is to present and preserve for future generations, the workings of God through His people in the church that began as “The Baptist Church of Christ at Macedonia”, and is now called Midway. Key decisions, whether viewed as right or wrong, are listed; both in an attempt to paint an accurate picture of the mindset and culture during the time period, and to teach current and future generations the importance of making every decision with Godly wisdom. This summary of events was derived from several volumes of original church record books dating back to its’ beginning in 1847. We, the people of Midway Church continue to carry out our divine mission under the same mantra of our founding members, “believing it to be for our good, and the good of this country, and the glory of God”. We hereby dedicate this History Walk Monument on this Sunday, July 15, 2012, our 165th anniversary. We do so in appreciation for those who have gone before us, in respect for those who will come behind us, and for the glory of our Great God who guides us, through Jesus Christ our LORD! (Throughout the remainder of this Monument the dedication date of July 15, 2012 is used as a point of reference to describe some events, relationships, or places, in relation to the past.)
Carroll County: We the under-‐named individuals of the Missionary Baptist faith and order, having obtained letter of dis-‐mission from our respective churches, and moved to this section of country, and finding no Church of our Order convenient to us whereunto we might annex ourselves; we have therefore set apart the 15th day of July, 1847, for the purpose of being constituted into a Church; believing it to be for our good, and the good of this country, and the glory of God. Leroy McWhorter Mary McWhorter William F. Jordan Rebecca Neeley Johnston H. McWhorter Margret McRea William L. Neeley Elizabeth Jordan Isaac Kenney Ann Jordan Tabitha Poulstan We the above named Brethren and Sisters met according to appointment to be constituted into a church on the 15th day of July, 1847 and was constituted by Elder James Reaves and Elder Leroy McWhorter…” (The church then adopted 12 Articles of Faith and 7 additional items of business including electing and ordaining Brother William F. Jordan as the first deacon and electing Reverend Leroy McWhorter as its first pastor, Brother Isaac Kenney as Church Clerk. The church agreed to make application to the Tallapoosa Association and agreed the name of the church would be “The Baptist Church of Christ at Macedonia”. The church’s first recorded offering was $1.00 cash, 30 bushels of corn and 100 lbs. of pork.)
to oral tradition, the church’s first building was a log cabin. A “Methodist man” donated to the church some land, and according to church records, A.Q. Aderhold built the first building. This sketch is from a painting of the log cabin painted by Bernice Carnes of Villa Rica, and presented to the church at its 100th anniversary celebration on Sunday, July 15, 1947. The first building sat approximately where the Fire Station sits as of this dedication. February 15, 1850-‐ “The church received a letter from Eli Ball, Agent for the Southern Baptist Convention, which was read, and the church agrees to comply with the requirements of the letter.“ (As of this dedication, the church continues to maintain its affiliation and partnership with the Southern Baptist Convention to reach the world for Christ.)
1851-‐ The church “called Elder William Nelson Porterfield to the Pastoral Care of this church.” Under his leadership, the church finally built seats for the church house. Pastor William Nelson Porterfield August 1852-‐ Church records indicate a revival meeting was held for which the following is recorded: “during the protracted meeting” the church records several names of those who joined by “experience” including two who were obviously slaves, simply listing them as “Carson (Servant) and McWhorter (Servant)”. This is the first record of slaves joining the church. April 16, 1853-‐ “The church agrees to purchase a Bible for the use of the church.” December 17, 1853-‐ “the church agrees that a school may be taught in the church house the ensuing year.” This is the first mention of the church being used as a school, which was the beginning of today’s Sand Hill Elementary School. July 15, 1854-‐ Appointed a committee consisting of brethren Leroy Broom, F.B. Hesterly and G.W. Carson to solicit subscriptions (pledges) for the aid of missions.
Land, and a New Building January 16, 1858 – Two significant events are recorded: First, the church unanimously called Elder John M. Muse to be the pastor. Under his leadership, much of the church’s future was defined. Secondly, the church voted “to sell our old meeting house to the highest bidder”. (As best as can be determined, this is a reference to selling the old log building from the church’s beginning. Although there is no mention of building a new church house, other records indicate the church moved across the road to its current location at that time. This is believed to be a photo of the church’s second building, the first building built on the new property across the road.) May 22, 1858-‐ Although it is not recorded in the church minutes, a deed dated May 22, 1858 was recorded at the Carroll County Courthouse describing the gift of 9 acres of land from Thomas Willis (1815-‐1880) and Susan Richards Willis (1831– 1910) to Macedonia Baptist Church “for the use and benefit of the Baptist Church of Massedonia”. Thomas and Susan are buried in the church’s cemetery. The deed also identifies the transaction committee members from the church as: Isaac Kinney, Leroy Brown, Christopher Garst, Lewis Gross and Sterling Hesterly. The deed specifically refers to “the spring” which has been used throughout the church’s history for drinking water and baptism services. This is the same spring that feeds the baptism pond at the center of this History Walk Monument.
Times July 17, 1858-‐ The church elected a committee “to examine Brother Milas (a colored belonging to Brother Broom) on his gift of preaching”. May 19, 1860-‐ The church voted to “purchase ½ dozen of Mercer Hymn books for the use of the church”. June 16, 1860-‐ The church voted “to employ some suitable person to finish seating the church house.” July’s report indicates that A. Q. Aderhold was employed for the task at $2.00 per seat. Mr. Aderhold is also named elsewhere in the historical documents as the builder of the first and second building. Also at the June 16th meeting, Brother C. Garst was selected to “keep the (church) house and the Spring in good order and to compensate him for the same at the end of the year” later clarified as $10.00 for the year. November 14, 1863-‐ A pastor was selected “in place of Elder J. M. Muse, who resigned to go to preach in the army”. Reverend Muse served as a Chaplain in the Confederate Army, and then returned in 1865 as Pastor. August 20, 1864-‐ “In consequence of the invasion of the Federal Army, we have had no conference since May.” October 15, 1864-‐ Once again, the church “went into the choice of a Pastor, Elder J. M. Muse was chosen and accepted.” December 18, 1864-‐ The church investigated the case of “Prince, a colored member belonging to Reverend T. Duke”. Prince had stolen his wife (considered as property to a slave owner) and ran away. He was excluded from church membership at the next meeting. February 18, 1865-‐ “appointed Brethren Broom, McWhorter, and Carson a Committee to look after the needy of our church.” August 17, 1866-‐ “The following resolution was passed regarding colored members: Resolved that colored members be entitled to all the privileges of the church that they have heretofore enjoyed, but to have no voice in the government of the church.”
1870-‐ the 3rd church building was built and began meeting in the building for worship before it was fully paid for. March 18, 1871-‐ “The clerk ordered to write out five subscriptions for raising the funds due the contractor for building the church house.” April 15, 1871-‐ “The church donated the old church house to the state school officers for the purpose of teaching a public school of 3 months during the time of the public school year which begins 1st of September, 1871. The church trustees to furnish the public school trustees with a copy of the donation of the house by the church so as to enable them to report as the law directs.” August 23, 1872-‐ “The church numbering 152 members which entitles this church to another delegate to the association.” September 14, 1872-‐ “A motion to draw up a subscription for the enlargement of the church house, also in addition to the enlargement to make provisions for a Baptismal Pool (At the Spring) and to ascertain the costs of the enlargement which is to be by a motion of he church 24 ft. in length.” The Building Committee consisted of Isaac Kinney, Moses McWhorter, and N. T. McWhorter. August 15, 1873-‐ “…motion, this church unites with the Georgia Baptist Convention and ordered that it be so stated in the Associational Letter to this the Tallapoosa Association. Placard Number 9:
September 15, 1882-‐ “We the Committee make the following report: We have examined the record of the church and find the membership to be at present – males – 45, females – 63: whites; and 1 colored. Total 109.” March 15, 1883-‐ “Bro. (Wesley) Smith agreed to sell for church property one acre south of the graveyard for $15.00. Mr. (T.T.) Fuller agrees to sell 1½ acres for $15.50 per acre. East of the spring in the woods.” This transaction was completed and paid May 17, 1884 and the deeds recorded August 16, 1884. October 19, 1884-‐ “We your Committee appointed on the deceased J. M. Muse beg leave to present the following brief report. Whereas the Supreme Ruler of the Universe has seen proper to remove from our midst our much esteemed Brother John M. Muse. Who departed this life on the 9th Oct. 1884 aged 65 years, 11 months, 21 days. He was elected Pastor of Macedonia Church Carroll Co. Georgia June 16, 1858 and on March 20 of the same year he with his family united with this church by letter. He served this Church as Pastor for 18 years and 2 months with the exception of about 14 months that he preached as Chaplain in the army. He has baptized into the fellowship of Macedonia Church during his pastorate 163 members. He was a member with us at the time of his death. We as a church feel our loss in the death of our Brother but believing that our loss is his eternal gain we bow with humble submission to the decrees of an all-‐wise Providence. Believing that the Judge of all Earth will do right. Resolved first that we tender to the bereaved family of the deceased our heart felt sympathy and condolence in their sad affliction and recommend them to that One Eternal Source from whence come all our blessings. Resolved second that these preambles and resolutions be entered upon our church book and a copy be furnished the family of the deceased and also a copy be furnished each of our county papers with the request that they publish the same. All of which is respectively submitted and adopted by the church above written. Signatures -‐ Isaac Kinney, B.G. Teal, and W. H. Pope. September 19, 1885-‐ The church voted to raised money “to erect a monument to mark the last resting place of our worthy Brother John M. Muse.”
16, 1887-‐ Voted to “to prepare a plan for the building of a New Church House at this place and for the committee to act as a building committee…” and the August 19, 1887 meeting records the church “in going forward and building the House and paying for the same.” Note: However, there is no tangible or oral evidence suggesting a new building was built at this time. (Attendees at the church’s 100th Anniversary in 1947 made reference to the Church House used at that time being built during the Pastorate of Reverend John M. Muse. Some of them were alive when the building was built in 1870 and gave report to its continued existence. Part of this building is still in use for offices as of this dedication.) July 21, 1890-‐ Note: The church has continued to go through decline. “We find (29) male members and (54) female members. Total (83) number of members.” March 17, 1894-‐ “the church organized a Sabbath (Sunday School) with Isaac Kinney Superintendent and H. I. Nichols Assistant”. April 18, 1897-‐ The church voted to buy an organ. The cost of the organ was $90.37 1/2 cents. May 15, 1897-‐ The church elected a committee “to arrange a program for the 50th Anniversary Birthday of Macedonia Church. “ January 14, 1898-‐ The church voted “to layout and build a fence between the white and colored graveyard”. (The “colored” section was un-‐kept until 113 years later when the trees were cut and full restoration was accomplished by Easter Sunday, 2011.) February 17, 1906-‐ The church voted to paint the church house. (This is the first mention of the church being painted.) October 15, 1921-‐ Church voted “to get up things to help load a car for the orphans home at Hapeville”. May 17, 1924-‐ Church voted “to appoint committee to park cars”.
”the Church to be wired for lights” at a cost of $27.72. Committee was: V.B Dickson, S.K. Ayers, N.F. Ingram October 19, 1946-‐ Church voted “for preaching on two Sundays each month” instead of one. December 14, 1946-‐ Heating System installed, and voted “to cut timber for building Sunday School rooms”. July 20, 1947 – The church held its Centennial Celebration (attach info from newspaper article about the celebration). January 6, 1952 – “Motion made and carried to build pastor’s home, motion made and carried to cut timber off church property, motion made and carried to build house on church property”. September 19, 1954 – The church voted to remodel the auditorium (a later meeting reported the total cost of the renovation at $3,171.75). Also the following Sunday School Teachers and Officers were accepted: Men’s Class Teacher: Mr. O.W. Prince, Asst. Mr. J.O. Patterson Ladies’ Class Teacher: Mrs. Buford Boggs, Asst. Mrs. Clara Brooks Young People Teacher: Mrs. Graben, Asst. Harry Turner Intermediates Teacher: Mr. H.L. Campbell, Asst. Mr. Crawford (Joe) Juniors Teacher: Mr. Myrl Graben, Asst. Ruth Norris Primary Teacher: Mrs. W.R. Ricks, Asst. Mrs. John Parmer Beginners Teacher: Mrs. Kittles, Asst. Myrtie Broome Pianist Myrtie Broome Chorister Charles Willis Sunday School Superintendent: Brother Ingram, Asst. Brother Kelley Pastor Brother Claude Barfield
Church voted “that water be put in the church…” April 11, 1956 – “Bro. J.O. Crawford reported that the memo-‐graph machine had been purchased…at a cost of $176.09”. October 28, 1956 – “church met in conference for the purpose of ordaining deacons which were: Bro. Quinton Prince, Bro. Buford Boggs, Bro. W.A. Kelley, Bro. H.L. Jackson, Bro. J.O. Patterson (Bro. Henry Lamar Jackson faithfully served as a deacon in this church for 51 years until his death, May 20, 2007.) May 13, 1956 – Church voted to build a 30x50 brick veneer educational building for the purpose of Sunday School. The building was completed in 1957. February and June 1966 – Church installed Central Heat and Air System. 1974 – The church had 322 members on roll. December 1975 – Church built and Dedicated another Educational Building, Fellowship Hall, and Indoor Baptism Pool. Pastor Grant Finnell February 16, 1986 – Church called Jesse Leonard as Pastor. January 18, 1987 – Harold and Louise McGuire donated 8 acres of land to the church. February 1987 – Church averaged 120 for the month in Sunday School. June 27, 1988 – The church officially changed its name from Macedonia Baptist Church to Midway Macedonia Baptist Church. April 1, 1991 – The church built a pond at the location of the spring that had been used for baptism since the 1850’s, and is at the center of this Historical Walk Monument.
– Church called Todd Wright as Pastor. September 15, 1996 – Two morning Worship Services each Sunday begin because of growth. February 1997 – Church launched “Fruit that Remains Campaign” to raise money for new facilities on the hill, including a 1000 seat Worship Building. July 1997 – Midway celebrated its 150th Anniversary. 1997 – Mrs. Louise McGuire donated 42 acres to the church for future expansion. August 1997 – Two Sunday School Hours begin because of growth. January 4, 1998 – Church held Groundbreaking ceremony for new facilities on the hill. August 1999 – Church was averaging 390 in Sunday School and 502 in Worship. September 1999 – Because of growth church began Three Worship hours and Two Sunday School Hours. February 6, 2000 – Church held a dedication service for its new facilities. (Cost of over $4 million) February 2001 – Church began Two Sunday morning Worship Services because of growth. 2003 – Church sent out a team to begin Peachtree Community Church in Villa Rica. 2003 – Church launched “Together…Preparing for the Harvest” Campaign to raise money to pay off the church debt. 2004 – Church became debt-‐free. September 2005 – Pastor Todd Wright assembled 70 church leaders together to discuss the past and prepare for the future. A new strategy was developed and a commitment was made to reach the younger generation and the un-‐churched of West Georgia. September 2005 – A Ground-‐Breaking Ceremony was held for a $9 million Children/Preschool Facility. Completion and Dedication was celebrated September 2006. 2008 – Midway was recognized as the Fastest-‐Growing Sunday School in the Georgia Baptist Convention. September 2008 – Church launched “This is My Time!” Campaign to raise money for expansion, missions, and debt retirement. November 2010 – Church voted to restore the “colored section” of the cemetery by Easter 2011, and to build this Historical Walk Monument to be dedicated on our 165th Anniversary, July 15, 2012.
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