How about a story of faith and community. It starts well before Dallas even existed as you know it. I am talking about Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This church stands as a testament to early settlers’ unwavering spirit.
Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church was the first organized church in Ellis County. That was even two years before the county itself was formed. Twenty charter members founded it on July 25 1847. Imagine the determination.
The Rev. Finis E. King a pioneer minister led the charge. He got assistance from the Rev. J.C. Provine. They initially held worship services under a brush arbor. This provided basic shelter from the Texas sun. Later Matt McElroy and his eight sons constructed a cedar log tabernacle.
The present frame sanctuary was completed in 1872. This happened during the Rev. D.G. Molloy’s leadership. J.P. Laughlin used lumber from Cherokee County to build it. That’s East Texas lumber making its way here.
Prominent early Presbyterian preachers served here. Rev. King was pastor from the church’s beginning until he died in 1859. Rev. E.M. White helped form several other Ellis County churches. Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church has always been a leader. It has been at the forefront of Ovilla’s development.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church itself has interesting roots. It is the third largest Presbyterian denomination. Its beginnings trace back to the Great Awakening. Three ministers founded it in 1810. This happened in a log cabin in Tennessee. They disagreed with Presbyterian doctrines. One was predestination. Another was educational requirements for ministers. They thought God’s grace was available to all.
Today the Cumberland Presbyterian Church supports various institutions. These include Bethel University and Memphis Theological Seminary. They also support Cumberland Youth and Family Services. The denomination sends missionaries around the world. Cumberland Presbyterian churches exist across the United States and in other countries.
Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church actively participates in service to others. They address basic needs like shelter. They also minister to spiritual needs. The church supports missionaries through the Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund.
Here at Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church they support organizations. These are Bethel University and Memphis Theological Seminary. There is also Cumberland Youth and Family Services. They also support Wycliffe Bible Translators. Other supported organizations are North Ellis County Outreach and Meals on Wheels. They donate to Ovilla Fire and Police Departments. They also support the Heart of Texas Prison Ministry. Shiloh supports Praying Pelican Missions too. This is for youth mission trips.
Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church offers programs for all ages. There are activities for kids in grades K-6. Youth in grades 7-12 have their own group. Activities include Sunday school retreats and mission trips. Adults can attend Sunday school and Bible study.
The Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church continues to thrive. The Rev. Patrick Wilkerson leads with the Ruling Elders and Deacons. This welcoming community seeks to love and serve God and neighbor. Its history and dedication continues.