First Macedonia Baptist Church
HISTORY
In 1985, the vision of our Founder, the late Rev. Evora Robinson-Burns, was to pastor a church. Services were held at her home and the church’s name was Macedonia Interdenominational Church, also called MIC. Its membership totaled eight or nine dedicated members. It was a glorious beginning.
The Lord blessed the Pastor and family of MIC to move to a dwelling in historic Ellicott City where our first deacon was called to serve, and a small trustee board began to do the work of the Lord. After the two-year contract on that building ended, we were instructed to move to the Oakland Mills Meeting House in Columbia, MD. Our “Back to Basics” motto remained strong. Souls were coming to Christ and once again we were presented with an opportunity to have our very own building.
The Crab House on Frederick Road was soon to be God’s House! The place was made available to the church through a man of God who believed in Pastor Burns and her flock. All praises belong to God! Our Founder’s dream was still on the move and going forward. In July 1997, MIC was set apart as First Macedonia Baptist Church, located 11982 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Deacon Franklin Wade was the first ordained deacon in First Macedonia. Sadly, Rev. Burns was called Home to be with the Lord shortly thereafter. However, in January 2000, God sent FMBC another anointed preacher, Prophet Julia P. Hickman-Swilling. She is a dynamic preacher, teacher, prophet, wife, mother, and grandmother who loves the Lord with her whole heart. She is a God-fearing prayer warrior who believes in preaching the unadulterated Gospel, in season and out of season! Prophet Swilling preaches as hard for a congregation of two or three people as she would for a mega church. Lovingly, the church has given her the nickname “Hurricane” (as Deacon Alvin Harris said best), because of how she comes through and preaches up a storm to shake your whole foundation! In July 2000, Prophet Swilling was installed as the Pastor of First Macedonia Baptist Church. We thank God for this “woman of God, who is dedicated to the service of the King!”
Under the leadership of Bishop Hickman-Swilling the church has grown in great dimensions, as God has elevated His servants to a higher call. In obeying God’s plan for His people, Prophet Swilling has ordained and licensed many of the preachers, deacons, and deaconesses in our immediate and extended church family today. We thank God for blessing our under-shepherd with a vision to “Equip the Saint of God for the Good Fight!” It is also her hope and dream to one day build another facility, that will not only house the “people of God,” but will include an education building to further instruct and train those willing to move to higher levels in Christ. It is only through the Blood of Jesus Christ that man can be saved; it is through His promises that we can be prepared and preserved in awaiting the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior!
On November 7, 2009, Prophet Hickman married Rev. Dr. Gary L. Swilling, who is now at her side in this race for Kingdom Building. We are thankful for their union, and for this journey that God entrusted to us. They are currently both enrolled in doctoral programs in Andersonville Theological Seminary, where they intend for their higher education to take the congregation of FMBC into higher heights of service in Kingdom Building! He has brought us from a mighty long way, and we have no plans of turning back!
On July 25, 2025, First Macedonia Baptist Church celebrated its 40th Anniversary, with the proclamation: “A Church Actively Engaged in Relational Faith - LOOK WHERE HE HAS BROUGHT US!" And He saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19). Members welcomed many guests and former members to two services and dinner at church. Powerful and congratulatory messages were delivered by Overseer E.L. McNair of New Covenant Baptist Church at morning service and Rev. Dr. Cleveland Mason of Perkins Square at the afternoon service.
n November 2025, ____Sutton began the process of elevating Prophet Julia Swilling to the revered position of Bishop and elevating Pastor Gary Swilling to Overseer. and explain the rest.
They are currently both enrolled in doctoral programs in Andersonville Theological Seminary, where they intend for their higher education to take the congregation of FMBC into higher heights of service in Kingdom Building! He has brought us from a mighty long way, and we have no plans of turning back!
On July 25, 2025, First Macedonia Baptist Church celebrated its 40th Anniversary, with the proclamation: “A Church Actively Engaged in Relational Faith - LOOK WHERE HE HAS BROUGHT US!" And He saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19). Members welcomed many guests and former members to two services and dinner at church. Powerful and congratulatory messages were delivered by Overseer E.L. McNair of New Covenant Baptist Church at morning service and Rev. Dr. Cleveland Mason of Perkins Square at the afternoon service.
n November 2025, ____Sutton began the process of elevating Prophet Julia Swilling to the revered position of Bishop and elevating Pastor Gary Swilling to Overseer. and explain the rest.
They are currently both enrolled in doctoral programs in Andersonville Theological Seminary, where they intend for their higher education to take the congregation of FMBC into higher heights of service in Kingdom Building! He has brought us from a mighty long way, and we have no plans of turning back!