On Wednesday, March 15th, 1928, Reverend James Killingsworth met with Reverend George J. Turner in his home at 9 Decatur Street for the purpose of organizing a prayer mission. Among the original members were the wife of Reverend Turner, Sister Victoria Turner (who later became the first mother of the church), Brother Samps Goss, Sister Della Goss, Sister Martha Butler, Brother James Brown, Sister Ida Brown and Sister Beulah Killingsworth. Sister Butler called this group the "Sinners Friends".
The group expanded and rented a small house at 7 Decatur Street. Prayer service and Sunday School were held weekly. The pastor elect named the mission "Macedonia" taken from Acts 16:9, with the invitation, "Come over to Macedonia and help us," recorded by the first clerk Brother George Reed.
Reverend George T. Turner was instrumental in interceding for the ordination of Reverend James Killingsworth. On June 24th, 1928 the council of five churches from Middlesex Central Baptist Association examined and found Reverend Killingworth worthy. He was then ordained for the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. The Ordination of Deacons Samps, Goss and Brown was accomplished shortly thereafter.
The first revival was conducted by Reverends George W. Porter and A.D. Brown. Many converts joined and the first baptism was held late that summer in the Delaware River on the Morrisville side. It was a beautiful spiritual occasion! The established church membership grew and was moved to 612 South Warren Street. In the year 1929, the ordination of Deacons Reason Finney, George Reed and Doc Watts was held.
The "Depression of 1929" impacted the economic condition of the young church in a way as to necessitate a relocation of the physical church to a storefront at 615 South Warren Street for a short time. The faith of Reverend Killingsworth during this time of National Financial Crisis that things would get better again so inspired his followers that they stepped out on faith and began looking for a permanent house of GOD. This was accomplished by the renting of an old dish factory at 110 Decatur Street. As membership grew at this location the decision to purchase a permanent building was agreed upon. Macedonia became a blessing to the community and the spiritual home of many. Macedonia’s threshold provided encouragement for those who sought to renounce sin and devote themselves to Christ. The congregation remained at this location until 1968 gaining prominence and influence in the Trenton community.
1968 saw both racial and civil unrest in Trenton. The country divided once again on issues of race and the rights of the minority under the cloud of Dr. Kings assassination,. Reverend Killingworth’s faith, commitment and desire to persevere continued to keep the congregation unified and footed in Christ. In late 1968 under his leadership a church building was purchased at 1254 East State Street. The blessings of the one true GOD allowed Macedonia to pay off a ten-year mortgage in just seven years.
Reverend Killingsworth retired in October 1976 due to poor health but remained active thru prayer and limited work to fulfill the dream that Macedonia would survive and become a great temple of GOD. In 1980 Reverend Killingsworth saw the fruits of his labor when Macedonia moved into its present house at 1300 Greenwood Avenue. Reverend Killingworth was called to rest on March 10th 1986.
In 1977 the officers and members of Macedonia Baptist Church elected Reverend A.R. Kelley as pastor. Under his leadership, Macedonia Baptist Church acquired 1300 Greenwood Avenue as its permanent place of worship on November 22nd 1980. Reverend Kelley served faithfully as pastor until his death in 1982. After Reverend Kelley’s death several ministers served, they are as follows:
Reverend Daniel Worthy (1983-1984)
Dr. Dewey L. Duncan (1984-1985) *Interim Pastor
Reverend Richard Minus (1985-1986) * Interim Pastor
Dr. Dewey L. Duncan (1987-1989) Resigned
After the resignation of Dr. Duncan, our church was again in need of a shepherd. After hearing many ministers, it was the recommendation of the church officers that Reverend Keith A. Marshall would be called to serve as interim pastor of our church in July of 1989. On October 1st 1989 the members of Macedonia voted that Reverend Marshall become pastor. Under the direction of Reverend Keith A. Marshall, the church experienced spiritual growth and an increase of over 1800 members. During Reverend Marshall’s term as spiritual leader, over 200,000 worth of mortgage debt has been liquidated and over $400,000 in building repairs have been completed and paid for. With the help of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we anticipate continued growth and prosperity.
Keith A. Marshall, Senior
Pastor
1300-1310 Greenwood Avenue Trenton, New Jersey 08609
Church: (609) 393-2239
Fax: (609) 396-0102
info@macedonia-baptist-church-nj.org
Macedonia Community Development Center (609) 393-3100