Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

The Church's given name was Macedonia Baptist Church of New Texas of Potash, Louisiana. The little church was a wooden structure, with a steeple. Brother N. Smith rang the bell in the loft of the steeple to let everyone know when it was time for service, no inside plumbing, no air conditioning (only fans), no running water. Candidates were baptized in the Mississippi River. Music was made by clapping and patting ones feet on the wooden floors.
People would walk for miles just to hear the word of God. Everyone came on one accord; glorifying God and serving one another. Baskets of food were served after service and soft drinks were sold to help with finances. Sadly, the old church was destroyed by Hurricane Betsy in 1965.
From the year 1874 to 1898 the late Rev. James Williams was the pastor of Greater Macedonia. After 24 years of service, he was called by God. Rev. Louis Reddick served and led the flock from 1898 to 1908. After ten years of service, the Lord decided to call him home. From the year of 1909 to 1985 several pastors had the opportunity to pastor Greater Macedonia Baptist Church: Rev. Malley James, Rev. Emile Foster, Rev. James Jackson, Rev. E. A. Riley, Rev. J. R. Jones, Rev. Felix Edgerson, Rev. Victor Ragas (assistant Pastor) and Rev. George Mack.
On June 26, 1962, a piece of land (30x100) was purchased from Rev. Victor Ragas. Rev. Victor Ragas also donated ten feet of land in order for the church to build a kitchen. On September 11, 1962 the church was immediately in the building progress.
In March 1986, Rev. Mack's chair was unveiled and Rev. Joseph N. Taylor (ordained November 13, 1960) was installed as Pastor by the CMMBA.
On August 29, 2005, the Greater Macedonia Baptist Church was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Rev. Joseph N. Taylor and all members were scattered in various part of the U.S. Rev. Taylor tried to get his members together to have service and begin building a new church. Sis. Deidra Davis had a vision despite the separation: " I knew that the need for food was necessary in Plaquemines Parish. With the help from Second Food Harvest, I was able to apply for a grant that helped me purchase a small building, electricity, air conditioning and appliances." In 2007, The Greater Macedonia Baptist Church Family was able to serve the community. Rev. Taylor started to have service at Greater St. Peter Baptist Church, but due to the lack of attendance, service stopped. Rev. Taylor knew he had to do something to get the church and members back together. So he tried again to have meetings at Israelite Baptist Church. Discussions of rebuilding the church were held until progress was made. On July 14, 2007 a piece of land was purchased (1/2 x 40) from Elton G. LeBlanc, Jr. On September 10, 2007 a revival, in a tent, was held for two weeks. The revival was successful and Sunday services presumed. With a broken down, mildew, gnat and mosquito filled tent, the members stood proud to be at their new church foundation. Sis. Edna Thornton suggested that a temporary building was built and all agreed. On October 21, 2007 the first service was held. From then on Sunday worship services, bible study and meetings were held until the new building was built. On April 26, 2008 Greater Macedonia had their groundbreaking service. Rev. Taylor fought a good fight and kept the faith for 26 years until God called him from labor to a reward on January 10, 2011. On September 11, 2011, Rev. Taylor's chair was unveiled and Pastor Mandrel R. Pansy, Sr. was installed as Pastor by the CMMBA. He currently serves as pastor of GMBC and continues to pursue his vision of the church and bring forth a prosperous future of this wonderful church.