Pittsburgh has lost one of its greatest spiritual leaders. Reverend Jason Barr Jr., pastor emeritus of Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh, in the Hill District, died Aug. 8 in his sleep due to natural causes, according to the Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh Facebook page. Barr was 61.
Reverend Barr was elected pastor of Macedonia in April 1988, where he spent 24 years as the senior leader.
He retired March 2012 due to health challenges that included a brain aneurism in 2007 and a car accident in 2010. Under his leadership the church grew to more than 3000 members, multiple Sunday worship services and more than 50 ministries.
Along with the growth of the church, there was also the founding of Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center Inc. (Macedonia FACE), a 501(c)3 corporation that operates community and social services with a faith-based perspective, and the Macedonia Development Corporation, which contributed to the economic development and housing in the Hill District.
A pillar in the community, Rev. Barr was loved by many in his church and in the community.
“I learned how to be a pastor from some awesome leaders. One of that number has just been called home to meet the one he preached about,” wrote Macedonia Baptist Church Senior Pastor Rev. Brian James Edmonds on his Facebook page. “Jason A. Barr Jr. modeled leadership, discipline, and commitment to me and so many others. In my Bible his name is listed with a few others next to Hebrews 13:7—Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Our prayers are with the Barr Family.”
Arrangements for Rev. Barr include a viewing on Monday, Aug. 15 from 4-8 p.m. followed by a celebration of life service on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m., both will take place at Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh, 2225 Bedford Ave., in the Hill District.
According to the church Facebook page, in lieu of flowers, the family of Rev. Barr asks that donations be made to Macedonia FACE. They are also asking for no calls.
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