Abbreviated Church History

Project/Plan: Build a church on the north side of Lakeland; on March 19, 1944, the vision became a reality. The church was named Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church.
Prime Movers: Deacon Early Kirtz (visionary); Mothers Rachel Luster, Ruth Jones, and Dora McGriff; and Sisters Pearl West, Sara West, Bernice Wright, Mahalia Matthews, Ann Biddings, and Lula Moore. These members started out with prayer service every Tuesday night. Every Sunday was “Rally Day” and each member was assessed $3.00. Three months into existence, an usher board was organized and later a choir. Sister Lula Moore became the church’s first musician. In 1945, the members of the church walked into its erected building, led by Macedonia’s first pastor, Elder O.B. Bartley.
Pastors: God has seen fit to allow seven pastors to lead the congregation in its entire history. Their names and years of tenure are: Elder O.B. Bartley (1944-54), Elder Fred Law (1954-58), Elder F.E. Wrease (1959-63), Elder Payton L. Jones (1963-73) – under Elder Jones, the church moved progressively, underwent a church renovation and added the junior choir (presently Youth Choir); Elder Edward Lewis (1974-2004) – the longest tenured pastor in her history to date, Elder Lewis was called as the church’s 5th pastor. This visionary grew the church numerically, spiritually and financially. Under Elder Lewis’s thirty-year tenure, the church underwent a 2nd renovation phase, adding an education wing, new pastor’s office and commercial-style kitchen and dining area, in addition to the purchasing of lots and CDs. Today, his widow, Mother Mary Ruth Lewis, serves as the First Lady Emeritus and, to his legacy, a concert chorale, formerly named the Edward Lewis Chorale, was formed and continues to travel and perform gospel concerts; Elder H.B. Holmes, Jr. (2004-2006); and currently the 7th pastor, Elder Anthony J. Brown was called in February 2006. Under Elder Brown, ministries have been added and Macedonia underwent a total rebuilding of its sanctuary. The new sanctuary added more seating, an expanded choir loft and stage, stage lighting and a sound system.
Promise: In this millennial age that we live, we are confident of this one thing, “He who has begun a good work in us shall perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Corporate prayer, outreach, missions and evangelism, worship and holy living continue to be the keys to our success. Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard and neither has it entered into the hearts of men the things that God has in store for MPBC- GREATER AWAITS US!

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