Join us for the Burn the Mortgage Celebration Service on Jan 24, 2027, 10 AM at MMBC!
235 A W Black Street, Waco, NC, USA
History of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church — Waco, NC
Founded in 1906, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Waco, North Carolina was established by a group of faithful believers led by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Prior to its official organization, worship services were held as early as 1896 in a railroad camp along Buffalo Creek.
Due to limited preserved records, much of our early history has been passed down through the memories of faithful members and friends in the Waco and surrounding communities. Through generations, devoted servants of God have written enduring chapters in the life of this church.
Pastoral Leadership Through the Years
Rev. James Surratt (1906–1907)
Our first official pastor, Rev. Surratt formally organized the church as Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Waco.
Rev. Henry Denis (1907–1909)
Served as the second pastor, continuing the foundation of the growing congregation.
Rev. J.A. Mucoller (1909–1916)
Previously believed to have ministered in the railroad camp, Rev. Mucoller led the church to relocate to J.L. Hord Road in the former Van Grove School building.
Rev. F.L. Howell (1916–1947)
Serving for 31 years, Rev. Howell was both pastor and the only African American schoolteacher in the Waco community. He later donated land for a new church site, now home to the church cemetery, and served as Moderator of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Association.
Rev. C.E. Rice (1948–1979)
Expanded worship services to every Sunday and oversaw the rebuilding of the church edifice in 1963. He mentored Rev. James E. Montgomery, Sr., who later served as interim pastor in 1980.
Rev. Dr. James Ervin Montgomery, Sr. (1980–2004)
Our first full-time pastor, Dr. Montgomery led tremendous growth in membership and ministry. He established church school, Bible study, Vacation Bible School, and new converts classes. Under his leadership, the church adopted a permanent constitution, reorganized ministries, incorporated in North Carolina, and relocated to the historic former Waco High School in 1992. A Doctor of Ministry, published author, and Moderator of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Association, Dr. Montgomery left an indelible legacy.
Rev. Ryan Kenyon McCain (2004–2011)
The youngest pastor in church history, Rev. McCain led during a challenging season, including rebuilding after a fire destroyed the Christian Education wing. He expanded denominational partnerships and became the first pastor to lead an international mission trip to Poland.
Rev. Les Howard (2012–Present)
Elected unanimously in 2012, Pastor Howard has led the church into continued growth and renewal. Under his leadership, over 100 members have joined, major renovations have been completed, and new resources including a church bus have been added to support ministry outreach.