Present day Shiloh Baptist Church is deeply rooted in the resilience, endurance, obedience and service of its past. One hundred and thirty eight years ago, Shiloh, first called Colored Baptist Church of McDonough, was founded by the Reverend Clark Gilmore and was among the first churches of McDonough established by former slaves. Founding members of Shiloh worshipped in a brush arbor for six years before constructing its first small, wood-frame building in 1875 on land purchased for only $12.50. Although the small building was destroyed by a cyclone in 1879, Shiloh Baptist Church was rebuilt, and it stood larger than any other building in McDonough.

Just as today’s Shiloh Baptist Church is committed to the academic, social and spiritual growth of the youth of McDonough, so was Shiloh of the past. During the early years, Shiloh played an integral role in establishing and housing the first public school for blacks in McDonough. This historic foundation set the stage for the continued development of Shiloh’s youth and was a major contribution to the city as a whole.

Because of Shiloh’s longevity and stability, it has earned the mark and reputation of being a beacon of hope in Henry County. This is to the credit of venerable servants of God who have shepherded the congregation over the years. Each pastor left his own legacy and incorporated something new to the organization and structure of the church. Nine pastors have successfully led Shiloh:

• The Reverend Clark Gilmore Founding pastor in 1869

• The Reverend John Henry Moore 1914-1918

• The Reverend R. L. Scruggs 1918-1921

• The Reverend Frank Pascall 1921-1923

• The Reverend W. S. Simmons 1923-1929

• The Reverend C. H. Holland 1929-1944

• The Reverend C.C. Cloud 1945-1946

• The Reverend R.H. Milner 1946-1974

• The Reverend E.W. Lee 1974 – present

The History of Shiloh Baptist Church

    Standing, staring, trying to fashion a new world that will hold all the faces, all the people, all the Adams and Eves and their countless generations. Yes Shiloh, we are products of Adam and Eve branching out into the new millennium. We are free to worship, free to praise God as the spirit leads us. Yes, as the history of Shiloh Baptist Church began, we, as a people, were just being granted our freedom with the implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation. Yes, we are a Historical Black Church! And yes, we have a rich church history. We are also descendants of slaves brought to this country from Africa during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. History reveals that Shiloh was organized in 1869 under the direction of Rev. Clark Gilmore. These records are documented in the Superior Court of Henry County, which also indicate that the first land was acquired in 1875. Through the insight and vision of N. Pate, R. A. Allen, J. H. Finley, Trustees of the “Colored Baptist Church of McDonough, Georgia purchased a tract of land on the East side of Macon Road, south of the city of McDonough from Thomas H. Bryaus on November 13, 1874. From this tract of land, about one acre was bought for $12.50 in April 1875. During the intervening years from 1869 until 1875, the membership met under a brush harbor on the very site where Shiloh now stands.

    Shiloh has been gifted and blessed with a rich culture of being led by spirited members. Shiloh’s elderly serve as a liaison between the past and the present. A citizen, being knowledgeable of Henry County states: “Slaves were influenced while in the service and environment of white Christian homes.” Negroes were granted letters of dismissal from white churches to build churches of their own. By 1879, the second building of the “Colored Baptist Church” was destroyed by a Cyclone.” We all know that because of the footsteps in the sand, God carries us when we are at our lowest moments in life. During this time of destruction of our church, the Henry County Weekly stated on August 25, 1899 that “…members of the “Colored Baptist Church” had replaced their old church building with a good new one.” This new site was the largest building in the township

    Shiloh was first names “Colored Baptist Church of McDonough.’ Originally, Shiloh was first spelled “Shiloah”. There is no documentation indicating when the name was changed from “Colored Baptist Church” to the current spelling. However, traditional reports indicate that the name was changed around the beginning of the twentieth Century.

    The first two structures of Shiloh were small wooden frames. During the early years, Shiloh housed the first public school. Historically, Shiloh played a major role in establishing the first public school for Negroes in the McDonough area. Under the leadership of Rev. John Henry Moore, Shiloh was rebuilt in 1914. The cornerstone was laid in 1918 under the administration of Rev. P. L. Scruggs. Shiloh continues to grow and build a firm foundation under the leadership of the following pastors: Rev. Frank Pascall, Rev. W. S. Simmons (service 1923-1928), Rev. C. H. Holland (served from January 1929 – January 1944) was thought as “The Loving Shepherd.” Under the leadership of Rev. C. H. Holland, the church program was reorganized; the first bank account was established and the funds were used to begin the building of the present Sunday school Annex. This addition to our church was completed and dedicated in 1948 under the leadership of Rev. R. H. Milner. On January 1, 1946, Rev. R. H. Milner was elected pastor. The R. H. Milner Choir was organized an in-door Baptismal pool was built, and the Mother’s Board #2 was organized. The Choir of Tomorrow and various other clubs, which included the 1953, and 1960 clubs, the Male Choir and the Nurse’s unit was made active. A new heating and air-conditioning was also installed.

    Rev. R. H. Milner’s successor is none other than our current pastor Rev. Edward W. Lee who was elected as Pastor of Shiloh in April of 1974. Rev. Lee continues to lead us today, inspiring and challenging us to commit our souls to Christ. Rev. Lee has proven to be a Pastor with a cause, a vision and a plan. Under Rev. Lee’s leadership a new choir with seating has been added, a P.A. system, a church calendar, a church bus, the purchase of the adjoining lot on the north side of the church. Among the choirs that have been organized are the E. W. Lee Choir, the Male Choir, the senior, the Youth Choir and the Chorale. The E. W. Lee Choir merged with the Male Choir, the Senior Choir, and the Youth Choir to form what is now called the Mass Choir. Also active are the Youth Choir and the newly formed Chorale. The ”envelope system” was developed for general offering Tithing is “free will”. The Junior Deacons, Deaconess Boards and the Ad Hoc Committee became effective. Under Rev. Lee’s administration, Mrs. Mattie Hinton, along with the Sunday School Class was instrumental in providing the church an audiovisual room to exhibit a display of Memorial plaques and Honorary Plaques for Shiloh members.

    More youth involvement during morning service has also been implemented. Currently, our youth are involved in almost every aspect of worship at Shiloh. The stained windows have been redone in the sanctuary and printing equipment has been purchased. A number of deacons have been ordained during the administration of Rev. Lee. Many members have been added to The Shiloh Family as well as an increase in Shiloh’s Financial Status.

    The pulpit and the choir stand have been enlarged. Cushioned chairs have been added to the choir stand and Amen Corner. The old Church pews were replaced with the padded pews. A tutorial program and a bus and van ministry also became active. The Tribe “Gad” was put in production to highlight important events such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and memorial dates. Taped ministry is available to congregation as well as friends in the community. The Capital; Development Program was organized. Tithing continues to improve among church members at Shiloh.

    The Deacon, Deaconess and Trustee Boards flourish today and serve as assistants and c confidantes of Rev. Lee.  Many of our Chairmen of the Deacon Board have served Shiloh diligently and spiritually.  Yet, the void left by Deacon Darryl Wade, past Chairman of the Deacon Board is felt by all who knew him.   The names of the first Deacons as recorded were:  Marshall Stallings, Bolt Milliner, Saul Amey, Father Elijah Humphrey, Dudley Cloud, Morphin Smith, Will Glin.  Old Church records which have been preserved by Deacon C. S. Heard since the beginning of the 20^th century show that Mother Pinkie (Malinda Ann) Tomlinson as the once oldest living member of Shiloh and first President of the Home Missionary Society.  Deacon Freddie Smith was Financial Secretary for 41 years; Sister Evelyn Banks served as Church Clerk for 42 years or more; Sister Gussie Walker taught Sunday School Class for more than 42 years; Deacon Norris L. Tomlinson served on the Deacon Board and as Chairman for more than 34 years; the first Church Clerk was Brother Conn Tomlinson; Mother Vicki Clark was the first Mother of Shiloh; Sister Cora Tomlinson was the first president of the Baptist Young People’s Union currently known as Baptist Training Union; Brother Clark Harper, Deacon Charles S. Heard, Brother Sam Amis were the first Sunday School Superintendents.  Sister Lottie B. Weaver served as President of the Home Missionary Society for more than 22 years; members of the Combs family have served as music directors and pianists for over a period of 50 years.  Trustees of the second Corner Stone who served long term, but are now departed were Brother Walter Scott, Chairman and Brother Lummie Banks, Treasurer; Brother Thomas W. Brown in memoriam will long be remembered for a life of dedicated service to the Shiloh Baptist Church and The Henry County Community.  The oldest family lines in Shiloh are The Tomlinson Family, Towns Family, Phillips Family, Heard Family and the Combs Family.

    Yes, Church, we have come this far by faith. We have dismantled the chains of slavery. We no longer need a pass to worship – to serve Our Lord and Savior. We no longer have to depend on the horse and buggy to bring us to our place of worship. God has blessed us and guided us thus far. Oh, sometimes Church, I know we have all looked back and wondered how we got over. But, indeed we know that God works in mysterious ways, “His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea and rides above the storm… As Rev. Lee stated in his sermon in November 1999, we owe God our “thorough thankfulness” for all that He has done for us and for all He has brought us through.

    For the past One hundred and thirty five years, the members of Shiloh have dedicated their church building “ERECTED TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND ALL HUMANITY” and the Christian labor of their hands to God the Father for the redemption of souls through service to humanity. God has shined on us.

    On the– 1st Sunday in March 2004 the members of Shiloh held a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new Church. In April 2006 the new Shiloh Baptist Church was completed and the first service will be held on Good Friday, April 14, 2006 at 7:30 pm followed by the Easter service that will be held on Sunday April 16, 2006.