Butts County GaArchives Church Records.....Early History of Macedonia Baptist Church ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Don Bankston http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00024.html#0005864 June 26, 2004, 11:14 am EARLY HISTORY OF MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH Butts County – Jackson, Georgia You will be interesting in the following history of Macedonia Baptist Church, instituted in 1826 and one of the oldest and strongest churches in the section. The first part of the history is by Rev. G. W. Wood, and the second part was written by Rev. I. G. Walker, Sr., the last part is an accumulation of many people interested in the spiritual history of our heritage. Macedonia was constituted at Lee’s School House one and a half miles east of its present location on September 13,1826. James Reeves, John Reeves and Moses D. White were the officiating presbytery. The following members went into the organization; William Redman, Samuel Leak and Nancy Thomas. Moses D. White was the first pastor. He was the brother of Cyrus White, and a member of Paron Church. He left the regular Baptist and joined the “Whiteites” as they were called. He was Armenian in sentiment, and the church for this reason asked for his resignation. He was a Godly man, and for this reason was preeminently useful in the Master’s Work, but was unstable. John Reeves was then called and served the remainder of the year. He then moved away. William Redman was the first deacon, and the first clerk of the church. He was a man of sound doctrine, and strong in the “faith once delivered to the saints.” He laid the foundations of the church deep and wide. He was the anchor both sure and steadfast of the little church. He died, greatly lamented in 1831. He was the first death in the body. The first person that united with the church, by experience and Baptism, was Henry Lee. He was born in Maryland in 1749. He was a brave soldier in the revolution. He came south about the close of the century. He settled in what is now Butts County in 1824. He gave part of the land on which the house was first built, and together with his wife, Jane Lee, united with Macedonia. They sleep alone near where the first house was located. His son, Larking Lee, is now (written in 1902) the oldest member of the church, having joined in November 1838. His grandson, Rev. Parry Lee is now (1902) the pastor of the church. Rev. William Byars served the church in 1829. But neither was he sound in faith. He belonged to a large and influential family of the same name that came from Spartanburg District, S. C. in 1824. He united with Smyrna Church about three miles east of Jackson in 1825, and was baptized by John Reeves. He joined Macedonia in 1826 and in 1827 the church called for help from Bethel. The committee met, and after due deliberation and prayer, it was decided that the gifts of William Byars was a “Preaching Gift”. But Samuel Leak was limited to public exhortation and prayer. Our fathers showed the deepest concern before a man was allowed to enter the sacred desk. Their grandchildren would do well in this respect, to pattern after them. He was ordained in 1826 at Smyrna, by John Reeves and Moses D. White. In 1830 he left the regular Baptist and joined the United Baptist, and in 1839 he was a delegate from that body to the State Convention. In 1840, he came back to the old Baptist Association, and stood high in the estimation of the brethren. In 1846 and 1847, he was clerk of the Central Tract Society, and he did much good in scattering good literature. He died before the War. The Church set a day of fasting and prayer, in which the members agreed to meet together and ask God to give them an under shepherd of his own calling. James Carter was called and a committee was appointed to attend Sardis Church and ask Sardis for this service. The new pastor was not brilliant or eloquent, but he was what was better, he was sound. The church now began an active interest in the work of the Lord. Johnathon Reeves granted 2 acres of land for $3.22 ½ in lot No. 159 for the purpose of building a new church on April 3,1830. In 1835 the church met at its present location and a new building was erected. In 1838, John McMichael and others, having been expelled from Bethel Church because they believed in Missions, united with Macedonia by a profession of faith, and under a powerful sermon by J. S. Gallaway, a revival started in which about forty were added to the membership. Among this number were two future heralds of the cross. W. G. McMichael and J. H. Fielder. In 1838, the Flint River Association met with the church. The most renowned event that ever happened in this community was the death of Rev. Jesse Mercer at the home of the Pastor, Rev. James Carter. That sad event took place on September 6,1841. It brought sadness and sorrow not only to the pastor and church, but to the county at large. On Friday before he went to Indian Springs, and on Sunday he attended church at that place of being sick. He grew worse very rapidly, and on Monday fell in the arms of his nephew exclaiming as he fell, “I have no fears”. The church passed appropriate resolutions, and on the following Sunday held services in memory of the honored dead. From this incident, another revival broke out, and about thirty added to the Lord. So the Lord used even death of his servant to bring men to repentance. For old files of the Index and other useful papers, the author is greatly indebted to one who gave her young heart to the Lord Jesus during this meeting. She was then in the glow of young womanhood. With wonderful eyes, she had looked on when the church was constituted. She saw Henry Lee, Annie Andrews and Sarah Willis, the first candidates for Baptism buried with their Lord. She had looked into the grave of William Redman, the first member of the church that died. She was two years older than the county in which she lived, and twenty-three years older than the church that she joined. She had seen, and was co-worker of every pastor that the church had ever had to the time of her death. Among the bright galaxy of names that shines with a more constant light than the name Elizabeth Thomas Maddox. Her funeral was preached by the author on the 2nd Sunday in March 1900. Another name ought to be mentioned, D. H. Moncrief, who was a member of the church in 1841-42. He was born in Oglethorpe County on December 19,1808. He was Baptized at Shiloh in Green County by Rev. Jack Lumpkin in 1828. He married Miss Price of Green County in 1838, and shortly took charge of a literacy school in Butts County, where he resided three years. While a member of this church he was clerk of the church, and his minutes were models of neatness. He wrote an elegant hand, and expressed his thoughts in language that has never been excelled for clearness and purity. He was a prince among church clerks. He was also licensed by this church to preach the gospel. He was not ordained, however, until 1848. Even at that advanced age, he was a great worker in the Master’s vineyard, and before the close of his life baptized over two hundred people. He had been a member of the church only two years when he moved back to Green County. He was the father of Rev. A. L. Moncrief who afterward took such an active part in the work of our Association. 1843-44 were years of great growth and ingathering, about thirty being added each year. In the year 1844, the church licensed two more heralds of the cross, J. H. Fielder and R. Mayo. Neither of them were ever ordained. J. H. Fielder was a man of good education and was a teacher as well as preacher. He married a daughter of John McMichael who still survives him. He died October 1849, in the assurance of a happy immortality. The Association passed resolutions of regret. In 1843, J. Skipper was licensed to preach wherever his lot might be cast. He was accused of being tinctured with the errors of Cyrus White, which it seems must be true as he “fell from grace”. He was restored, however, and moved to Jasper County, where he was ordained. He returned to Butts County, and was pastor for several churches in the Central Association. He was again a member of the Flint River, but was a follower of Willis Jarrell. He went to his reward about the beginning of the War. In 1847, W. G. McMichael was licensed to preach. Ninety- nine members were added to the church by baptism during the fall of 1851 and the winter of 1852. The meeting was carried on the church and at Smyrna Camp Ground. The church now numbered over three hundred members. This was the largest membership the church had ever had. This number was, however, reduced by forty being dismissed to form the Jackson Church. The period from 1854 to 1856 was one of great unrest and internal disturbance. During part of the time, W. G. McMichael and James Carter were joint pastors. The church in three or four years lost over one hundred members. James Carter moved to Indian Spring, and the cruel tongue of gossip and slander was unrestrained in the community. The church showed a fearful lack of decision and moral courage. In 1857, Carter returned, and about forty were added to the church. His ministrations were greatly blessed of God. The church soon regained its old standing. No church in the Association, perhaps, suffered so greatly on account of the War, as did this church. Fifteen of its members were killed in one year. The willows of weeping were at every home. The sanctuary was a house of mourning. How could they sing the Lord’s song when their hearts were in a strange land? But even when the boughs of war hung with deepest gloom over the country at large God did not forget to be gracious. In 1863 there were forty-nine additions by Baptism. Some of these joined in the army, and they were enrolled with the church at home. The year 1864 was the one and only time that the church was not represented in the Association. In 1868, John Mayo was pastor of the church. He was a child of the church, having been licensed and ordained by its authority. He belonged to a very large and influential family, which has always been prominent in the church. For many years he was a member of the Central Association and was pastor of Harmony, Mt. Pleasant, and other churches in that body. He died much lamented in 1871. From 1869-73, James G. Kimbell was pastor. The church was greatly distracted by the Dickens-Woolsey trouble. In 1871, the church again entertained the Association. In 1869, the Negro members of the church were given permission to organize a church of their own. Under the leadership of Rev. Clark Gilmore the Negro Macedonia Baptist church was organized. During the period from 1826 until 1869 the Negro members of Macedonia were a faithful and respected part of the church. Several Negro men were ordained to the ministry during this period. Jasper Dickson was now called. He served the church two years. He was not in our day what one would deem an able preacher, but he was what was much better, a Godly man. He lived at Porterdale, Newton County. He was for several years a member of the Central Association, and was pastor at Rocky Creek and other of Union and Teamon churches. He died soon after, in the triumphs of the faith he had preached to others. The church lost over one hundred members by its policy of indecision during these stormy years. (See full account of the Dickens-Woolsey trouble). J. A. Gunn was called in 1876. He was, for a short time, a member of the church. He was preeminently a good man, but it was impossible for the ministrations of any man to be faithful with the feeling that then existed in the church. This was the only church that he ever served in our Association. He died in 1866. Rev. Jesse Mays was called in 1877. This policy of hesitation and dilly-dallying with duty in reference to Hamp T. Dickens still continued. It was only after the Flint River Association had served notice on the church that it would withdraw from it for failure to maintain orderly discipline, that the church could be induced to withdraw church fellowship from H. T. Dickens. In 1879, W. G. McMichael was called. This was a year of great ingathering. About forty were added to the church. W. G. McMichael served until his death in 1899. J. A Jackson was then pastor for ten years and six months. There were several years of great ingathering. In 1900 G. W. Wood was called. Rev. Perry Lee has pastored the church for the last two years, growing in favor with God and man. JAMES CARTER This very pious, faithful and able man of God died at Indian Springs, Butts County, Georgia on August 25, 1858. He was baptized, instructed and trained by Rev. Jesse Mercer, whom he always recognized as his father in the ministry. He was born in Warren County on April 3, 1792. His father was Josiah Carter, and his mother was Mary Anthony. His parents, when he was young, moved to Powelton in Hancock County, and 1825, to Butts, where he united with Sardis church. In 1827 he was licensed by this church to preach the gospel, and at the call of Macedonia, he was ordained. This took place at Sardis church on August 22,1829. He united with Macedonia both as pastor and member at once. The next church that called him was Harmony, near Zebulon, and in 1830, Towaliga asked for his services. Now, for a period of nearly thirty years, he was service four churches and sometimes five. He served Mt. Zion Holly Grove, Indian Springs, New Providence, Sardis Monticello and other churches in Henry, Newton and Jasper Counties. His churches were greatly blessed of God under his ministrations. He baptized over two hundred people in the two churches. At Mt. Zion in 1848, he was elected moderator of the Association, and filled the position for three years. In 1854, he was again elected moderator and filed the place until his death. As presiding office, he was kind, gentle and conciliatory. As a preacher he was sound, earnest, pathetic and without his knowledge or consent. It was published, and had wide circulation. It is mentioned in the minutes of the State Convention. Though he devoted all of his time to the churches, and never tried to accumulate, yet God greatly blessed him in this world’s goods. It was at his house that Rev. Jesse Mercer died in 1841. Dr. Mercer came to the Springs on Friday, and though sick on Saturday, he went to hear his old friend and neighbor, and accepted his invitation to spend the night with him. He grew worse, and died on Monday, September 8th. James Carter never made but one serious mistake, and thousands of other men have done the same. He moved his family to Indian Springs to educate them. Here they contacted habits that brought great sorrow to the friends of their distinguished father. WILLIAM GRIFFIN MCMICHAEL W. G. McMichael was, without a doubt, the ablest sermonizer that ever preached in our Association. When a boy, he had the best education advantages the times afforded. He had a most logical mind, which was trained for forty years of close and painstaking study. He was born in Jasper County, August 2,1811. His parents were John and Ghitta McMichael. When their son was seven years old, they moved to what is now Butts County. The county then belonged to the Indians, but with the friendship of the celebrated John McIntosh, the Indian Chief, they were able to live in peace and security. His father and mother joined Bethel Church soon after its formation, but in 1837, they were excluded from that church because of missions, Bible Societies, etc. In 1838 they united with Macedonia Church by a profession of faith. The Lord greatly blessed this action of his servants, for a revival at once broke out, and John McMichael saw five of his children and an equal number of his slaves buried with Christ in Baptism. Besides these, there were about twenty of his neighbors who were added to the Lord. Of the number who were at that time baptized W. G. McMichael, J. H. Fielder, and “Preacher Pap”, a trusted and honored colored slave of John McMichael, became preachers of the glorious gospel of the Blessed Lord. W. G. McMichael had, indeed, experienced a change of heart during the great revival of 1828, but he hid his light under a bush for ten years. He now took an active work in church work, and to call on others to flee the “Wrath to come”. In 1843, he was licensed to preach wherever his lot might be cast. But he had a very poor opinion of his ability and qualifications. In fact, in his own mind the decision had matured that he would not. And then the bitter objection of Emily, his wife, made it easy to come to this conclusion. (He was so glad she objected). Shortly after this he attended a general Meeting at Towaliga. The preaching committee, on Friday before the noon recess, announced that Brother McMichael would preach in the afternoon. He tried to eat but he could not swallow, his heart was in his throat. “His horse must be watered.” He rode her off to water. But the wster was at home. “Mr. McMichael”, said his wife, why did you come home so soon? “Well”, he said after much stammering and hesitation, “The Committee announced that I should preach this afternoon, but as you were opposed to my preaching, I decided to come home.” A cloud gathered over Emily’s brow. As soon as convenient, she retired to the grove, and what happened in the grove was a secret that she carried to her grave, but when she returned, her face shown with more than its usual brightness, and her words seemed to have a strange sweetness. What made her so happy and cheerful when she was so sad and dejected? When she kissed her husband goodbye on Saturday morning, she remarked, “Mr. McMichael, if they ask you to preach today you must do so. If you refuse to do so because I object, it only shows you have a man fearing spirit. If you care more for my opinion than you do our Savior’s, you are, indeed, not worthy of him.” He made it late in reaching the church to make sure that preaching had commenced. Again, to his utter dismay and sorrow the committee announced before the noon recess that “Brother McMichael would preach that evening”. And again his heart was in his throat. Again, his horse needed water, and again, his horse was watered at home. No one could see deeper than the elect lady, and no one, at times had deeper regard for others than she did. She had no inquiries. The story was already her own. He heartily wished that she would ask him the reason for his early return, but she felt it was best that he should fight alone his battle with God and duty. On Sunday, Deacon Evans was on the lookout for his arrival. After our hero had gone into the house of God, Evans told his Negro boy to get the horse that was tied to a certain tree, and put him in the stable and lock the door, and bring him the key. Again, before the recess for dinner, the preaching committee announced that “Brother McMichael will preach this evening”. Again, after the midday meal, our brother’s horse needed water. But the horse was gone. “Sambo, have you seen a loose horse about the grounds?” said the distressed man of God. “You lookin’ for the horse dat was hitched to dat tree? Boss took and told me to put dat hoss in his stable and I done it”, said the innocent Negro. The battle was on. The good man walked in, with apparent aimless thought. Finally, the Brethren who were in the secret saw the man of God direct his steps toward a deep thicket. The good deacon, with tears coursing down his cheeks said, “The victory will be his.” Before the hour appointed for public worship had come, the form of W. G. McMichael emerged from the recesses of the deep wood. His face shone with a strange brightness, and his steps and words denoted that he had “Meat to eat that ye know not of.” He proceeded slowly with the text, but he gained strength and confidence. Soon his lack of fitness was forgotten, and as a dying man with a message to dying men, he delivered what God had given him. At the close, an invitation was extended for prayer, and members came forward. The meeting was protracted for a day or two, and seventeen people came forward and told what great things God had done for them; and were buried with Christ in Baptism Such was the beginning of his long and useful life in the Ministry. He was ordained at Macedonia Church in 1848, at the call of Indian Creek Church. On this also hangs a story. In 1848, the church at Indian Creek was in a very lukewarm spiritual state. Besides this, there was great internal disturbances. John T. Kimbell had served notice on the church that his labors could no longer be secured. Two devout and earnest sisters of the church had made the state of Zion in the community a subject of continual prayer to God. Aliens had broken down the wall and it seemed that the people had no mind to work, all that the Spirit of the Lord was with this preacher of his word. At the close of the services, they remarked modestly to each other, “That is our preacher”. Without saying anything to their husbands or anyone else, a day or two before the time appointed to call a preacher at Indian Creek, they rode around to see the sisters of the church. On the day appointed, there was a great attendance especially of the female members of the church. Not a male member of the church had been initiated into the secret of the “Conspiracy”. They were at sea. When the vote was declared, however, W. G. McMichael was overwhelmingly elected. In three years, 130 members were baptized into the fellowship of the church. There were for several months, a feeling among the men that in some way they had been strangely outwitted, but so faithfully did the sisters keep their own councils, that it was some time before the flashlight of publicity was let in on the strange conspiracy. But before that time, all were glad. The next church that called him was Bethlehem in Jasper County. In 1853, he organized Jackson Indian Spring for one year. Besides these, he served Sardis, McDonough, Rocky Creek, Zebulon and Hephzibah. In almost everyplace, he had the sanction of the Holy Spirit, and grew in favor of God and men. He preached to Union Church for several years. He often preached the introductory sermon at the Association; and was many times chairman of the leading committee. He was twice elected moderator of the Association, but he had no taste for the position and refused re-election. He Baptized about 1,300 people, nearly 400 of them being Pedo Baptists. He had a deep insight into human nature, and knew men under all circumstances. He was not only wise, but he was a great sympathizer with people in trouble. For clearness of thought and logical statement of truth, for strict adherence to principle and integrity of action, he had but few equals. He was a true man, a devoted husband, a kind father, and an obliging neighbor and a faithful and true friend. Macedonia is truly fortunate to receive from Mrs. J. F. Cain of Savannah, Georgia the history just read, which was written by her father, Rev. G. W. Wood, deceased about the second year Rev. Barry Lee served the church in 1903. Rev. Wood was well known by the writer, who boarded with him and his family at Sunny Side, Georgia. When a young man Brother Wood was not only big in body but in heart and mind and purpose. He timidly mentioned his own name as called to Macedonia for 1900, but was recalled for 1901. Besides faithfully service for a long time, he spent much time in searching church records in order to publish their history with the history of Flint River Association. We regret that he did not live long enough to carry out the longing of his heart. Macedonia the next meeting will no doubt express its appreciation by vote of thanks to Mrs. Cain for the manuscript. From this point in the century, 1803, we have no records up to February of 1907 while Rev. Sharp was Pastor, but brother W. F. Duke, Sr., distinctly remembers with others that Rev. Wood served two years in 1900 and 1901; then Rev. Barry Lee served three years, 1902, 1903, and 1904; then Rev. Crowder Mays served for one year, 1905; the Rev. W. O. Sharp became pastor in 1906 and continued to 1910, so that during his ministry the records were destroyed by fire in the home of Clerk McMichael, and began anew with February 1907. According to the record in hand the committee to rewrite the church roll from memory were: J. M. King, Mrs. Ghitta Cook, Mrs. Mollie Trapp, A. M. Pace, A. M. Watkins, J. M. Stewart, and W. A. White, Jr. The church is on record for paying for Sunday School literature for a number of years. The minutes of September, 1907 show a vote of thanks to Indian Springs for a communion set, and later in December, 1918, a vote of thanks to Brother L. L. Greer for a silver set. In September, 1910, thirty members were charged with non-attendance. All during the last quarter of the century up to recent years at least, the church showed much zeal in looking after non-attendance and on one occasion, withdrew fellowship from eight members. In July, 1911, the record shows an unusual deed on the part of Brother J. L. Barnes, when the church gave him privilege to build a small house on church grounds for Sister Catherine Holifield to live in and at her death the house to be used by the church. This house seems to have been late by the housekeeper for part pay and then sold in 1917 to the highest bidder and the money used for new seats in the church. In August 1911, the church voted to build the present house of worship. The building committee were A. M. Watkins, J. A. King, W. B. Kimbell, J. L. Barnes and W. A. White. The record shows that more than $800.00 was subscribed the following month and the next summer with the unrecorded gifts in days of service and otherwise by a number of members, the committee was led by J. A. King, deceased, who pressed the work to an early completion and fell on sleep himself, the house being ready for his funeral. Pastor Jackson highly praised this committee and especially J. A. King, the builder. The building committee was discharged with thanks in December, 1912, reporting a balance of $54.69 in the treasury which was used for seating the house, voting to go on cash basis, hence it was not dedicated until 2nd Saturday in August 1914. Pastor Barron preached the dedicatory sermon by request of the church. During the same summer, the church had a good revival and the following year, 1915, in Rev. Barron’s ministry nearly fifty members were added by baptism. A piano was bought and placed in the church May 1917, at a cost of $290.00 In March, 1919, the church passed a resolution on holding called conferences, viz; ‘That if it be necessary to have a called conference, be it resolved by the church in conference, a called conference shall be published for two weeks, and no other business considered only that stated in call.” The church was painted in 1919 at the cost of $298.98. It was also during the ministry of Rev. Bonner in 1919 that the church put in the present light system at a cost of $246.00; the following year built a cement pool at a cost of about $100.00, and moved up to two Sundays a month for a while, as during the pastorate of Arthur Jackson, but gave up one Sunday later at the suggestion of the pastor that he might serve another church. Theodore Thaxton was ordained in 1920. The same year about one half of the church took part in the 75-million campaign, but owing to the depression in finances that came later, only a few paid up in full and some in part. Rev. Parrish and Rev. Walter served the church one year each after Rev. Bonner resigned and then the writer’s ministry began in 1925. After one year’s service and a fine revival and in gatherings of about 32 members, sided by Singer C. W. Grindle in the summer, the church called it present pastor indefinitely. Deacon A. M. Pace has wrought well as leader of the Sunday School but resigned during the centennial year so we begin the second century with Brother Fred H. Morgan as leader. Brother W. A. White is present clerk of the church (better known as Cap White). He is a busy, timid man but the church may count on its records for the beginning of the new century. The W.M.U. is wisely led by Mrs. Fred H. Morgan who is doing a fine work. The union also has the auxiliary societies. Our B.Y.P.U. was organized in 1920 with A. C. Perdue as President and has been in a struggle for life a number of times, but continues to function under the leadership of Deacon Clifford Kimbell. Rev. Wood’s history shows that the church licensed and ordained a goodly number of preachers during the first half of the century, but only one during the last quarter, namely Rev. Theodore Thaxton in October, 1920. The deacons of the church are J.M.T. Mayo, A. M. Pace, A. M. Watkins, W. A. White, Clifford Kimbell, and Eddie Hilley. The church has a worker’s council which consist of all officers of the church, officers, leaders and teachers of all organizations within and controlled by the church whose purpose is (1) to take the initiative for all good and right and best things possible for the church according to each individual gift and ability. (2) To seek and give mutual co-operation to every officer, leader and teacher; also mutual sympathy and co-operation in every department of the church. (3) To make God’s revealed plan for building His Kingdom and church their individual plan. (4) To pray them all through as we pray “Thy Kingdom Come.” From 1935 to 1939 Rev. H. E. Gaddy served as pastor. Meeting days every second Sunday. W. A. White served as church clerk until March, 1936 at this time he resigned. Otho Morgan was elected Clerk April, 1936. Serving as Sunday School Superintendent during his ministry was B. A. Williams and A. A. Cook, B.Y.P.U. leaders were Mr. And Mrs. B. A. Williamson, Mrs. Lloyd White, Mrs. John Cook and Otho Morgan. It was first called Baptist Training Union in 1938. The first Director was Mrs. John Cook. Church Treasurer was T. E. Watkins. A number of men were ordained to be deacons during Gaddy’s ministry, they were as follows: B.A. Williamson, Andrew Cook, E. W. Cook, Bennie Cook, B. Y. Lunsford, Mercer Hodges, Otho Morgan and W. L. White. They were ordained November 13, 1938. Brother W. A. White, deacon and church clerk, for a number of years died September 12,1938. A memorial was written for him and appears in our church minutes. There were several improvements made during his ministry. The church was painted, a new roof was put on, swinging doors were put between entrance hall and the auditorium. Sunday School room were added on each side of the auditorium in 1936 at a cost of $1,300.00. Retirement plan for Pastor was adopted April 1939. The church began Wednesday night prayer service in 1938. The church hired Bro. Tim Cook to keep the cemetery for 12 1/2 cents an hour. The church received 82 members into its fellowship during Bro. Gaddy’s ministry. We lost 16 by death and 15 were dismissed to unite with other churches. Our membership at the end of his ministry was 376. Sunday School enrollment 151, average attendance 52. The value of the church property was $3,500.00. Pastor’s salary $300.00, church yearly expenses $1,574.33. I must not forget to mention a very important – electric lights were put in the church also during his ministry in the year 1938. May, 1939 to August 1942, Rev. J. S. Hayes served as pastor. This is the second time he has served our church. The Pastor’s salary was raised $4.00 a month to pay expenses for attending prayer services on Wednesday night. The church adopted the Gods Acre Plan and used it. The proceeds from the crops being used to help pay church expenses. Paid a housekeeper $5.00 a month to keep the church. The church took out insurance policy on the church with Mr. Add Nutt, premium $62.50 per year. Amount of insurance $2,500.00. Additions to the church by Baptism 24, by letter 15. We lost 11 by death and 26 united with other churches. We had one erasure. Our Sunday School became a Graded School in 1941. Otho Morgan served as Church Clerk, A. A. Cook Sunday School Superintendent, Mrs. John Cook Training Union Director, Treasurer T. E. Watkins, W.M.U. Presidents Mrs. F. H. Morgan, Mrs. Van Jones and Mrs. Lloyd White. W.M.U. enrollment 21 women and a total of all organizations of 39. The Sunday School enrollment was 141 average attendance of 53. Training Union enrollment 41. The Music Director of the church was V. L. Jinks. Pastor’s salary at the close of Bro. Hayes’ ministry was $325.00. total expenses for year $1,044.92. Total church membership was 325. Value of church property at $3,500.00. In 1943 Loyd Amason was called and served until 1947. He resigned to enter the Seminary. In 1944 the churched moved from half-time to full-time services. Additional Sunday School rooms built, a new pastorium built at a cost of $4000.00 and a baptistery installed. Amason baptized 64 and 23 added by letter, making the total membership 435. Sunday School enrollment 145; W.M.U. 57; Training Union 62; Mission Gifts $1,106.72; pastor’s salary $1,200.00; church property valued at $11,500.00. From 1947 to 1950 Robert G. Hartman served as pastor. The first Brotherhood organized and some improvements were made to the church property. A new heating system installed; the church sheet rocked and painted inside. Church property valued at $12,500.00. Pastor’s salary $2600.00. The Sunday School enrollment 156; Training Union 58; W. M. U. 51; Brotherhood 23; mission gifts $754.03; Baptisms 19; added by letter 4, losses by death and other reasons 9. In September, 1950, W. G. Adams came as interim pastor and served until May 1951. Walter G. Blackwell called in June, 1951 and served until March, 1952. During this time improvements to church property increased the value. A room added to the pstorium. 1952 was the first year the church had a planned budget. The pastor’s salary $3000.00; mission gifts $1400.00. Edgar Welch served from 1952 to 1958. The Sunday School annex built on back of the church in 1953, costing $6,600.00. Some other improvements – a new lighting system installed, a new roof on the church house in 1955. The Bulletin service begun in 1957. The pastorium painted inside and out and a brick bulletin board built in 1958. The Sunday School enrollment 245; Training Union 76; W.M.U. 58; Brotherhood 25 men and 27 boys. During Mr. Welch’s ministry we had 85 baptisms and 28 additions by letter. We lost 71 by letter and death. The adopted budget $10,732.00. The value of the church property $40,000.00. The pastor’s salary $4,200.00. The total resident church member 352 and the non-resident 95. Dr. G. L. McGinty, retired president of Tift College, served as interim pastor until Mr. T. H. Wilder came in 1959. Much progress made during his ministry. Pastor’s salary raised to $5,520.00 by the end of his pastorate. In 1960, the Sunday School annex constructed costing $18,631.00. A library started with about 400 books. The rotating system of electing deacons began in 1971; a public address system installed in 1961; the Forward Program of Church Finance adopted and put into practice. The church had the first community survey in 1962. A part time secretary employed for the first time. Our first “Youth Revival” held in 1963. First water cooler installed in 1963. At the end of his pastorate the gifts to missions amounted to $2,962.00 for the year 1964. The approved budget $15,875.00. Sunday School enrollment 262; Training Union 101; Brotherhood 44; W.M.U. 80; resident church members 305; non-resident members 106. The church property valued at $53,000.00. We had 107 tithers and the church library had grown to 620 books. He baptized 27 people while pastoring this church. Mr. Wilder resigned in January 1964. Rev. William F. Thomas called in February, 1964. On May 25,1965 the entire church building was destroyed by fire caused by lightning, leaving only the brick Sunday School annex which was built in 1960. The property value was reduced to $27,000.00. Total given for missions $692.00. Cooperative Program gifts suspended for a while. At the end of 1966, the new church building was completed. The church had a total indebtedness of $125,00.00. The church property valued at $200,000.00. The church sent Rev. Thomas on a preaching mission to Alaska for two weeks. We purchased 3 ½ acres of land for $1,000.00. (New pastorium built on this land in 1968). A slide projector purchased. Total debt at end of 1967, $144,000.00. Gifts to the Cooperative Program were resumed. Mission expenditures amounted to nearly $2,000.00 for the year. Rev. Thomas resigned in May, 1968. By this time he had baptized 90 converts. Tithers numbered 110; resident members 358; non-resident members 96; Sunday School enrolling 285; Training Union 114; Brotherhood 61; W.M.U. 76. The church property at this time valued at $210,000.00. Rev. T. H. Wilder served as the interim pastor from May, 1968 until July, 1968, when Rev. R. W. Jenkins was called. In 1968, the Long Range Planning Program as reactivated. The budget $37,000.00, the pastor’s salary raised to $6,048, and the church property valued at $250,000.00. There were 11 baptisms and 12 additions by letter in 1968. The tithers numbered 110; Sunday School members 290; Training Union 159; Brotherhood 61; W.M.U. 76; and the cooperative program gifts $812.00. The total given for missions $1,946.00. The library grew to 918 books, with various filmstrips, slides, “Church Musician” records, and “Teaching and Training” records. The Housekeeper’s salary is $83.33 per month as compared with $5.00 per month in 1940. Rev. R. W. Jenkins was called August, 1968. Rev. Jenkins resigned in March, 1977. Under his leadership 206 members were added. A monthly mail-out was sent to all members. We purchased 4.5 acres land. The brick bulletin board was erected. Rev and Mrs. Jenkins were sent to the Holy Land in March, 1975 by the church. The parking lot was paved in February, 1976. The church celebrated its 150th anniversary with celebration services held on September 9, 10, and 12, 1976 The main speakers were Georgia’s Lt. Governor, Zell Miller, Dr. Louis D. Newton and Dr. Grady Cauthen. V. L. Jinks was Music director until 1947 and Harold Standard served from 1947 until 1971. We had two part-time Ministers of Music. Tom King was called in February, 1970 and resigned in February, 1971. Gerald Dimsdale served from February 21,1971 until March 1973 at which time he entered seminary in New Orleans. Thomas Morton was ordained by Reverend T. H. Wilder and Edgar Welch on September 10,1972. On April 21,1973 Rev. William P. Whitlatch was called as full time Assistant Pastor, Youth and Music. He resigned in August, 1976 to enter seminary. In 1974 the church purchased a bus. Donald W. Thurman was called as Music Director and Minister of Youth in August, 1976. He resigned January 11,1978 and left May, 1978. Rev Maxie Threatt served from May 8,1977 until July 15, 1985 to go to First Baptist of Gordon, Georgia. During his ministry 58 were baptized and 88 received by letter. The budget grew from $70,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year. The pews were cushioned and new carpet put in the sanctuary. A trust fund of $30,000.00 was established for the Macedonia Cemetery in March, 1985. We purchased 5.8 acres of land for $5,800.00 which included the old baptistery in May, 1984. This made the total acreage 22.015. (We purchased a new van and a replacement bus for the use of the church in September, 1983. A new room and bath were added to the old pastorium). A bus shed was built in February, 1983. A used organ was purchased in September, 1982. Bethany Church of Henry County donated concrete picnic tables via George Stanfield August, 1982. A note burning for the church was held February, 1981. The new pastorium was paid off August, 1983. Mike Feltman served as Minister of Music and Religious Activities from September 24,1978 until March 1,1981 to accept a similar position at the First Baptist of Madison. Hurley Hughes was called as Minister of Music and Religious Activities July 26,1981. He served until June 9,1982 to accept a position in Alabama. In September, 1982, Allen Byars accepted the Interim Minister of Music until December 1982. Gary Hollis was called as Minister of Music and Religious Activities in January, 1983. He served through December, 1984. Byars was called January, 1984 through October 1984. Carmen Pritchard served again June, 1985 through August, 1985. Byrd Wyatt was called as Interim Minister of Music January, 1985 through September, 1985. Beth Childs served as Children’s Director from September, 1984 through June, 1985. Allen Byars was called as Interim Minister of Music September, 1985 until present. Rev. Edgar Welch was called as Interim pastor July 28, 1985 and served through March 1986. Under his leadership a Building Committee was elected to build a new Fellowship Hall, classrooms, and renovation of old educational building. Rev. John Waller was called in March, 1986 and he began his ministry Easter Sunday, March 30,1986. During the months of June, 1986 and July, 1986 Ellen Whiting was called as a Summer Youth Worker OLDEST LIVING MEMBERS OF MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH The following are the oldest living members of Macedonia Baptist church. They are listed by name and the year they joined the church. These faithful have been, and are an inspiration to all of us today. We extend our grateful appreciation to each one of them. Those listed are from 1949 back. John F. Cook 1911 Nellie Singley 1914 Lucile Cook 1917 Vadie Pulliam 1922 Mary Lou Biles 1924 Sara Stewart 1924 Bailey Jones 1925 Elsie Hardy 1928 RalphCook 1925 Mary Lou Morgan 1930 Ruth White 1931 Inez Sanders 1933 Luther Biles 1934 Sara Frances Biles 1933 Mildred Polk 1933 Otho Morgan 1934 Carolyn Morgan 1936 John W. Cook 1931 Evelyn Cook 1935 McKibben White 1936 Charles Clark 1938 Ruth Thaxton 1935 Grace Cawthon 1934 Wilber Thaxton 1939 Harold Standard 1937 Willie St. John 1937 Billie Moore 1938 Thelma Morgan 1938 Evelyn Price 1936 Brac Hodges, Jr. 1936 Bami Cook 1938 Haywood Hodges 1936 Ethyl Brown 1935 Jeannette Briscoe 1943 James Biles 1944 Ruth Tante 1944 Anna Lois Cawthon 1945 Merlene Thompson 1945 Allen Duke 1945 Virginia Foster 1940 Sarah Cook 1949 Gerald Hamlin 1944 Barron Hamlin 1945 Hershell Leverette 1942 Jackie Leverette 1949 Hester Levereette 1949 Marvin Standard 1948 Charlie Stewart 1945 Willis McClure 1947 Sara McClure 1947 Gwen Mitchell 1944 Cleveland Norsworthy 1945 Oscar Young 1945 PASTORS 1826 –1827 Rev. Moses D. White Rev. John Reeves 1827-1835 No Record 1835-1841 Rev. James Carter 1841-1847 No Record 1847-1854 Rev. W. G. McMichael 1854-1856 Joint Pastors – Rev. W. G. McMichael and Rev. James Carter 1856-1868 No Record 1868-1869 Rev. John Mayo 1869-1873 Rev. James G. Kimbell 1873-1875 Rev. Jaspet Dickerson 1876-1877 Rev. J. A. Gunn 1877-1879 Rev. Jesse Mays 1879-1899 Rev. W. G. McMichael 1899-1900 Rev. J. A. Jackson 1900-1902 Rev. G. W. Wood 1902-1905 Rev. Barry Lee 1905-1906 Rev. Crower Mays 1906-1910 Rev. W. O. Sharp 1910-1913 Rev. Arthur Jackson 1914-1916 Rev. Z. E. Barron 1916-1923 Rev. J. A. Bonner 1923-1924 Rev. J. A. Parrish 1924-1925 Rev. W. F. Pate 1924-1929 Rev. I. G. Walker 1930-1933 Rev. G. A. Smith 1934-1935 Rev. J. S. Hayes 1935-1939 Rev. H. E. Gaddy 1939-1942 Rev. J. S. Hayes 1943-1947 Rev. L. H. Amason 1947-1950 Rev. R. S. Hartman 1950-1951 Rev. W. S. Adams 1951-1952 Rev. W. M. Blackwell 1952-1958 Rev. Ed Welch 1959-1964 Rev. T. H. Wilder 1964-1968 Rev. William F. Thomas 1968-1977 Rev. R. W. Jenkins 1977-1985 Rev. Maxie Threatt 1986- Rev. John Waller File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/butts/churches/gbb98earlyhis.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 44.9 Kb