One of Denver’s oldest historically Black congregations, Macedonia Baptist Church, is ushering in a new chapter of leadership with the arrival of the Rev. Patrick L. Turner, whose first Sunday in the pulpit is scheduled for November 2.
The 108-year-old church has long been a center of faith and civic life, known for its deep roots in Denver’s Black community and its record of social engagement. The call to Turner follows months of search and discernment led by Macedonia’s pastoral search committee, which reported a 97 percent affirmative vote from members on July 13.
“What I see with Reverend Turner is a new dawning,” said longtime member and trustee chair Bert Weston, who has worshiped at Macedonia for six decades. “We’re going to look at the present as we build for the future—a church without walls.”
Founded in 1917, Macedonia Baptist Church has welcomed an array of national leaders through the years, including Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Ralph Abernathy, Shirley Chisholm, and Jesse Jackson. The late Rev. Dr. Paul Martin—whom members recall as a community “giant”—served as pastor until 2007 and later became the first Black president of the Berkeley School of Theology in California.
The church holds a unique place in Colorado history: Denver’s first “Marade,” the Martin Luther King Jr. march and parade, began on Macedonia’s front steps years before the holiday became official. Former Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock was ordained there, and Terrance Carroll, former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, served as interim pastor during the church’s leadership transition.
Carroll is credited by members with providing steady guidance throughout the search process and keeping the congregation engaged and unified. Weston called his service “a bridge of wisdom and stability that allowed Macedonia to move confidently into its next era.”
Turner arrives from Mount Moriah Church in Fort Worth, Texas, where he served for nearly three decades—20 years as senior pastor. “I really wasn’t thinking about leaving,” he said, “but the Lord spoke to me clearly and said, ‘I have work for you to do in Denver.’ You have to follow the voice of the Lord.”
Under Turner’s leadership, Mount Moriah grew from about 75 to 400 worshipers and relocated from a 6,000-square-foot facility to a 24,000-square-foot campus. He says he hopes to bring similar momentum and energy to Macedonia, with an emphasis on outreach and youth engagement.
“I want to bring in some new energy,” he said. “We definitely want an infusion of youth at Macedonia. And I know that if you do what God says, He’ll do the rest.”
Turner’s first year will involve both transition and travel while his family relocates. He and his wife are preparing to move their household to Denver while supporting a daughter completing her senior year of high school in Texas.
Both Turner and Weston describe a shared vision for community-based ministry. Weston sees Turner as “a bridge builder—concerned about people, community, and collaborative partnership.” Turner emphasizes that effective ministry extends outside the sanctuary.
“One of the failures of the church—especially the Black church—is outreach,” he said. “Too many of us are satisfied with showing up on Sunday morning and staying within four walls. Jesus said, ‘Go into the highways and byways and compel them to come in.’ We plan outdoor services, prayer stations, and other efforts to let people know we’re here for them.”
He added that his philosophy of leadership is rooted in accessibility and shared work. “I never elevate myself above the members—we’re all servants of the same God. My door is always open, and I never ask anyone to do what I’m not willing to do myself. If there’s a project, I’m right there getting my hands dirty.”
As churches nationwide adjust to post-pandemic realities, Turner hopes to reignite in-person connection. “Streaming has its place, especially for the sick and shut-in, but it isn’t a substitute for fellowship,” he said. “There’s something you get by being in the Lord’s house. I want people to leave worship saying, ‘I’ve been in the presence of the Lord, and my soul has been revived.’”
A lifelong preacher and singer, Turner said he hopes his ministry will restore not only numbers but spirit. “I’m not asking God to make Macedonia what it was,” he said. “I’m asking God to make Macedonia better—whatever He wants it to be. It’s not how many are in the seats but what’s in their hearts.”
Weston believes the congregation is ready. “There’s a new fire,” she said. “Everyone wants to know what they can do.”
