PASTOR REV. WILLIE C BARNES

Making A Difference “With A Mind to Work”

“ So we built the wall and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof. For the people had a mind to work.” Nehemiah 4:6 2

Reverend Willie C Barnes was born in 1954 in Munford, Alabama. In 1967 he moved to Orlando, Florida and was a student in the Orange County School System. After a successful academic and athletic high school season, Reverend Barnes graduated with honors from Maynard Evans High School in 1972.    

 In 1977, Reverend Barnes graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. His career began in 1977 with an appointment as a Design Engineer at Martin Marietta Electronics and Missiles Systems where he worked for 15 years. While employed at Martin Marietta Corporation, Rev Barnes accepted the call to ministry in 1986.    He was ordained in 1987 by the late Reverend L.W. Wilson, Pastor of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church of Orlando where he served as the Associate Minister.

Later that year in October, he was called to Pastor Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Eatonville, Florida. He remained bi-vocational (Electrical Engineer and Pastor) until 1991 when he accepted the full time responsibility, where he has served for the past 22 years.

As Pastor and Chief Executive Officer of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Inc. of Eatonville, the church has experienced much growth spiritually and physically. 

In 2001 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from United Bible College and Seminary of Orlando.

In 2001, Nehemiah Educational and Economic Development Inc. (NEED) a non-profit organization was initiated to coordinate outreach programs for education, economic development and programs for high-risk individuals. 

Reverend Barnes currently serves as President of the African American Council of Christian Clergy (AACCC), and is an Honorary Deputy for the Orange County Sheriff Office. He also serves on the Mayor Safe Orlando Task Force.

 He is married to Anita Louise and the father of three Lattitia, Anissa and Antonio (deceased).