MACEDONIA CEMETERY

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Restoring Names, Preserving History, and Reconnecting Families

Descendants of Macedonia Church and Cemetery of Johns Creek, Georgia, Inc. (DMCC)

Our Story

The Descendants of Macedonia Church and Cemetery of Johns Creek, Georgia, Inc. (DMCC) was formed in 2023 with a simple but powerful mission: to preserve the historic Macedonia Cemetery, honor those buried there, and reconnect families with a history that was at risk of being lost. What began as an effort to protect a neglected historic African American cemetery has evolved into an initiative focused on historical recovery, preservation, research, education, and public awareness. Through the dedication of descendants, community members, historians, genealogists, preservationists, and academic partners, DMCC are working to transform Macedonia Cemetery from a forgotten site into an important historical resource with regional and national significance. Today, DMCC serves as the leading advocate for preserving the cemetery’s legacy while ensuring that the individuals buried there are remembered not as anonymous graves, but as people with names, families, stories, and descendants.

What DMCC Has Accomplished

DMCC has confirmed more than 65 individuals buried at Macedonia Cemetery through extensive genealogy, archival research, land records, census data, family histories, and reverse genealogy. The organization has worked to preserve deteriorating historic headstones, document grave markers, and protect valuable historical evidence before it is lost. DMCC established a collaborative relationship with Georgia Gwinnett College, supporting archaeological research, field documentation, student engagement, and cemetery cleanups. Ground-penetrating radar studies have identified approximately 177 additional probable burials, dramatically expanding knowledge of the site. DMCC has also partnered with historians and researchers to conduct family and land-use research and is actively developing documentation for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. These accomplishments have been supported by volunteers with expertise in historical research, genealogy, preservation, communications, archaeology, and community engagement.

Why We Need Support Now

DMCC has reached a critical stage in its work. While research, documentation, preservation planning, and community partnerships have advanced significantly, progress on several major initiatives has slowed because Macedonia Cemetery is owned by the City of Johns Creek. City ownership creates limitations on certain preservation, memorialization, infrastructure, and development activities that require approvals and resources beyond the organization’s control. As a result, DMCC has reached a standstill on some of the work needed to fully preserve, interpret, and memorialize the cemetery. Volunteer commitment alone is no longer sufficient to move the project forward.

The Need for Donor Investment

Financial support is needed to continue historical and genealogical research, preserve and conserve deteriorating markers, support archaeological investigations, advance National Register documentation, expand community education efforts, create digital archives, develop interpretive and memorial features, and ensure long-term stewardship of the cemetery. Philanthropic investment will help transform volunteer-driven work into a sustainable preservation effort with lasting community impact.

An Invitation to Become a Legacy Partner

We invite families, foundations, corporations, and community leaders to join us as Legacy Partners in preserving Macedonia Cemetery. Your support will help restore names to history, protect sacred grounds, expand historical knowledge, and ensure that those buried at Macedonia Cemetery are never forgotten. Our goal is to reach 177 Legacy Partners who will set up a recurring gift of $17.70 per month. The number 177 represents the 177 additional burials identified by the GPR survey. This monthly gift establishes a dependable base of support to help us execute our six key priorities.

We are deeply grateful to those who choose to support our organization with this ongoing contribution.

Giving Tuesday 2026

GIVING TUESDAY-LEGACY PARTNER CAMPAIGN