The Macedonia Baptist Church, built in 1850, is in need of repair.

The African-American church, which began as a place of worship for the poor and farmers of the area served the community for 167 years. It  was a stop on the Underground Railroad, providing passage for escaped slaves to the free north

The church was last used about 10 years ago and holds historic significance not just for the Macedonia area, but the entire state and nation.
It was known as a Mother Church, and served as starting point for other African-American churches in Ironton, Ashland, Burlington and other places throughout our region. In addition, it served as a school, after the area’s existing building burned down in 1945.

Recently, an effort, headed by Cal Vinson, 82, who formerly attended the church, was launched to restore the building, which is in danger of collapsing.

A 501 c(3) group has been established to preserve black history in Lawrence and Gallia counties, including the church. The group is currently in search of grants.

Vinson and his efforts are to be commended, and we hope that others will join his effort while there is still time.

Structures like this church are a priceless window into our past and, once they’re gone, it is a loss that can not be undone or made up for.