Macedonia Christian Church began 125 years ago when the Taylor Township Grange #688 voted to disband and offered its building to a religious group for services. The small frame Grange Hall was located on the present church property, land owned by John and Mary Hinkle. They donated a small corner tract to be used for church purposes. This land had been purchased from the government on May 2, 1848, by Mary’s father, Samuel Whisler, Jr.
With the aid of Brazilia M. Blount, who was preaching at Jerome, Macedonia was organized on November 24, 1882. There were eight charter members, including six members of the Rich family. These Christians, reminded of the vision of the Apostle Paul at Troas, named the church “Macedonia”. Other early members included the Duke, Helms, Himes, Saul, Smith, Thomas, and Willits families.
The Grange Hall was heated with a wood stove and lighted with oil lamps. There were no paved roads, and the minister who came one Sunday each month from Indianapolis, was met at the Kokomo train station and transported to the church by wagon. He would stay overnight at the home of a member and then return to Indianapolis the following day.
After worshipping in the Grange Hall for 32 years, the congregation voted to build a new church. This structure was dedicated May 21, 1916. It remained a part of the present church complex until 1993. The Grange Hall was moved across the road a short distance northwest and used as a farm shed. A parsonage was built next to the church and dedicated as a part of the 75th anniversary on November 24, 1957. It was relocated to its present site and remodeled in 1973. On June 13, 1964, the congregation broke ground for a new sanctuary, fellowship hall, and classrooms. This new edifice was dedicated May 2, 1965. In 1979, the present sanctuary was constructed along with classrooms, kitchen, fellowship hall/gym, and offices. This facility was dedicated on June 22, 1980. In 1993, the 1916 building was razed, and the 1964 sanctuary was remodeled to include a chapel and classrooms. Also, improvements were made in the 1980 wing, the parsonage was enlarged, and parking was expanded.
Over 50 ministers, including associates, have served at Macedonia. For 80 years, the church relied on circuit riders, seminary students, and part-time preachers. The membership was small, but active. Worship was held weekly, with preaching once or twice a month. Prior to 1916, baptisms were conducted at nearby Kokomo Creek or Wildcat Creek. The first Sunday School was organized in 1895. Macedonia observed its 50th anniversary on November 27, 1932, during the 16-year ministry of John W. Wittkamper.
Macedonia started growing in the 1950’s during the ministries of William Shewman and Charles Luttrell. In 1962, John Brownlee was hired as the first full-time minister, and the congregation continued to increase during the ministries of Bruce Wotring, George Mendez, and Darrell Stout. Membership and attendance peaked during the late 1970’s and remained strong during the 17-year ministry of Rick Keck. The church celebrated its centennial November 21, 1982, during the ministry of Hondel Adams.
Although Macedonia began as an independent church, the congregation affiliated with the Disciples of Christ during its early years. Later the members voted to be independent again, and the church was incorporated on September 11, 1963. Today Macedonia continues as an independent, non-denominational church. It follows the pattern of the New Testament church, which includes baptism by immersion and the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper. The congregation fellowships with other independent Christian churches and helps support 20 missions. The present membership (2007) includes 100 family units with a weekly attendance of 200. Mike Greenwood and John Piotrowicz are the ministers.
August 6, 2007
