Our Story

Third Macedonia Baptist Church was established in 1879 on grounds purchased from the late Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burns of Burton, SC. At the time the early membership were members of Rose Hill Baptist Church, but living in the Burton community it was a hardship to travel there for worship so they determined to plant a church in their community that would serve as a place of worship and a pillar of the community. Many of the materials that went into the building of the church were cut down by hand from the surrounding woods, some of which had to be floated across the nearby river and hauled to the site. After its completion, in the same year, the church dedicated itself to serving the members of the Burton community.

In a new sanctuary that was completed in early 1975, Third Macedonia Baptist Church has continued to serve the community. With the current Pastor, Elder Lawrence McCarter, Sr. at the helm, since January 2004,  the church has begun several initiatives in the community. The church, in cooperation with the Beaufort County School District, a mentorship program that focuses on young male students in the Burton community was started. A partnership with the USDA has provided fresh fruits and vegetables, along with other perishable and non-perishable foods have been provided to the community. 

In February 2020 we, like many others, heard of a virus that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere that had begun ravaging the world. The numbers of those infected, as well as those who unfortunately lost their lives from this virus, rose daily. It crossed borders and attacked everyone, regardless of race, creed, or socioeconomic background. This virus, Covid-19 (novel coronavirus) spread on a global scale, infecting millions and causing the deaths of hundreds of thousands. It was the reason behind the closures of many businesses and churches. During this season we have had to address, internally, the fundamental changes that have been forced upon us as an effect of Covid-19. It has become increasingly apparent that in order for us at Third Macedonia Baptist Church to fulfill the commission that Jesus Christ gave to the entire church in Matthew 28: 19-20, our message must remain steadfast, but our method of delivery must change on a fundamental level. Our efforts must reach into the heart of our Burton community and expand beyond into all of Beaufort County. It is our desire to reach out to the generational residents of Beaufort County, as well as to provide a place of peace and refuge to the Marines and Sailors that temporarily call this place home, and to everyone in between. Our efforts and outreach must be greater, because, we believe, that this virus is only "another sign of the times" spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 24: 1-14. We seek to be "a light of the world- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14 NLT).