Haven’t you ever wondered about the redbrick building resting upon a concrete pod with limestone trim? It is the Siloam Missionary Baptist Church. A beacon of faith and community in Detroit.
Let’s delve into the story of the Siloam Missionary Baptist Church. It is a story of resilience, adaptation and enduring faith.
The Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church is one of Detroit’s oldest African-American Baptist congregations. It was founded in 1881 by Reverend John Wills. At its start, there were only 25 members.
In 1920, Carlos N. Stokes a Black draftsman designed the Benton Street site. The church wasn’t completed until 1926. The congregation then moved from their previous church in the Eastern Market.
Reverend Solomon Ross became pastor in 1929 after Reverend Robert James’ death. Ross was vital to the church’s survival during the depression. In 1931, he uncovered fraud among some church officials. He expelled more than 50 members.
In 1935, Reverend Ross fought the federal government’s attempt to raze the church. He won. This explains the church’s location within the Brewster Project. In 1937, Ross organized a Junior Church. This trained children to run the church as they grew older. Ross continued to promote African-American progress into the 1960s.
Reverend William Crews was called after Ross died. He served through 2003. Crews tripled the number of people who tithed in Shiloh. He also started interstate visitation. In 1977, Crews and the congregation modernized Shiloh. They remodeled the building. Reverend Crews initiated another renovation project. This time it was to construct the Mary O. Ross Education Building. In 1981, Shiloh celebrated its Centennial Anniversary. There was a special banquet and program.
In 2003, Reverend Harold Lee Knox became pastor. He conflicted with the congregation and deacons. Knox resigned in 2007 after legal issues.
In the front, a major addition was constructed in 1978. It is a large two-story brick entryway with a flat roof. Eric Hill and John Gallagher’s book, AIA Detroit, features a sketch of the original entrance. Carlos Stokes designed it. It shows a classical church entrance. It is strongly influenced by traditional European church architecture.
The Siloam Missionary Baptist Church stands as a testament. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its congregation. It continues to serve its community.