The Black community of Cynthiana, realizing the need for a place to worship, came together in 1861 to organize the African Baptist Church (later to be renamed Macedonia Baptist Church). The congregation extended a call to Dr. John Johnson in 1866 who became the first Pastor of the church. Under his leadership, the first house of worship was built by the side of the L&N railroad in the southeastern section of the city. Dr. John Johnson served the congregation for 40 years. Dr. Johnson departed this mortal life in October of 1906. Rev. J. H. Henderson succeeded him for four years, 1906-1910. Rev. Harrison Nutter followed from 1910-1923. Rev. W. D. Mason served as Pastor from 1923-1943. In 1926, under the pastorate of Rev. Mason, the name of our church was changed to Macedonia Baptist Church. Rev. C. L. Coleman succeeded Rev. Mason from 1943-1944. In 1944, Rev. A. B. Lee was called as Pastor. He served from 1944-1945. In May of 1947, Rev. J. B. Porterfield of Burlington, KY was called and served as Pastor until 1957. In 1957, Rev. E. O. Givens, one of Macedonia’s sons, was called as Pastor. On June 6, 1971, Rev. J. C. Ray, Sr., became Pastor and later retired on January 24, 2010. Macedonia has been blessed with men called by God to preach the Gospel including Rev. John Porter, Rev. Marcellus Custard, Rev. Melvin Gross, Rev. James W. Custard, Rev. Ronnie Roberts, Rev. Alfonso Kenney, Rev. William Hinton, Rev. Tony Weathers and Min. Charles Conner, Jr. In October 2010, our current Pastor, Rev. Anthony L. Stevenson, answered God’s call to be the under shepherd here at Macedonia Baptist Church. During 2011, the church hosted the Consolidated Baptist District Association’s Men’s Prayer breakfast. In June 2011, Macedonia paid tribute to Pastor and Sis. Ray, dedicating and naming the lower level of the church the “J. C. Ray Fellowship Hall”. Rev. Stevenson oversaw an upgrade to the sound system and central air conditioning unit and renovation to our church parsonage. In March 2012, with guidance from the Holy Spirit and leadership from Rev. Stevenson, the church undertook a project called “Operation Cheerful Giver”. Through this ongoing project, God has blessed us with new front and side entrance doors with glass and tiled floors in the front foyer; new gutters and trim; church marquee and purchase of a church van. Also, the women’s and men’s bathroom were upgraded before and during the pandemic. There have been several ministries added as well, such as the S.I.S. Women’s Ministry, Women’s Sunday School and Deacon James Custard Men’s Sunday School Class and additional church Trustees. Finally, in 2022, the roof on the church was replaced and the J.C. Ray Fellowship Hall went through a major renovation and upgrade.
At Macedonia Baptist Church, our vision is to be a radiant beacon of God's love and transforming grace, inspiring a thriving community of faith, hope, and compassion. Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, we envision a church that embraces diversity, fosters spiritual growth, and empowers individuals to discover and fulfill their God-given purpose.
"God is our FOCUS and HEAVEN our GOAL."