The History of Macedonia Baptist Church

      During the Reconstruction Era in the South, after the Civil War, a group of farsighted persons assembled to discuss and plan the need for a place of worship. These founders were: William Bailey, Sr., Aaron Bryant, Aaron Crandall, Anthony Currie, Mose Davis, Anthony Ellis, George Ficklin, Peter Lang, George Lucious, Mike Lucious, Mark Mayhand, Dave Rogers, March Williams and Jordan Yelding. In 1879, their plan was executed with Rev. A.A. Williams as the first Pastor. Six years later, in 1885, God sent a “Man of Men” - Rev. S.B. Bracy, who rebuilt the church. His pastorate covered a period of thirty-eight years. The Eastern Shore Industrial School (later named the Baldwin County Training School) was founded and built under his administration as Pastor of Macedonia and Moderator of the Eastern Shore Association.

          During the years of 1923-1929, Rev. J. F. Keeby of Plateau, Alabama served as pastor; Rev. S. H. Powe, also of Plateau succeeded him and remained though 1931. Rev. Powe supervised the roofing repairs of the church during this time. Rev. C.A. Jackson, of Mobile, came to us as pastor in 1932 and remained until the end of that year. In 1933, Rev. B. F. Dudley, of Mobile, was called to serve as pastor. He inspired many young people to become a part of the fellowship. Then, in 1935, we were blessed with a great leader and biblical scholar, Rev. S.A. Miles, of Mobile, who served until 1941. During his administration, he organized one of the oldest auxiliaries in the church, “The Helping Hand Auxiliary”.

        With the outbreak of World War II in 1941, the membership decreased and the church became discouraged. It was the Rev. J.0. Dixon, of Pensacola, Florida, who came and brought the church out of this slump. He labored for more than eight years, and the church was remodeled under his leadership. It was also his idea to construct an indoor baptistery. Rev. Dixon, Rev. B. J. Williams, his assistant pastor, presented the idea of a “Junior Choir”, organized the” Pastor’s Aid Board and the Willing Workers Auxiliary.

        In 1951, the “Second Moses”, Dr. Charles A. Lett, a native of Daphne, Alabama was called to serve as pastor. Prior to this time, he had taught in the Baldwin School System and preached as well. He was an inspirational and efficient leader who organized the church into departments and included every age level. The “Education Annex” was built under his tenure of service.

          Rev. D. D. Chestang became our pastor in 1958. He was a teacher of the Gospel, renown for his interest in Christian Education. The membership grew tremendously during his eleven years of service. He organized the Buds of Promise Choir, Toilers Club and other auxiliaries. The idea to build a completely new Sanctuary began under his administration.

        Then, in 1969, Dr. Clarence A. Lett, came to us with an established reputation as “A Builder”. Dr. Lett immediately launched the church into a massive building program, and in 1971, he led the congregation into the long awaited Sanctuary. As the years passed, he was instrumental in the expansion and remodeling of the previous older section of the Education Annex. Under Rev. Lett’s pastorate, the church has made organizational progress as well, notably, the departmentalization of the Sunday School, an organized Youth Department, division of the Mission Department into 5 Circles serving each community, a Sewing Circle, Matrons, YWL’S , and a Bus Ministry consisting of 3 vans. He and the congregation realized that a cemetery would serve the church and community upon their departure from this world therefore Macedonia Memorial Garden exists. Many changes have been made in the structure of the Music Department. Presently, four choirs exist.

     Because of the need for more space, age and deterioration of the Education Annex constructed during the tenure of Dr. Charles A. Left, the church saw a dire need to construct a new Education Building which is designed to provide for growth and development in future years to come. We thank the Almighty for His blessings to enable us to realize this achievement.

      This church has certainly remained unmovable down through the years in service to her congregation and the community. It’s interesting to note that the fourth and fifth generations of the founders are still active in this fellowship.


 --Steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in God’s work--