“Founded in November 1884 by Reverend Sutton E. Griggs Reverend Keen and Reverend John Coleman.” That’s where our story begins at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Joseph Klepper donated the land. Reverend John Coleman became Shiloh’s first pastor.
In 1908 Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church erected a building for its growing members. The Northwest Association of Baptist churches formed then. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church joined. A.S. Drake of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church was named secretary. The organization expanded. It became The Galilee Griggs Memorial Association. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church still has membership in that organization.
Six pastors followed Rev. Stewart. They led in service prayer worship and glorification. These pastors were Rev. Hartman Rev. G.B. Williams Rev. E. Williams Rev. Adair Rev. Winston and Rev. A.L. Russell. The original building went up in 1918. It was during Rev. Russell’s time. Rev. Menorgan succeeded Rev. Russell. He continued the spirit-led journey. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church grew in spiritual maturity and physical development.
In 1952 Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church added a kitchen dining room pastor’s study and choir room. The first worship service was held there in November 1964. Rev. L. H. Harper led spiritually. After 44 years Rev. Harper retired in 1966. Rev. C. S. Trimble took over. He served 27 years. Rev. Trimble was Second Vice-Moderator of The Galilee Griggs Association for 15 years. He was First Vice Moderator for 5 years. He became Moderator in 1993. He served until his passing in 1994. On September 15 1995 Rev. Isiah Joshua Jr. became pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church is proud of its founding fathers. They saw the church’s needs. Under Pastor Joshua’s leadership Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church planned a new Worship Center. It would include classrooms fellowship space and new ministries. The pastor challenged members to participate in the United We Build program. Its key idea was “Not Equal Giving but Equal Sacrifice”. On April 25 1999 Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church broke ground for the new sanctuary. The first service was held on June 3 2001. The sanctuary was located at 920 14th Street. 117 years later they stayed true to the vision. They built God a sanctuary. It was not just of mortar and brick but of sacrifice and praise.
Reverend Isiah Joshua Jr. continued to lead Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church forward. Many new ministries formed. “His Extended Hands” provides help in the community. The AWANA ministry started in 2005. It teaches children and youth to know love and serve Christ Jesus. Children’s Church became a reality in July 2006. Minister Mathew Berry led it as Youth Pastor. New ministries included IT audio video revised new members orientation and the Bus Ministry. All were added to build God’s kingdom at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Charitable Foundation enhances lives. It aids programs that promote positive changes. It focuses on at-risk youth the needy and the elderly. The foundation emphasizes education economic development and social services. It was established in May 2007 by Rev. Charles T. Smith.
The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church congregation awards scholarships annually. They total at least $50000. These scholarships go to qualified high school and college students. The Charitable Foundation helps under-served people. It provides social service support. This includes utility payment grants food and housing assistance. It also gives referrals to other agencies and youth programs. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church is a pillar. It supports and uplifts its community.