Our History

A Historical Perspective Macedonia Baptist Church Mount Vernon, New York "We've come this far by Faith"

By Henry G. Wiggs, Former Chairman, Board of Trustees

In a few minutes I shall attempt to fill in some of the space between 1913 and 2003. The space is filled with faith, hope, love, truth, trust, meetings and some discussions too! 90 years ago a group of 10 persons held a meeting at 111 West Third Street to discuss the organizing of a church. It was a cold night on the 16th of February 1913. The group consisted of the organizing Pastor, the Rev. J. D. Morris, Deacon John Rollins, Sisters Maggie Bell, Eleanor Chavis, Laura Fuller, Rebecca Collins and Addie Samuel.

On April 1914, Macedonia moved to 158 South Eighth Avenue. In 1916, Macedonia moved to 201 South Ninth Avenue. Rev. Lynwood Bush was the second pastor and Rev. Mark Lynch was the third pastor. Under Rev. Lynch's leadership, a dwelling house at 141 South Ninth Avenue was purchased and renovated for worship services. In April 1918, Rev. Rinico Nelson became the fourth pastor. Under Dr. Nelson's leadership, Macedonia started making plans to build a new church. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 7, 1922.