[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E70]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




MACEDONIA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF MIAMI, INC., OLDEST BLACK CHURCH 
                             IN DADE COUNTY

                                 ______


                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 1996

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
cherished house of worship, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 
located in Miami, FL. In October 1995, Macedonia Missionary Baptist 
Church celebrated its 100th year as a spiritual beacon for the Miami 
community.
  I urge the Members to read the church history which I'm inserting 
into the Record.

                 The Oldest Black Church in Dade County

       The Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Miami, 
     Incorporated lineage began at Union Chapel (Plymouth Church) 
     in 1891. Because the Black worshipers at Union Chapel were 
     not accustomed to the style of worship services, they 
     organized their own church in 1895. Rev. S.A. Sampson and 
     fifty-six other black members of Union Chapel were successful 
     in organizing a church in the home of Mrs. Edith Albury. This 
     church was called the Fifty-Six Baptist Church. The Fifty-Six 
     Baptist Church was later blessed with a gift of land on which 
     to build a church. The land was donated to the Fifty-Six 
     Baptist Church by the Count Jean D'Hedouville and it was 
     located on Thomas Avenue. After the church was erected, the 
     name was changed from Fifty-Six Baptist Church to St. Agnes.
       In 1903, St. Agnes Church was moved from Thomas Avenue to 
     Charles Avenue where another edifice was erected. Deacons 
     Washington and Bumey played the primary role in changing the 
     name from St. Agnes to Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church on 
     May 25, 1922. In June 1948 Macedonia Missionary Baptist 
     Church was again moved to its present site. It was 
     incorporated in 1976 and the name was changed to Macedonia 
     Missionary Baptist Church of Miami, Incorporated. The 
     organization of this church was significant in South 
     Florida's history because it was the first Black church on 
     the South Florida mainland to be organized by Blacks. On 
     April 15, 1993, Macedonia's name was placed on one of Coconut 
     Grove's Historical Markers. This marker was placed next to 
     the church on Charles Avenue.
       1835-1939: Rev. S.A. Sampson was the organizer and founder 
     of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Miami, 
     Incorporated. Succeeding Rev. Sampson were Reverends Watson, 
     Yates, Guilford, Nicholson, Sneed, Driver, and Whitaker.
       1939-1970: Rev. Finlayson pastored Macedonia Baptist Church 
     for thirty-one years and left a strong church organization 
     that was spiritually sound and financially secure. During his 
     tenure, the present edifice was built; the parsonage on 
     Charles Avenue was built, property on Williams Avenue was 
     acquired for future expansion.
       1971-1975: Rev. Philip Cooper, a gifted musician and 
     educator, served as an interim pastor. During his tenure, the 
     thirteen deacon concept as ward leaders was organized; the 
     use of collection plates to ascertain offerings and tithes, 
     was initiated; the prelude before worship was instituted; and 
     the financial department organized.
       1976-1981: Rev. Arthur Jordan was the youngest minister to 
     ever pastor Macedonia. Under his administration--the church 
     was redecorated and refurbished; the fellowship hall was air-
     conditioned. Rev. Jordan, with keen insight, began a 
     financial drive to buy a church van.
       1981-1983: From June 1981 to April 1983 Macedonia was void 
     of a pastor. Deacon Charlie Sinkler, Chairperson of the 
     Deacon Board and Sister Arlene Broxton, Chairperson of the 
     Board of Directors, were instrumental in keeping the church 
     in unity. Under their leadership, the church was spiritually 
     filled and financially secure, the parsonage was refurbished; 
     and a financial drive was begun to raise funds for a 
     decorative security fence for the church.
       1983-: Rev. Rudolph Daniels, a gifted gospel singer and 
     educator, was called for his first pastorate at Macedonia on 
     April 20, 1983. Since 1983, the fifteen passenger van and the 
     decorative ornamental fence have been realized; an elevator 
     has been installed. During hurricane Andrew, Macedonia 
     sustained extensive damage but has since restored to her 
     original beauty both inside and outside.
       Macedonia's roots are like those of a redwood tree, 
     intertwined throughout Dade County. However, the future of 
     the church is assured because its rich heritage is being 
     transferred to its youth through the revived Christ emphasis. 
     Its heritage reflects the real struggles of Christianity 
     throughout the world, but its philosophy remains: ``With 
     Christ all things are possible.''
       The roots of this great church are firmly planted in the 
     whole armor of Jesus Christ and shall not be moved.

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