Oct. 7 in at City Club LA
In commemoration of 115 of dedicated service and commitment to justice in the Watts community and surrounding areas, Macedonia Baptist Church, 1751 E. 114th St in Watts, will host the Macedonia Legacy Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Club LA, 555 S. Flower St. . The event will highlight the church’s enduring legacy and honor leaders who have made a significant impact in the community.
“Though Macedonia Baptist Church boasts a rich history, we are far from being stuck in the past. We may be old, but we are incredibly relevant, deeply relational, and a vibrant beacon of hope for our community. The Macedonia Legacy Luncheon is a testament to us honoring our traditions while actively shaping a brighter future for all those we serve.” – Dr. Shane B. Scott, Senior Pastor
The Macedonia Legacy Luncheon will feature an impressive lineup of honorees, including Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43).
Other distinguished honorees include:
- Jennifer Baird, director of patient care services education and research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
- Olivette Evans-Hester, a long-time choir director and former music educator
- Gloria Morones, a local community organizer
- Byron J. Smith, professor of music at Los Angeles Harbor College,music coordinator, organist, and choir director at Grant AME Church in Los Angeles,
- Leandro Tyberg, president/co-founder of Primestor Development, Inc. and
- Mary S. Eston, Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care
The Macedonia Legacy Luncheon will also feature guest speaker, Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chair of Virginia Union University’s Board and Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, New York. The event will be filled with engaging presentations on the church’s rich history, musical performances, comedy, food, dancing and more!
Watts, despite its challenges, is a place worth embracing, as it’s not a community to run from but rather one we should run to, driven by the potential for positive change and community empowerment. To combat Watts’ status as a food desert, Macedonia Baptist Church hosts weekly food drives and distributes hot meals twice a week. Our consistent efforts have been instrumental in alleviating food insecurity in this underserved area, making a profound impact on the lives of our residents.
Macedonia Baptist Church’s enduring commitment to the Watts community is further exemplified through its establishment of the Macedonia Community Development Corporation. Founded in 2015, the organization has been instrumental in addressing the deep-seated challenges faced by the underserved Black and Brown community of Watts, including social, political, and economic injustices, food insecurities, violence, drug addiction, and low literacy rates.
I am so very thankful that GOD directed my parents to a house on Anzac Ave. next door to Mr.&Mrs. Tom Moore who, in 1951, invited my parents to come visit their church.
I attended Macedonia for 30 yrs. until I moved out of driving distance. My dad, Exault Smith attended until he died in 1984, his wife, Vernita, was a member until her death in 2022.
I often think fondly of the teaching, training, discipleship that I received at Macedonia from Sunday School, Jr. Usher to my most joyous time in the Junior Choir under the training of Mrs. Olivette Evans Hester.
May GOD continue to be glorified, until JESUS’ return, in Macedonia Baptist Church!