Shiloh Baptist Church
Established 1860
Historical Background

1860- In the spring of 1860, a group of fellow Christians from the First Baptist Church of Smithfield assisted in the organization of Shiloh Baptist Church. Initially, there were 14 Charter Members. Our records show the names of 3 of them: D.H. Holland, Walter R. Moore and William H. Sanders. All except one of the male members, being primarily local farmers and merchants, were slaveholders at the time. This resulted in the early membership being comprised of a number of African-American members. The land used for constructing our first Church, a one room frame building, was donated by Gaston Johnson. The original building was later sold to the Primitive Baptists and was relocated to another site about ¼ mile from this original site. This original site, upon which the first building was erected, is still occupied by our Church today. It is also important to note our Church has had an active Sunday School Program in place since originally founded in 1860.

1904- Shiloh joined the Baptist Association

1906- The first Baptist Women’s Missionary group was formed and remains active today.

1907-The following is an excerpt from the Smithfield Herald, Friday, Nov 15, 1907:
“Death of an Old Man”
“Perry Sanders, colored, died last Saturday night at H.A. McCullers place, near Clayton, in his eighty-eighth year. He was born and reared at the Ransom Sanders Place. He belonged to Mr. Ransom Sanders and after his death served as foreman for his widow for many years. For a long time he lived at White Oak Place. He joined Smithfield Baptist Church before the Civil War and later, when Shiloh Church was organized, he moved his membership to that place. He burnt log heaps and ashes for manure in a new ground at night to make money so he could give ten dollars to help build that Church. Before his death he was the oldest member of Shiloh. Several white people attended his burial which took place at the Sanders’ White Oak Place.”
Mr. Sanders was the last African-American member on record at Shiloh until the year 2003.

1918-1919- The Sanctuary for our present Church was built and is still in use today.

1957- The annex for the Educational Building was added to the Sanctuary.

1964-1967- The Lancaster family donated land for a parsonage and construction began. It was completed in 1967 and Reverend L.E. Godwin, Jr. and his family were the first occupants.

1969- Stained glass windows were given to the Church by several loving families. Each window depicts a favorite scene of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

1974-1979- Extensive renovations were made to the Church during this time, including replacing the tin roof with asphalt shingles. The Sunday School rooms were added on the lower level and upstairs. The baptismal, with the beautiful mural, was also added during this time.

1985-1994- Additional renovations were made, vinyl siding was added, central heat & air were installed and an outside storage building was constructed.

1998-1999- Ceilings were replaced in the Educational building and fluorescent lights were installed, a new sound system was purchased, ceiling fans were added in the Sanctuary and the outer Sanctuary doors were replaced. The Pastors’ office was completely renovated, including new furniture. Recreational facilities were added including a playground and a concrete basketball court. The parsonage was renovated with new cabinets; new carpeting and the wooden floors were refinished. The parsonage was subsequently sold and funds from the proceeds were used to acquire additional land for the Church’s expansion.

2001-2003- In 2001 growth in the Church made it necessary to hold 2 Sunday AM worship services, at 8:45 and 10:55. A mobile classroom was set up next to the Educational building to house a rapidly growing Sunday School. Our Church formed a much needed building committee to plan for Church expansion due to the tremendous growth God has inspired in our Church and community. He made it possible for us to acquire additional land during this time of planning, including one particular parcel which we had attempted to acquire on numerous previous occasions. In 2003, praise God, our building project began for a new family life/fellowship center, estimated cost at 3.1 million dollars.

2006 - Shiloh Baptist has had 43 different Pastors since it was formed in 1860. Our current Pastor, Mitch Lockamy, has been with us since July 12, 1999. Membership in 2006 consisted of 360 individuals, 2 Sunday AM worship services with an average attendance of 300 in both. Sunday School averaged 201 in attendance.

2007 – In October we moved into the new Family Life Fellowship Center building. Total cost for this project including furnishings was 3.3 million dollars. This move placed us in a position to resume with one primary Sunday morning service at 10:30 am. Sunday School begins at 9:15 am. The move allowed us to comfortably accommodate our members and visitors and also to host year round special events.

2008 – Our prayer chapel in the new Family Life Fellowship Center was completed in the summer of 2008. Isaiah 56:7 tells us that God’s house is to be a house of prayer, “these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Current membership is 425 and Sunday School attendance averages 230. Wednesday Evening Bible Study and prayer time continues to be observed for all ages

2009-2010 – Shiloh continues to grow and the Lord has continued to bless His church. Our current membership is 467 and we average 247 in attendance for Sunday School. We have increased our staff to include Brian Self who is our Youth/Outreach Pastor, and Lee Smith who is our Education/Children’s Pastor. Jesus tells us in Mark 10:14 “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God”. We feel blessed to have honored God’s word in making every effort to instruct our children and youth in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

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Today, October 10, 2010, Shiloh Baptist Church celebrates its 150th anniversary! We continue to enjoy a long and fruitful relationship with our Pastor, Mitch Lockamy as he continues to lead us in the Spirit of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We are thankful for the many dedicated individuals who have served faithfully and given much of their time and resources in service to our Lord, within our Church, in fellowship with our Christian family, for others in the community and in support of missions, both at home and abroad.

God has glorified Himself through the special unity He has given His people here at Shiloh, in their service, their giving, their prayers and their praise. This is a testimony of God’s love and the hope He gives to all, in His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May our footprints continue to keep us heaven bound and may we continue to give glory, honor, and praise to His name!