and necessary. With the assistance of Rev. S.M. Walker and another minister, Rev. Garvin ordained two deacons: Bro. Sam Harris and Bro. H.S. Smith.
A copy of the original deeds, dated August 1887, indicates that James M. Smith donated two acres of land, including a log cabin, to the colored population located northwest of Savannah and Beard’s Bluff Road in Liberty County, Georgia, to be used for religious gatherings and for school purposes. The deacons of this church, also named the first trustees, signed the deed. They were Dea. Joe Frasier, Dea. Sam Harris and Dea. Henry Smith. Bro. Louis Boyd was the first clerk and Sis. Annie Stevens was named as the first Church Mother. With this group, Rev. Garvin purchased lumber for the first official sanctuary; however, he resigned before the building was begun.
In 1885, Rev. W.M. Harrison was called to pastor the congregation. The first church, initiated by Rev. Garvin, was completed and the necessary furniture was built by the members.
In 1897, J.B. Batey was elected pastor. The finishing touches were added to the sanctuary and the first pews were installed.
From 1902 through 1921, the church continued to grow and prosper. The following ministers served as Pastors: Rev. Z.L. Lyde, Rev. D.J. Dunson, and Rev. T.S. Douse.
When Rev. W.J. Jackson became pastor in 1921, Macedonia was then a part of a newly formed Long County. The church’s Property was re-surveyed and appraised; Rev. Jackson served for four years. In 1925 Rev S. B. Stewart became the efficient pastor. The first choir was organized, the first organ was purchased, and several ministries were either organized or reactivated. Rev. Stewart resigned after 14 years of service.
Rev. E.J. Junior became pastor in 1939. The church was remodeled, a piano was purchased, and the church grew at a rapid pace. Rev. Junior inspired the membership, but resigned after 9 years.
When Rev. S.B. Stewart returned to the pastoral, in 1948, his dream was to build a new edifice. Plans were made and the foundation of this present building was laid. Rev. Stewart did not live to see the fruition of his labor, for he was called by His Master in May of 1955.
In August 1955, Rev. J.E. Clark became a prestigious pastor. He worked tirelessly to make the church sound and self-supportive. The first bank loan, dated April 11, 1959, was secured with the signatures of Rev. Clark, three trustees: Deacon Wallace Scott, Deacon Warnell Smiley, and Bro. R.B. Harris; and sixteen other committed, devoted members. A new piano, pews, a pulpit set, and other furnishings were purchased and/or donated. The youth department was organized, and Rev. Edward Boyd was elected as the first youth minister. Rev. Clark reached his sudden demise in February 1979, after 24 years of dynamic service.
In December 1979, Rev. H.W. McCrary was called to shepherd the flock of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. His tenure of service was less than four years, but during this short span of time, Rev. McCrary made his presence felt by members and visitors alike. His dream was to see the membership, and especially the Sunday School increase. He gave unselfishly of his time and efforts. In October 1983, Rev. McCrary was promoted from earth to glory; thus, ending his long and well-spent life.
In March 1984, Rev. Isaac Culbreth, Jr., was installed as pastor of Macedonia. Under his leadership, the church grew rapidly. The sanctuary was extensively renovated, including the baptismal pool and the public address system, and the ground was landscaped, aided by the Honeysuckle Garden Club of the community. The youth department became more efficient, and the official staff was reorganized. Rev. Culbreth served for eleven years.
In March 1995, Rev. Anthony Chavers was called as overseer of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. He worked diligently to improve the participation of youth in the church services, and he added the third Sunday services. He was assisted by Rev. William Miller, minister of Education, who also worked with the music department. Rev. Chavers resigned in March 1998.
After much searching, fasting, and praying, the Rev. Andre Wright became an effective pastor and was installed in January 1999. He was a constant inspiration to the church’s program and membership. He added the first Sunday services, thereby making the historical move of having worship every Sunday except the fifth Sunday. In August of 2000, Pastor Wright and the church began its Reaching Out radio broadcast. It flourished for about a year and was then discontinued. Rev. Wright resigned in November 2002.
About eight months later, attention was focused on an outstanding young man who possessed the spiritual, social, and leadership qualities for which the members needed. Rev. Quentin J. Morris, Sr. was installed as pastor on the fifth Sunday, August 2003, thus adding the fifth Sunday worship service. Under his leadership, the membership increased tremendously. The ministries were rejuvenated, including the radio broadcast and a parcel of property adjacent to the present property was donated by G and R Farms and Robert Dasher due to the request made by Rev. Morris, Sr. Rev. Morris, Sr. resigned on May 18, 2008.
Again, Macedonia found itself sorely in need of a shepherd. Members entered a period of praying, fasting, and asking God to direct their search. God sent Rev. Victor C. Brewton, Sr. Rev. Victor C. Brewton was installed as pastor on the first Sunday, July 5, 2009. Under his leadership, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church continued the winning tradition within the GMBC Congress of Christian Education, and the local Tattnall Association. Several members were awarded Scholarships from the GMBC of Georgia. The church obtained 501C3 Nonprofit status in 2010, and the current Fellowship Hall with classrooms and offices were obtained under Pastor Brewton’s leadership. On the 1st Sunday, June 5, 2022, Pastor Brewton resigned.
In July 2022, Minister Diane Berry became the first female Interim Pastor of Macedonia. She prayed without ceasing particularly on Wednesday night, often solo, for Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.
After praying and fasting Rev. Anthony Chavers was elected as the 19th Pastor on June 5, 2023.