History
Our Mission & Values
First Macedonia Baptist Church is dedicated to serving God and the community by fostering spiritual growth, connection, and worship. Our values are rooted in love, faith, and service.
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. 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.
In 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!
Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of his church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affection, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, towards its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and comment our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of his church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affection, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, towards its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and comment our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.
Welcome to First Macedonia Baptist Church
At First Macedonia Baptist Church, we strive to be a welcoming and vibrant community dedicated to serving God and our neighbors. Explore our various ministries and activities designed for all ages.
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Our Mission Statement
We are committed to spreading the message of Christ through worship, outreach, and support. Our mission is to make disciples and serve the community.
Resources for Spiritual Growth
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