UPSON COUNTY, GA - CHURCHES Macdeonia Baptist Church

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:
Upson Historical Society  Feb 2002 issue
MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH

This great and historic congregation was
founded on the 7th day of May in 1870.
With the Civil War decided and
emancipation a potent reality, the black
members of the Thomaston Baptist Church
[now First Baptist] determined that it ws
in God's will that they establish their
own church.

Forty men and women requested their
letters of membership.  Familiar names
like Trice, Zorn, Walker, Holloman,
Sherman, Cobb, Drake, King, Dicekerson,
Worthy, Sandwich, Woodson and Reeves dot
this list.

Next followed 13 silent years. Records of
the church's location are gone with the
dusts of history.  Newspapers indicate
that there were no black school buildings
at that time, and it is generally believed
that the churches also did duty as school
houses.

The first property record reveals that on
June 16, 1883, Moses Cameron, a charter
member of the church, deeded to Jerry
Worthy, Jesse Holliman, and William King,
deacons, for and in consideration of the
sum of $30.00, lot number 216 containing
one half acre.

The first paster of this congregation,
Claude Gilmore, perhaps one of the
greatest orators of his day, put Macedonia
on th emap. [Claude Gilmore was born in
Indian Spring, Georgia. He served more
than 20 years and baptized more than 2000
converts and married 1500 couples before
his death in 1897.

W.M. Watts born a slave in Monroe County,
but self educated, he served 25 years.

I.S. Mack, a native of Pike County,
arrived in 1920 and served seven years
giving Macedonia great leadership.

Under the leadership of pastor H.M.
Alexander, the present Macedonia building
was erected. [2002]

By 1960 the officers of the church felt it
strong enought to support a full-time
minister and program. Across the years
this congregation has helped to send
worthy young people to college.