To help get this started ER Shipp documented this in the Heritage of Rockdale County, GA book published 1998:

The Macedonia Baptist Church has been located on Barton Street since the 1890s. But its origins go back to 1873 in the Tanyard Branch area, where the faithful worshiped in a brush arbor - a tent like shelter made of tress branches loosely joined together. Mrs. Ann Carr sold a half acre of land for $30 on November 13, 1891: Bill Carr, Austin Usher, Neal Woods and Thomas Thornton. The wooden structure built on Baron Street housed the congregation for more than 20 years.

Macedonia was among the churches that operated schools until well into the twentieth century. The school for "colored" children that was built at the top of the hill on Bryant Street eventually replaced church schools near town. But when it was destroyed by fire on March 10, 1950, churches , including Macedonia, provided temporary classroom space until a new school was built later that year.

The present church building was erected in 1925, when the Rev. G. W. Woodson was pastor. Under the leadership of the Rev. G. F. Gude, who served the church from 1955 to 1993, membership expanded and the facilities were modernized. Among the oldest active families are the Allens, Milsaps, Moores, Peeks, Porters, and Robertsons. But this constantly evolving congregation is again in transition with many new-comers to Rockdale County joining since the Rev. Norwert Hills Jr, became pastor in 1995. 

Additional history from Mother Shipp's papers; history updated by the late Betty L. Mitchell, church secretary until her death, July 14, 2010. This was published in the 128th Church Anniversary celebration:

On March 18, 1980 an additional 8/10 of an acre of property was added to our present site; located in the rear of the church. This transaction was negotiated between Mrs. Sarah Dillar Cullins and Dea. Ralph Allen, Church Treasurer. After purchasing this land, the men made further progress by having the back lawn completely landscaped. In August, 1984, a paved parking lot was completed.

In April, 1988, property of land facing North Railroad Street was purchased by the church. This transaction was between Dea. Norman Moore, Jr. and Sis. Mary Lou Lester. The church's roof and ceiling was completely renovated during the month of July, 1988. The interior ceiling was framed into an arch with chandelier lighting.

The following are pastors who helped to develop the church and to lead the member under the guidance of God our Father: Pastor Conwell; Pastor Tonnie Baker; Pastor Rugtree (ordained the first licensed minister, Min. J.L. Allen); Pastor Billie Taylor; Pastor G. W. Woodson (16 years.); Pastor Tim Golston (3 months); Pastor Hargrove (2 years); Pastor J.H. McLister (8 years); Pastor J.T. Stafford (2 years); and Pastor Emeritus George Frank Gude (October 1955-October 17, 1993, 38 years). During Pastor Gude's pastorage, 124 members were baptized; 1 restored back tot he church, 19 received by letter and 13 Deacons ordained. In 1970 our present structure was remodeled; the structure was completely carpeted and furniture re-upholstered, the Women and the Men's clubs was organized; the Mother's Board re-installed. Youth Church organized; the weekly bible study organized. During 1979 our Pastor and Members were blessed with three sons in the ministry: Min. Calvin Forte; Min. Kerwin Scott, and Min. Clarence Shipp.

In October 1982, the Pastor's Aide was started; the Second Sunday Services re-installed. The G.F. Gude Gospel Choir re-organized on November 14, 1982. On December 16, 1984 the Little Sunbeamers Club was organized. November 20, 1985 Weekly Prayer Services organized. November, 1993 Prayer Services and Bible Study were combined and held every Wednesday Night. During 1985 we were blessed with a fourth son in the ministry, Min. Christopher Shipp. January 10, 1988 we were blessed with a daughter in the ministry, Min. Lorain Nolley. On February 21, 1988 the Male Chorus was organized. On February 28, 1988 we were blessed with a son in the ministry, the late Min. Eugene Harris, departed this life August 22, 1994. On April 15, 190, our Church Membership was blessed with our First Assistant Pastor, Minister Pierre Sheppard. The first Sunday of November, 1990 we started having Morning Worship Services every Sunday in the month. May 11, 1991 the Beautification Committee was organized. January 16th through January 31, 1994 the floor was completely removed and replaced by D&F Construction Company, proprietors, Otis Dardy and Calvin Flanigan. Our Audio/Duplication Sound System installed February 26, 1994 by Bro. Tommy Davis. On September 15, 1995, the Constitution and Bylaws of the Macedonia Baptist Church was adopted. Pastor Pierre Sheppard, October 18, 1993 through May 7, 1995 (18 months): Pastor Pierre Sheppard was installed October 18, 1993. On October 24, 1993, Pastor Sheppard preached his first sermon entitled; "I Just Want to Live so God Can Use me"; Text background from Isaiah 6:5-8. Under Pastor Sheppard our church membership increased by 34 new members by baptism or letter.

Pastor Norwert Hills, Jr. October 13, 1995-September 27, 1998 (2 years 11 months): On October 13, 1995, the Macedonia Baptist Church Membership at a Special Conference, unanimously agreed to have Pastor Norwert Hills, Jr. as the Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church. At the meeting a special clause was adopted to be amended to the Constitution and Bylaws to call the Pastor indefinitely with a 30 day notification from church body or pastor upon termination of said position. Under Pastor Hills' pastorage we purchased our first 15 passengers van; started an After School Tutorial Program; Summer Enrichment Program; licensed two ministers, Min. Karl Hall and Min. Ruby Hale; purchased new white with Oak trim pulpit and pews purchased; expanded the fellowship annex, naming it after Pastor Emeritus Gude, "G. F. Gude Fellowship Hall".

Pastor Alton B. Sermon, February 5, 1999 through August 26, 2001 (2 years 6 months): Under Pastor Sermon's pastorage, licensed Min. Darrell Smith.

Our church has had a rich heritage, so may we as Christians rededicate our lives to the cause for which the founders s o nobly exemplified by their lives, to give us a place where we may worship and serve a true and living God, going forward having Christ as our leader and surely we will be a light and inspiration for the low and lonely, and for those who want to know about a Living God. (end of update from Betty L. Mitchell) 

Additional information from Pastor Spurlock's 2011 Pastor 9th Anniversary bulletin: Pastor Larry D. Spurlock was installed as the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church on Saturday, May 25, 2002. Under his leadership, he has accomplished great things through Christ Jesus. 

This is a memory from me that I note here: The late Mr. Asa B. Foster who retired from Conyers to Pinehurst, N.C.became a benefactor to Macedonia due to his family's friendship to Mother Shipp. He started sending regular contributions 2001 on an annual basis to help the church building fund program. He continued these donations until his health began to fail him in 2009 and subsequently passing away May 24, 2010. 

Submitted by Norma Shipp, July 6, 2017 to the Black Heritage of Rockdale County Facebook page

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