“What God has put together, let no man put asunder” has taken on additional meaning

at 600 Eisenhower Parkway. If there is any doubt, take time to visit the newly renovated Macedonia Baptist Church and the writer is confident that you will agree. The edifice has been completely “gutted” and replaced with a more aesthetically pleasing, practical and prolific praise and worship setting fit for those attending. It is one of the church’s greatest and most notable accomplishments since its beginning in 1893 says Lead Servant Eddie D. Smith, Sr.

Smith led the charge towards Macedonia’s over haul. After much input from church members, fellow pastors and potential contractors, the Macon native concluded that Macedonia should stay put rather than building a new facility elsewhere as he successfully challenged members to fund the project fully. Smith says revamping the church - where it has stood since before Macedonia purchased it from Mabel White in 1999 – signifies that the church identifies with those who work and reside near it. “If we run then we are running from ourselves,” said Smith adamantly. “I’m unapologetically Christian and unashamedly Black. We’re still here because we love our people.”

Words hardly do the renovation justice. A visit will only suffice. Slate floors, modern furnishings and oversized plasma monitors greet you in the lobby area. A detour upstairs to the technologically decked out communications booth, gives one the feel for a truly professional television ministry operation. On the ground floor a spacious, finely detailed banquet hall and newly outfitted kitchen sit next door to an office and lounge area fit for the obviously deserving Smith. When working on the sanctuary side of the church, Macedonia’s main man will enjoy the new benefits of a ultra modern work environment as those waiting to see him help themselves to some comfortable, cozy chairs or sofa as they listen and watch live church activities or taped programming on additional flat screens. 

The real gem is the sanctuary however. Eleven hundred members and guests can now “get their God on” in a setting that prepares you to worship as soon as you enter. Theatre seats on the main floor and on three sides of the balcony give worshipers a bird’s eye view of everything happening in the user-friendly pulpit. It feels like program participants are right next to you thanks to a raised stage that has been brought forward towards the pews. Soft lighting and pastel chairs, walls and carpet complete the theatre style environment that gives one the immediate feelings of peace, safety and excitement all at once. And if that isn’t enough, a waterfall subtly flows behind the podium above the head of the speaker giving services an even greater degree of tranquility while incorporating one (water) of the Creators greatest life forces into the experience. “The reason we had to do such a major job is because of the age of the facility,” Smith explained. “The renovated version will give us something real nice, comprehensive and modern.”

Mission accomplished says General Contractor Kenneth Moye. The ordained minister is also the CEO and President of Moye & Associates, the company presiding over the revitalization efforts. The Black owned and operated Macon based contractor is a one-stop shop and is delivering every aspect of the project. Moye visualized the current sanctuary during a wedding he was attending at Macedonia last summer. As divine providence would have it, his company was engaged in the new construction project of an Albany church that one of Smith’s fellow pastors presides over. That minister gladly turned Smith onto Moye and the result is a historic, two million dollar plus all African-American undertaking in the heart of South Macon, one of the city’s most challenged areas. “Moye & Associates want this to be a venue for worship, outreach and development. The work that we do is much more than the building,” ensures Moye enthusiastically. “Macedonia sits in an area that needs a light with a different standard. When this project is done, it will make an impact. I would not have been involved if I thought this was going to be just a building.”

Ronald Bonds, Macedonia’s Administrative Office Manager, says that the effort typifies and further solidifies Smith as a visionary, trail blazing man of the cloth. “We are working to change this community. This is another example of the holistic approach to ministry that Pastor Smith is taking,” Bonds expressed. “He is a trendsetter!” Smith believes the project will help Macedonia further its efforts to fulfill its mission… to win, build and send souls into the world for Christ. “We want to be a church where the Spirit of Christ is real. We are here to help those hurting,” Smith convincingly promised as he reflected on his thirty-four years as Macedonia’s chief attendant. “This renovation should say that we (Blacks) can do something first class for the cause of God and the empowerment of the Black community. You can do something when you are focused and allow yourself to be guided by God’s word.”