My third great grandfather attended this church when he moved his family to Ohio in 1849 after he was emancipated in his father’s/owner’s will. I visited in July 2022 after attending my first Polley family reunion.
Jim Hale, author of The Long Road To Freedom, took my son, Alex, and I to see this historic church. More later.
Salsaworldtraveler'sblog 
look forward to reading/seeing more about this church!
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how nice to be able to trace your family’s history. looks like that church would have a lot of tales to tell…
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Thanks to Jim Hale, I now know a little about the family’s amazing story.
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what a nice connection to have made…
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That the building is still standing and awaiting preservation is profound. It is great in its humbleness.
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The church is a very humble structure. I think the people it served put a great deal of their wealth and energy into the church and the activities it supported. Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church must have been the crown jewel of the community.
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Indeed!
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A fascinating looking church John and how personal it obviously is to you. I doubt I could find a church that one of my ancestors visited. Even better that you got a tour from a knowledgeable (local?) author. Looking forward to learning more…
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I was surprised that the church still exists. Jim Hale is a Polley relative and resident of Huntington, West Virginia, which is just across the Ohio River and within a few miles of this church. Jim also took us to see the church’s cemetery where my great grandmother lies and the street in Huntington where my father lived as a boy.
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What an experience that must have been. Looking forward to finding out more.
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How special for you to be able to visit this church with such a powerful connection to your own family history!
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Fortunately the church is still there although in need of repairs. I’m very lucky to have been able to discover this history.
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What a treasure. I have goosebumps for you, my fellow Ohioan. It’s so powerful when we connect with our history. And to have your son by your side… No words. Thank you for sharing, John.
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Connecting with the family history has been very powerful and empowering, especially since I just learned about it a few months ago. It is a shame that Black folk have been largely denied the ability to know much about their history.
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It’s amazing how much you know about your family’s history and that you were able to visit the church that your third great grandfather attended. It looks a bit rough on the outside.
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And I only found out about this history a few months ago!
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And after all of these years, it’s still standing! Wonderful that you were able to pay a visit to this special church!
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The church needs a lot of repairs but it is still standing! I’m glad I could visit.
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Wow what a special memory John! lOVE THE CHURCH!! 💖💖
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Thanks Cindy! The church is awaiting funds to get it back in shape.
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Oh good luck to them.. you’re most welcome!! 💖💖
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Fascinating and wonderful
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Thanks for visiting, Sheree!
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Always a pleasure
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So beautiful church! Thank’s for share, John.
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Thanks for visiting!
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That must have been an emotional visit John
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It was emotional. I’m glad I found out about my family history even at this late date in life.
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