In November of 1863, the first black church was built in East St. Louis at what is now 10 South Norman E. Owens Place – then, the First Colored Baptist Church, and 150 years later in a newly built red brick building, Macedonia Baptist Church.
The Rev. Norman E. Owens has been pastor of Macedonia for the past 46 years. Many of the church’s faithful go back decades.
“March 10 marked 37 years as a member of Macedonia. It has been an integral part of my life the entire time,” said Charles Ransom.
“I met and married my wife there and raised three now adult children. The two boys are both ministers and preached their first sermons there. The oldest son now pastors a church in neighboring Centreville. The youngest son, who is also a former organist for Macedonia, now works as music coordinator for a church in Miami.”
Phyllis Rose Maston has attended Macedonia for even longer than Pastor Owens has been preaching there – 65 years.
Being the first black church in the community seems to attract members who also have been first at things. Maston was the first black IV therapist at St. Mary’s Hospital in East St. Louis (in 1978) and then the hospital’s first black quality assurance nurse coordinator (in 1980).
Associate Minister Rev. Adrian C. Hendricks became the first black arson investigator for the State of Illinois in 1974.
Pastor Owens himself was the first black science major at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. He has been in the ministry for a total of 56 years at five different churches. He has seen Macedonia through some changes.
“It may require some struggle to get where God wants us to be,” Pastor Owens preaches. “Sometimes we expect God to do everything for us. But some things, He empowers us to do for ourselves.”
In 1973 members created a health literacy program under his leadership, which helped to teach the neighborhood about the importance of organ donation and increased their understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.
In 1978 the Women’s Ministry targeted families in need and put together Breakfast with Santa, distributing gifts around Christmas and school supplies at the beginning of the school year.
In 1980 the Sunday attendance at Macedonia had grown beyond the building’s capacity. Pastor Owens would lead as many as three services in order to accommodate everyone.
In 1981 the church purchased camera equipment and monitors and began showing the service via closed circuit television. Later they would take recordings to senior citizen homes and hospitals once a month to show the services to those who couldn’t make it to church on Sunday.
“Pastor Owens is open to what was needed to spread the word,” Hendricks said.
In 1998 the church decided to initiate a campaign to build a new edifice. The present structure was completed in February 2004. The congregation marched across the street to their new church home.
In December 2012, Macedonia members delivered $3,000 worth of food to the Lessie Bates-Davis Neighborhood House community.
Current ministries in the church include ministries for Women, Men, Deacons, Music, Usher, Health, Welcome, Video, Sound Recording, Education, Sunday School, Bible Class, Recreation and Youth. They also offer practical ministries such as teaching men in the community to be prepared when going on job interviews and providing business attire.
Macedonia is a member of the Wood River Baptist Association, the Baptist General State Convention & Congress and the National Baptist Convention. Pastor Owens has held offices at all three levels: Moderator of Wood River, President of the State Congress and Chief of Staff to the Dean of the National Congress.
“Macedonia provided excellent religious training and nurturing for our family,” Ransom said.
“Besides the regular weekly activities, there have been numerous opportunities to attend institutes and retreats to strengthen our Christian walks with the Lord. It is a tremendous blessing to be part of such a church family.”
Macedonia Baptist Church is located at 10 South Broadway in East St. Louis, IL 62201. Call 618-274-1373 or visit eslmacedoniabaptistchurch.com. See sermons at http://eslmacedoniabaptistchurch.com/sermons/.
