Our Church History

In 1932 a group of people. Chaired by Brother Robert Dennis, were inspired to establish a place in which, to worship our Heavenly Father. After discussions and consultations with the late Rev. Samuel L. Hunt, a storefront on Beach 84th Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard was rented. Brother Dennis supplied the initial financial assistance for the rental of space, utilities and the purchase of sixteen chairs and pews. This was the birth of the Macedonia Baptist Church. The name Macedonia was selected by Rev. Hunt.

Rev. Hunt was asked to be the shepherd of this flock but was unable to accept at that time. Brother Dennis traveled to Philadelphia to seek Rev. McCloud, who accepted the responsibility and began to organize the church.

Progress was made. In 1933, Rev. McCloud stated that his work was completed as the leader of this church. With determination and spirit, the congregation sent out a call for a minister. Rev. Ansley answered the call. 

Under his leadership, Macedonia moved into a better meeting place at 84th Street and Barry Place. Rev. Ansley brought with him a professor of music and they organized a Jubilee Choir, which was later named the Senior Choir. With divine guidance, the church progressed.

Rev. Ansley decided that his work at Macedonia was finished. Thus, another call went out for a leader. 

Always ready to carry out the Lord's work. Rev. Hunt came forward and lead the people of Macedonia for six months. After serving the church so well, a motion was made, a vote taken and Rev. Samuel L. Hunt became the Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church. When Rev. Hunt became ill and took a leave of absence, Rev. Williams, of Brooklyn, presided in his place. 

Hearing and answering the prayers and supplications of Macedonia, God sent Rev. Hunt back to us. 

We then moved to a storefront on Beach 83rd Street. However, due to the conditions of the building, we were unable to stay there and we again moved to another storefront on Barry 

Place. 

The church became incorporated in 1944 under the leadership of Rev. Hunt. We prospered so well that in 1945 we decided to purchase our own property at 83-02 Beach Channel Drive. This was truly a joyous occasion. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in 1945 and on October 19, 1947, we had our grand opening ceremony. God continued to bless us. The church was badly damaged by fire in 1949, but was repaired, restored and renovated - this was achieved because of our faith and determination. We were able to return to our premises in one year. Macedonia grew in leaps and bounds. 

Under the leadership of Rev. Hunt, Macedonia's membership increased to 300- We organized a Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Praying Band, Sunday School, Usher Board, Missionary Board, Deaconess Board and the Hunt Gospel Chorus. We were able to purchase a piano and a public address system. 

Rev. Hunt was again stricken with illness in 1963 and Rev. Julius Miller was asked to preside. Arrangements were made for the ordination service of Rev. Julius Miller, which took place on September 25, 1963. 

After enduring a long illness. Rev. Hunt departed this life on January 7,1965. The church mourned for a period of six months. After the mourning period, the official Board thought it time to get another leader. On July 19,1965, two ministers were nominated for the Pastoral position at Macedonia. The two ministers were Rev. Julius Miller and Rev. Lee of Grace Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY. On July 26,1965, we held the election with the late Rev. Thomas F. Mason, of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Rockaway Beach, as Moderator. 

Rev. Julius Miller was elected Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church by a majority vote. 

Under Rev. Miller's leadership, Macedonia grew physically and spiritually. New auxiliaries were organized: The Women's Industrial League, The Male Chorus, The Gospel Pearls, The Julius Miller Cathedral Choir, The Nurses Unit and the Thomasina Miller Intermediate Choir. 

Through God’s continued blessings, we purchased a new site on Beach 67th Street to erect a new place of worship. The groundbreaking service was held on January 18, 1976. 

Rev. Julius Miller and the late Rev. James Marshmond, who departed this life on March 17, 1988. worked diligently together to carry on the Lord's work. Through divine guidance, and the dedication of these men, we continued to make progress. The first service in our new church, now located at 330 Beach 67 Street, was held on May 7,1978. Rev. Mason presided and Rev. Timothy Mitchell, of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Flushing, preached the “Dedication” sermon.

Brother Robert Dennis, our primary founder, departed this life on April 28,1980. On May 5,1980, Macedonia Baptist Church was physically damaged by fire second time. We continued on spiritually and services were still held in the main sanctuary of the damaged church, in the name of the Lord. 

God has called many from among us to do a special work. The callings were as follows: 

April, 1967, Brother Willie James Kinsey was ordained a Deacon,

September 13,1981, Brother Ellis Gordon was ordained a Deacon. 

September 12,1982, Brothers James Bowman and Alfred Jones, Jr. were ordained Deacons. 

March 14,1982, Brother Harold Moorer delivered his trial sermon.

August 15, 1982, Brother Evan Dean Gray delivered his trial sermon. 

August 19,1984, Brother James Turner delivered his trial sermon. 

April 13.1986, Brother Larry Shell was ordained a Deacon. 

September 21,1986, Deacon Clyde Shell delivered his trial sermon. 

March 21,1987, Minister James Turner was ordained a Reverend.

August 16,1987, Deacon Larry Shell delivered his trial sermon. 

May 26,1988, Ministers Junior Myers (who joined us on May 6, 1984) and Clyde Shell were ordained as Reverends. 

October 16,1988, Sister Alberta Coulter delivered her trial sermon and became Evangelist Alberta Coulter. 

January 15,1989, Brother Percy Brown was ordained a Deacon. 

December 16,1990, Brother Wade Ervin was ordained a Deacon. 

March 10,1991, Brother Anthony Nisbett was ordained a Deacon. 

God has blessed us physically and financially. We were able to pay off our mortgage on June 20, 1984 and purchase an air conditioning system in 1985. 

On Sunday, August 20,1989, we had a service for the unveiling of our comer stone. The late Rev. Bobby Hodges, Pastor of Scriptural Baptist Church, St. Albans, NY presided. 

On November 13, 1986, the Lord saw fit to call our former First Lady, Sis. Thomasina Miller, home to rest from her labor. The church was saddened by her sudden demise, but we know that God is too wise to make a mistake. After a period of mourning, the Lord blessed Rev. Miller with a help meet, Sis. Maggie Stoves Miller, on January 16, 1988. 

After celebrating 25 years of pastoral leadership, Rev. Dr., Miller was hospitalized in October of 1990. On February 8,1991, he was called home to receive his just reward. Again, the church was very saddened but succumbed to God's will. 

Macedonia mourned the passing of Rev. Miller for six months. The unveiling service, for the Late Pastor Miller, was held on August 18, 1991, with Rev. Jack Marks, Pastor, of St. John Baptist Church, Inwood, officiating. 

A Pulpit Committee was set up on August 26,1991 to begin the search for a Pastor. During the time the church was searching for a Pastor, Deacon Anthony Nisbett addressed the church body and asked for permission to organize a scholarship committee in the name of the late Pastor. The purpose of this committee is to assist our young people who are continuing their education beyond high school (specifically college). Permission was granted. Thus, the Rev. Dr. Julius Miller Scholarship Committee was established. 

The search for a pastor continued. Guest ministers were invited to preach for a period of five months. A meeting was held on June 8, 1992 for the purpose of choosing a leader for our church. By majority vote, the church elected to place two of our associate ministers, Rev. Evan D. Gray and Minister Larry Shell, on the ballot for Pastor. The election was held on Monday, June 29,1992. By a majority vote. Rev. Evan D. Gray was elected Pastor. On Sunday, October 18, 1992, Rev. Gray was officially installed as the Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church. 

Under Rev. Gray's leadership, the following events have taken place: 

Sis. Mamie Roberts preached her trial sermon on Sunday, March 7,1993. On this day Sis. Roberts became Evangelist Mamie Roberts. 

On Sunday, March 28,1993, Bro. Grayon Lee was ordained as a Deacon. 

On Sunday, June 20, 1993, Minister Larry Shell was ordained and became Reverend Larry Shell. 

Under Reverend Gray's leadership, in 1994, the Women's Club of Macedonia Baptist Church was organized and is now known as the Women's Ministry, the Youth Department was reinstituted, restructured and rebuilt and an annual 'Deacon and Trustee Day' was instituted. Three members of the Macedonia church family preached trial sermons to gain licensure to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, Sis. Julie Hazel, Sis. Yvonne Mitchell and Deacon Grayon Lee. Each of the three members became licensed as ministers in September of 1994. Another member of the church family was ordained a Deacon in October of 1995, Bro. L. B. Johnson. In November of 1995 Sis. Marva Riley-Palin preached her trial sermon and became Minister Marva Riley-Palin. 

On the third Sunday, March 17, 1996, a Rendering service for the unveiling of our proposed new edifice was held. 

In the early part of 1996, an expansion project was suggested and brought to the church to rebuild, enhance and increase our building and sanctuary. This vision was that of our Pastor, Rev. Evan D. Gray, Sr. In keeping with this expansion project, Macedonia Baptist Church purchased the lot across the street in the Spring of 1997. 

On Sunday, August 17,1997. Brothers Herman Callands and Alfred Campbell were tested, tried and passed to officially become ordained Deacons of the Macedonia Baptist Church. 

Deacon Alfred Jones, Jr., preached his initial sermon on Sunday, September 6,1998. After preaching and receiving the church's unanimous acceptance. Deacon Jones became Minister Jones. After visiting the church for an extended period of time, Janice Litchmore joined Macedonia in the later part of 1998. After attending Macedonia for several months, it was explained, by Pastor Gray, that Sis. Litchmore was in fact an Evangelist and had been attending and ministering in a church in Deer Park, LI. On the second Sunday in April, 1998, Rev. Gray stated that he had been in touch with the former Pastor of Evangelist Litchmore, he had gotten a good report and officially invited Evangelist Janice Litchmore to join him and the other Associate Ministers of Macedonia to the pulpit. Yet, another was called into the ministry under Rev. Gray. On Sunday, April 11,1999, Sis. Sheila R. Smart preached her initial sermon and became Minister Sheila R. Smart. 

In June of 1999 the lot purchased for the expansion project was completely paid off. Preparation for the clearing, fencing and usage of the lot as a parking facility is in place and said work is expected to begin in the very near future. 

Later in the year, 1999, Rev. Gray organized and instituted a Mothers Board for the church. 

On December 19,1999, Rev. Gilbert Pickett, Pastor of Mt Horeb Baptist Church, Corona, NY, preached the first consecration Service of the Mother Board. Sisters Bridie Alien, Irene Boone, Bertha Council, Otelia Kinsey, Came B. Shell, Irene Sullivan, Carolyn Webb, and Essie Winston were the eight members of the Mother Board and Sis. Virginia Hugee became a member of the Deaconess Board. 

The period from March 20, 2000 to April 14, 2000, the main sanctuary underwent renovation and reconstruction. As a result, a new face was put on the pulpit area, a sound room was constructed in the rear of the church, new and multi-purpose sound equipment was purchased and installed and a Kurz-Weill piano and a new drum set were also purchased. 

On Sunday, April 30. 2000, Min. Marva Riley-Palin passed an oral exam elevating her from | Minister Marva Riley-Palin to Rev. Marva Riley-Palin. 

On April 8, 2001, a second Consecration Service was held. Sisters Clearest Deverow and Willie Mae Mosely became members of the Mother Board and Sis. Eve Latimore became a member of the Deaconess Board. 

On Sunday. March 17, 2002. Bro. Errol Hylton was tested, tried and proved to be knowledgeable about the Word of God and became an ordained Deacon. His wife, Sis. Lisa Hylton, was consecrated and became a member of the Deaconess Board on the same day. In this same year some: members of the church approached Rev. Gray to have an 8:00 AM choir for the 8:00 AM service. In September of 2002, The Voices of Praise became an official choir of the Macedonia Baptist Church. 

Early in the year '2003 the Senior Choir and the Hunt Gospel Chorus merged and was named the Senior/Hunt/Coulter Choir. The renaming was due to the; merger of the two choirs and to honor the memory of the Late Senior Deacon Charles Coulter. 

On Saturday, June 7. 2003, Ministers Yvonne Mitchell, Alfred Jones: Jr. and Sheila R. Smart were tried, tested and elevated to Ordained Ministers. Each of them were ordained as follows: 

Rev. Sheila R. Smart on Sunday, June 29, 2003 

Rev. Alfred Jones, Jr. on Sunday, July 27.2003 

Rev. Yvonne Mitchell on Sunday, August 10,2003 

On Sunday, August 3,2003, two brothers were tried, tested and elevated to that of Deacons, Michael Haynes and Frazier Matthews. 

Sunday, August 31, 2003. Brother Kenneth Outing was ordained a Deacon and Sis. Ladesha Outing was consecrated as a Deaconess. 

On Sunday. May 23, 2004. Bro. Anthony McDaniel was tested, tried and successfully became an Ordained Deacon of the Macedonia Baptist Church. Sis. Sheila Yvette McDaniel was consecrated as a Deaconess in the same service. 

After many meetings and discussions regarding the construction of a Senior Citizen Residential facility. On Sunday. July 24, 2005. Macedonia Baptist Church had the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the Macedonia Senior Citizen Complex. 

On Sunday. April 30, 2006. Brothers Nelson Winston and William Watts were ordained Deacons of the Macedonia Baptist Church. 

During our 2006 & 2007 years of celebration, these ministries have become active: E. D. Gray Praise Dance, Youth 4 Christ, & EDG Ensemble. On October 29, 2012, Superstorm Sandy impacted the Eastern seaboard and devastated New York. The entire lower level of Macedonia was destroyed along with other areas of the building. We were unable to use the building for six months and we conducted services in P.S. 42 for two months and for the next four months we conducted out services at New Hope Baptist Church. When we did return to the sanctuary we were without heat for an entire year. We are thankful for the faithful and dedicated members that persevered and continued to trust God. We were able to not only restore but completely renovate our lower level for $317,000 that we raised without the help of FEMA. This money was raised from our membership along with donations from The Empire Baptist Missionary Convention and The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. To God be the Glory! 

In March of 2020 we were faced with the global pandemic COVID-19. Once again, along with all other churches we had to close our doors of the building temporarily. Thankfully, as a result of the Media Ministry that Pastor Gray started in 2018, we were able continuously spread The Word of God throughout this time when not only our members, but everyone needed it most. We streamed our services over Facebook live, YouTube and our church website as well. COVID impacted our ability to gather in person in the sanctuary but to allowed us to reach people beyond our geographic location and spread throughout this world, including those across our nation, Jamaica, WI, and England. Pastor Gray was hospitalized during the early stages of this pandemic but Thanks be to God he made a miraculous recovery. God in his infinite wisdom chose to call home from their labor to their reward several of our members during this difficult time while others were hospitalized and even on ventilators and recovered.

On Sunday, July 30, 2022 Pastor Gray Ordained Rev. Oliver D. Jordan and Rev. Errol A. Hylton

On Sunday, August 7, Pastor Gray Ordained Deacon David W. Moore.

Though we continue to have our trials and tribulations, our ups and downs, our good times and bad times, we know that through it all, we can and will depend on God to see us through. 

The Macedonia Baptist Church was founded and built on the WORD of God. Jesus Christ, the Solid Rock. We solicit the earnest prayers of the righteous that we truly allow Christ to be the Head of our body and the “Chief Cornerstone" of our temple as we go forth. 

We, the Pastor and Macedonia Family, thank God for his continuous blessings for these 90 years 

Rest assured that we will continue to bless the Lord at all times and His praise shall continually be in our mouths. (Psalms 34:1) 

Respectfully submitted this 28thday of August, 2022

MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH 

Sister Tonia Fiorito-Williams, Church Clerk

Overseer Evan Dean Gray, Sr., Pastor