By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer

Macedonia Baptist Church marked its 75th anniversary July 13 with a celebration that honored not only its longevity, but its deep roots and commitment to community service through the decades.

The church’s beginnings trace to the mid-1950s, when services were held in the garage of founders Odessa and Robert Office’s home. Under the guidance of its first pastor, Dr. Cleo Melvin Cummings, the small congregation moved to its current location at 700 Benton Ave. in Del Paso Heights. Cummings led the church for 23 years before passing the baton to Pastor Edward L. Varnado, who led the church for nearly four decades.

As the congregation reflects on its past, it also looks forward with renewed hope and purpose.

Sister Ruth Taylor, left, and Sister Juanita Stallworth pose July 13 at Macedonia Baptist Church’s 75th anniversary morning service celebration. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER
Sister Ruth Taylor, left, and Sister Juanita Stallworth pose July 13 at Macedonia Baptist Church’s 75th anniversary morning service celebration. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Pastor Jeffrey L. Johnson II, affectionately known as Pastor J, officially took the pulpit as the church’s third spiritual leader in February 2021. At just 39 years old, Johnson brings a new approach to spiritual leadership, with 12 years of pastoral experience and 30 years of preaching, having begun at the tender age of 9.

“Our vision is to make this church a seven-day-a-week hub for the community,” Johnson said. He aims to transform Macedonia into a space that offers both spiritual nourishment and tangible support ranging from after-school programs to nutrition classes and more.

In just four years under his leadership, the church has welcomed more than 200 new members and expanded to two services to meet demand. He also has launched young adult and college outreach ministries to keep younger members engaged.

Pastor Jeffrey Johnson prays during the 75th anniversary morning service celebration at Macedonia Baptist Church in Del Paso Heights, July 13, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER
Pastor Jeffrey Johnson prays during the 75th anniversary morning service celebration at Macedonia Baptist Church in Del Paso Heights, July 13, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

“If we don’t grab this generation, we’re in a dangerous spot,” Johnson said. His leadership style includes creating spaces for honest dialogue, addressing modern-day questions about faith, and ensuring the church remains relevant and accessible.

Deacon Tommy Hall, a 45-year member and chairman of the deacon board, said the church’s endurance through difficult times, particularly the pandemic, is a testament to its faith and its leadership.

“We thought we might close during the pandemic,” Hall said. “But God blessed us. We kept praying and trusting.”

Pastor Jeffrey Johnson dances with the lead praise dance team during the 75th anniversary morning service celebration July 13at Macedonia Baptist Church, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER
Pastor Jeffrey Johnson dances with the lead praise dance team during the 75th anniversary morning service celebration July 13at Macedonia Baptist Church, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

The congregation credits Johnson with helping them not only survive the pandemic, but emerge from it stronger. “Pastor J is intentional about the things that he says. He’s also committed to what he does,” said Wjuanita Stallworth, granddaughter of the church’s founders.

As the church looks ahead to the next 75 years, its foundation remains the same: faith, community, and a mission to serve.

“We don’t want to be just a beautiful building,” Johnson said. “We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, a beacon of hope.”