Editor’s NOTE: Let’s start the day off with some good news — a letter from Mike McArthur, a faithful soul who attends Macedonia Baptist Church. To read our story about that church’s 175th anniversary, click this link.
To the Editor,
Becky McArthur and I are truly blessed to live in the Macedonia/Advance community, having raised our children and made the heart of Chowan County our home. Nothing can compare to the love and enrichment opportunities that abound, many of them rising from within our Macedonia Baptist Church family.
Please allow me to share with you just one day’s worth of blessings bestowed upon us all, as we participated in the celebration of our church’s 175th anniversary.
During the stormy morning hours of Sunday, December 14, 2025, ten dedicated members of Macedonia Baptist Church braved a wind-blown mixture of rain, sleet, and snow to direct parking and ensure the safety and well-being of church members, families, and guests as they arrived at 1010 Macedonia Road to join in the celebration of our 175th Anniversary of Macedonia Baptist Church, “Knowing Christ and Making Him Known.”
A driving, wind-blown rain turned umbrellas inside-out as worshipers battened down their rain gear and walked briskly into the warmth and fellowship of Macedonia Baptist Church.
Outside, our ten guys, partially huddled as pictured, like a bunch of White Tail Deer underneath the canopy of one of God’s Cypress trees, endured the wind, the rain, and enjoyed the pleasure of helping make the day for others, less difficult. Two uniformed North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troopers, in their shiny Black and Silvers, with lights flashing, helped monitor the unpredictable, rain-blown vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Small children, racing across the parking lot, piqued our attention as their parents and grandparents carefully shepherded them to soggy safety. We ended our duty with 16 (of 134) unfilled, marked parking spaces, with 26 cars parked either behind our delineated graveyard, or in the adjacent, carefully prepared soybean field.
Many thanks to Chowan County Sheriff Edward Basnight who assigned Deputies to our area, and erected “speed watch” equipment to slow southbound traffic upon Macedonia Road which tends to move swiftly.
Another segment of the day’s responsibilities brought our December Usher Team (and their recruits) to the forefront. Worshipers were greeted and assisted by ten smiling usher faces, who accommodated members, families, and guests in finding seating, taking food to the kitchen, opening and holding doors, depositing babies with the hard working nursery workers (nine babies and seven adults), or just becoming comfortable before and after the service. Unquestionably, the vigilance of our ushers and parking attendants ensured a safe and secure environment, throughout the day.
The worshipful service was filled with reminiscent, inspirational, and factual presentations by many of our members, young and old (Gray Goodwin and Mary Evans). Presentations included statistical history lessons, and sentimental walks down memory lane.
The Macedonia Sanctuary Choir gloriously sang their hearts out with, among others, the spiritually intense “Amazing Grace,” and brought tears with, “Sinner Saved by Grace.” The holy hymns were thoroughly enjoyed by ALL: the presenters and the receivers.
Following Pastor Bob Young’s and Pastor Steve Hill’s messages, an Invitation to join our Macedonia family was extended. Four families with countless children answered the call, just before a hearty “AMEN” by ALL BELIEVERS.
With the Benediction firmly in place (How Great Thou Art), our congregated worshipers defied the odds as we squeezed 283+ warm bodies together for a group photograph, taken by our esteemed photographer.
The fabulous feast (understatement) that followed honored Macedonia’s rich history with a phenomenal (understatement) cornucopia of hundreds of delicious, homemade delights, nourishment for both body and soul. Our ministerial outreach “kitchen crew,” along with our Deacons, delivered many hot meals to our “not present” or shut-in families.
This is Monday morning, less than 24 hours after our 175th anniversary celebration, and I have just read Miles and Nicole Layton’s “Albemarle Observer” masterpiece, their rendition of the day’s events. What a magnificent public service they render our region, and at no cost!
Having just spoken to Pastor Steve, he was agush with praise, both consecrated and practical for “the whole day.” My sentiments, exactly! Thanks be to God, and all the rest who made Sunday, the 14th of December, 2025, what Pastor Steve called, “great.”
Mike McArthur,
Usher Chairman
Volunteer MBC Parking Attendant