Macedonia History

Moravian evangelists preached in Davie County in the years following the establishment of the Moravian communities of Bethabara and Salem in the mid – to late-1700’s. However, no attempt was made to organize a congregation in Davie County until 1854, when Reverend Francis Florentine Hagen, pastor of Friedberg Moravian Church, was invited to preach at Cope’s School House. The invitation had come from several Davie residents, notable among them Moravians John & Mary Stockburger Hall.
Mr. Hagen, who composed the beloved Advent hymn, “Morning Star, O Cheering Site,” thought the invitation notably similar to the experience of St. Paul, when in Acts 16 the record reports that “during the night “Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.'” Hagen’s text was John 1:19. At the close of the service, which was held on September 16, 1854, five or six persons responded to the invitation to receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
Following this first service, Mr. Hagen returned to Davie County on Wednesdays to continue his preaching mission. The congregation grew and the believers made plans to build a meeting place. Construction commenced in the spring of 1855. The building was completed by Christmas. A log building, it measured 24 by 30 feet, contained two galleries (one for slaves), and had two doors, one for use by females, and the other for use by males, as was customary in many churches of the day.
Though construction was finished prior to the close of 1855, the dedication service for the new sanctuary was set for May 24, 1856. It was a two-day affair with intense preaching, glorious music, and fervent prayers. Moravian leaders from Bethlehem and Salem attended, as did many persons from the Davie County community. The charter members of the church were fewer than twenty in number, including a slave.
In the ensuing years the church experienced the growing pains common to any congregation of fervent believers. Questions about music, style of worship, baptism, and other matters had to be addressed and answered, as the young congregation sought to be faithful to the Moravian traditions, while at the same time be sensitive to the needs and concerns of the Davie County context.
The first sanctuary was replaced by a larger, frame building in 1878. It, in turn, yielded to a modern brick sanctuary with electric lights in 1928. The first parsonage was built in 1922, and replaced with the present pastoral home in 1968. The present worship facility was built in 1964. A Christian Education and fellowship facility was dedicated in 1991.
From its earliest days, Macedonia embraced the revival spirit so prevalent in this part of the country. Two-week evangelistic and revival campaigns were not uncommon. Many people came to Christ and the congregation was often renewed by means of these services.
In response to the rapidly changing culture of the late twentieth century, and the substantial growth of the surrounding community, Macedonia has under gone significant change in the past decade or two, Worship reflects a contemporary flavor, youth ministry has become a high priority, programming has become diversified, additional staff has been employed, and facilities and equipment are continually updated.
As the only Moravian congregation is Davie County, Macedonia holds a unique place and bears witness to Jesus Christ in a special way.