A little church with a big mission

In North Central San Mateo, a small church named Macedonia Church of God in Christ has stood since 1940. Despite its size, Macedonia does remarkable things for the community.

The church is led by the Rev. Leon Swindell, a third generation pastor of Macedonia, who preaches in a rhythmic style that rises to the intensity of song. The Church of God in Christ is a Pentecostal sect of Christianity that arose as a traditional African-American church in the early 1800s. Macedonia’s name was derived from scripture related to helping those in the country of Macedonia, Swindell said. A captivating speaker, Swindell’s emotionally charged sermons follow the tradition of Pentecostal sects and frequently move its members to clap, sing, cry and stand in applause. It is a style passed on by his family as his great uncle built the tiny church on North Claremont Street and served 30 years as its reverend, followed by Swindell’s father who also served as reverend for 30 years. The church just celebrated its 72nd year June 22, and Swindell has celebrated his 12th year as reverend.

Swindell is grateful to his ancestry and speaks of them with reverence. Swindell’s mother Jemmie Swindell has been a member of Macedonia since 1952. Her involvement with the church led Swindell, now 60, to spend his life dedicated to it. Swindell and his wife, Phyllis, met near the church and raised four daughters together.

Strong familial ties led to other related Churches of God in Christ established in East Palo Alto and Hayward by his cousins.

It was at the church in Hayward that Swindell gave the eulogy for baseball’s Bobby Bonds in 2003 because the number of people attending his funeral, including Willie Mays, Joe Morgan and Reggie Jackson, was too large for the San Mateo church. Bonds had attended a sermon at Macedonia and told Swindell he wanted to become a member and for him to serve as his pastor.

"Well that blew me away. I’m like, ‘you want me?’ That was the first thing that came out of my mouth,” Swindell said.

When Bonds’ health declined, Swindell said he met him at Stanford Hospital to pray. Giving the eulogy was an honor, he added.

Making such accommodations is part of the church’s mission. Macedonia stands in a diverse neighborhood, so Swindell tries to reflect the needs of the community. After Swindell’s Sunday sermon, Macedonia is opened for Christian sermons of a Hispanic congregation, followed by a Tongan congregation. Swindell is interested in providing Spanish classes for his congregation with the Hispanic church so members can, he said, "learn their dialogue because it would break down barriers as far as communication is concerned.”

Other events at Macedonia include a sermon run by the women of Macedonia every fifth Sunday of the year. Once a month during the summer, deacons Charles Price and Ray Kelly and several others assist as Macedonia holds fundraiser barbecues. The church receives orders for meals from individuals and sometimes businesses, helping to raise money for the church, said Swindell.

Recently, "Motorcycle Sunday” events invite those in the motorcycle community to attend a Sunday service followed by a large dinner. The event became so popular that Macedonia has had to apply for a city permit to enable motorcyclists to park on the street during the events, said Swindell.

The most frequent charitable event, started by congregants Maxine Kelly and Jesse Nelson, is the food pantry every Tuesday. Non-perishable food is donated by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The food pantry has served more than 1,300 people since 2005, Kelly said.

"Our endeavor is to help those less fortunate, if they come here and ask for food, we are really blessed to give it to them,” said Nelson.

On Tuesday mornings, people line up around the church to wait for Macedonia’s doors to open at 8:30 a.m. About 100 to 150 people line up every Tuesday, regardless of their faith, said Kelly. Fresh produce is also offered every third Saturday of the month.

"It’s just amazing how many families and people who are desperately in need of food and help [are] in the area,” Swindell said. "We live in a very hard time right now, people are hurting.”

Numerous community members not associated with the faith of Macedonia volunteer each Tuesday. Betty Ortiz has been volunteering at Macedonia for four years. Not only does she help hand out food, Ortiz and several others translate for Spanish speakers.

To expand Macedonia’s service to the community, Swindell is looking into having afternoon computer classes to teach those in the community applicable skills. Yet before this can happen, Macedonia will need to acquire donated computers.

"That’s what discipleship is about, helping those that are in need,” he said, adding that is resolved to appeal to, "those of us that can help, that’s when we stand up, and that’s when you show the human side of you.”

Donations can be made to Macedonia on Tuesday mornings and Friday evenings at 66 N. Claremont St., San Mateo.