First Macedonia Baptist Church is led by pastors who have a deep love for God and a genuine heart for people. Their journey into ministry is rooted in a calling to serve, encourage, and guide others in their walk with Christ.
With a passion for teaching God's Word and building strong faith-filled communities, our pastors are committed to helping people grow spiritually, discover their purpose, and experience the transforming love of God. They believe church is a place where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and inspired to deepen their relationship with Christ.
Beyond the pulpit, they are mentors, encouragers, and servants who walk alongside the congregation through life's joys and challenges. Whether through prayer, teaching, or simply being present, their goal is to lead with humility, compassion, transparency, and faith. Their heart is to see lives changed, families strengthened, and communities impacted by the power and Grace of God.
We invite you to get to know our pastors and join us as we grow together in faith.
With a passion for teaching God's Word and building strong faith-filled communities, our pastors are committed to helping people grow spiritually, discover their purpose, and experience the transforming love of God. They believe church is a place where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and inspired to deepen their relationship with Christ.
Beyond the pulpit, they are mentors, encouragers, and servants who walk alongside the congregation through life's joys and challenges. Whether through prayer, teaching, or simply being present, their goal is to lead with humility, compassion, transparency, and faith. Their heart is to see lives changed, families strengthened, and communities impacted by the power and Grace of God.
We invite you to get to know our pastors and join us as we grow together in faith.
Julia Porter Hickman-Swilling was born in Fayetteville, NC to the late Henry F. and Ruby K. Porter. Her academic involvement in education has always been to excel in every possible area. So, early in her life, she learned that the outlet and release for extensive studying could be found in the confines of music. She learned to love music and performing arts at an early age. Singing the hymns of the "old church" was a part of her legacy, such that by the age of 12, she would accept Christ as her personal Savior. Joining Thaddeus Disciple Church would be the beginning of her sojourn in the LORD. Julia actively participated in Sunday School and Youth Groups connected with various ministries within the church and community. Being a servant of the LORD became more than a favorable desire; it became a yearning that only full commitment could satisfy. This "way of life" would lead her down a pathway of no return.... She believes that there is NO OTHER WAY whereby man or woman can be saved but through the Blood of Jesus!
When Julia left NC to move to Maryland, she joined First Baptist Church of Guilford under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. John L. Wright. Serving on the Board of Christian Education, working within the Spiritual Growth Ministry for Women, singing o n several choirs, and assisting the Pastor as church clerk are just a few of her experiences along the way to accepting the call to preach the Word of God. Rev. Wright licensed Julia in December 1992 and ordained her in May 2000 as the first female to receive this title in 100 years of the church.
The higher call beyond ordination was the voice that hearkened her service to a little country church at the bottom of a hill in Ellicott City, MD. Rev. Hickman-Swilling came to First Macedonia Baptist Church in January 2000 to serve in the interim of a congregation who was mourning the loss of the Founder, Rev. Evora Robinson-Burns. Her acceptance of the responsibility to become Pastor was sealed during her Installation in July 2000. Since that appointed time, Rev. Hickman-Swilling has run a race of endurance, perseverance, love, and compassion in leading the flock and has no intentions of ever turning back.
Academic acclaim has awarded Rev. Hickman-Swilling with 38 years of teaching English in the Secondary Schools of Howard County. In July 2015 she signed a document of Retirement from the Howard County School System. This part of her journey has now come to an end. Her belief that "Knowledge is Power" will now secure higher reigns as she spends quality time in the ongoing work of Kingdom Building.
God has blessed Bishop Swilling to have a B.A. Degree in English and Psychology, an M.A. Degree in Education, and a second Master's Degree in Administration and Supervision. She is presently enrolled in Andersonville Seminary, studying to acquire her Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling. Her dream is to one day open a Christian School where children can learn to be successful as they identify their prized position as joint heirs in the Kingdom of God.
Rev. Hickman-Swilling married Rev. Dr. Gary Lamont Swilling on November 7, 2009. This happy occasion has added dimension to her life beyond human expression. She now has 5 children - Nicole, Jacelyn, Sharah, James, and Jasmine and 5 grandchildren - Nicolas, Samantha-Nicole, Noelle, Savannah, and Jenesis. She is so thankful for the mercies of God, who has been faithful to EVERY promise... and reaches daily to remain faithful and diligent in her assigned mission as a Servant of the Lord. Where there was one walking up the King's Highway, there are now 2 greatly joined in one massive force to "seek and save all that is lost"... to invite just one more to the Cross where there is surely room!!!
When Julia left NC to move to Maryland, she joined First Baptist Church of Guilford under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. John L. Wright. Serving on the Board of Christian Education, working within the Spiritual Growth Ministry for Women, singing o n several choirs, and assisting the Pastor as church clerk are just a few of her experiences along the way to accepting the call to preach the Word of God. Rev. Wright licensed Julia in December 1992 and ordained her in May 2000 as the first female to receive this title in 100 years of the church.
The higher call beyond ordination was the voice that hearkened her service to a little country church at the bottom of a hill in Ellicott City, MD. Rev. Hickman-Swilling came to First Macedonia Baptist Church in January 2000 to serve in the interim of a congregation who was mourning the loss of the Founder, Rev. Evora Robinson-Burns. Her acceptance of the responsibility to become Pastor was sealed during her Installation in July 2000. Since that appointed time, Rev. Hickman-Swilling has run a race of endurance, perseverance, love, and compassion in leading the flock and has no intentions of ever turning back.
Academic acclaim has awarded Rev. Hickman-Swilling with 38 years of teaching English in the Secondary Schools of Howard County. In July 2015 she signed a document of Retirement from the Howard County School System. This part of her journey has now come to an end. Her belief that "Knowledge is Power" will now secure higher reigns as she spends quality time in the ongoing work of Kingdom Building.
God has blessed Bishop Swilling to have a B.A. Degree in English and Psychology, an M.A. Degree in Education, and a second Master's Degree in Administration and Supervision. She is presently enrolled in Andersonville Seminary, studying to acquire her Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling. Her dream is to one day open a Christian School where children can learn to be successful as they identify their prized position as joint heirs in the Kingdom of God.
Rev. Hickman-Swilling married Rev. Dr. Gary Lamont Swilling on November 7, 2009. This happy occasion has added dimension to her life beyond human expression. She now has 5 children - Nicole, Jacelyn, Sharah, James, and Jasmine and 5 grandchildren - Nicolas, Samantha-Nicole, Noelle, Savannah, and Jenesis. She is so thankful for the mercies of God, who has been faithful to EVERY promise... and reaches daily to remain faithful and diligent in her assigned mission as a Servant of the Lord. Where there was one walking up the King's Highway, there are now 2 greatly joined in one massive force to "seek and save all that is lost"... to invite just one more to the Cross where there is surely room!!!
Bishop Julia Hickman-Swilling
"It has been my humble commitment to serve you for more than 25 years. My vow to you and Christ is real. I will bless the LORD, through every step, and never turn back on His charge to me as your Bishop/Pastor."
Overseer Dr. Gary L. Swilling
