Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church (1849), Ohio’s first Black church and only surviving antebellum Black church, is today vacant, unused, and in need of repair. Over the next three years, Macedonia will be restored and returned to service as a Lawrence County historic site and community center. Step one in the process is the completion of a historic structure report which will guide restoration efforts aligned with historic preservation best practices.

Macedonia seeks $5,000 in matching funds to complete the historic structure report and begin the process of restoration and revitalization. The reopening of Macedonia will contribute to telling a fuller story of Southeastern Ohio’s early development and supporting regional heritage tourism efforts.

Dollars for this project will support Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church begin the restoration process for this historic structure. By saving historical Black structures and sites, we not only celebrate the tremendous impact Black Appalachians have made on the life of our nation, we transmit that impact to the present and future.