SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH



Where Christ is the Message and Ministry is the Mission


Christ-Family-Community

Church History


Historical Time Line



 
  • During the Winter of 1906 a small group of Christians came together for prayer and worship in the home of Brother Scott Saunders. This group led by Brother Saunders, W. Harvey, T. Brown, Robert Turner, and William Kinnard decided to organize a church, and thus organized what is now known as Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
  • The next step was tp buy land for a building. The group purchased Lot 4, Block 73 in Lockport for $400.00. A down payment of $50.00 was given and the balance was payable in three years. The first church was built in 1907 in Lockport, Illinois under the leadership of their first pastor, Bishop A. Mack.
  • The decision was made to relocate the church to bring it closer to the membership, which had drifted frm the city of Lockport. In 1947 under the leadership of Rev. Albert Harris the church was relocated to 200 Yale Avenue, Lockport. Rev. McGee organized a drive to dig a well to bring water to the church, as this was an undeveloped area. 



 
  • As Shiloh's membership was growing, the church was enlarged in 1957.  New seats were installed in the sanctuary and the kitchen was remodeled 2 years later in 1959.
  • Rev. James W. Walton took the reigns as Pastor in 1963. Under his leadership a complete renovation project took place including a new roof, new front, a new baptismal pool, new equipment, and one parking lot was paved.
  • Shiloh's membership continued to grow and a larger facility was needed. Under Pastor Walton's leadership the groundbreaking ceremony to add a new sanctuary to the present building was held on May 10, 1981. The new edifice was dedicated on March 28, 1982.
  • As the church began to focus more on teaching the Word, the old church was designated as the facility for Christian Education in 1987. Room dividers were installed on the first and second floor of the old building to make classrooms.
  • Pastor Richard D. House took the reigns of leadership in 1990. The church purchased the Hayes property in 1992 for the expansion project. A mortgage burning ceremony was held in 1993 to celebrate paying off the mortgage ahead of time.
  • Through the years the Shiloh Church family continued to grow in size, anointing, and blessings. To this end new ministries came forth and were ordained. Pastor House's vision to go outside the four walls and expand our bounderies began with the purchase of 39 acres of land on Briggs Street and Bruce Road in 199 7.
  • Pastor House's vison became clearer in 2002 with the acquisition of 42 acres of land on Oak Street for a ministry complex to create and develop ministries that will minister to all segments of society. A sign posting ceremony was held as a symbol of our faith and to announce the future plans of Shiloh to the community.
  • On January 4, 2004 several firsts were taking place. First Sunday, first snowstorm of the year, first ordination under the leadership of Pastor House, and the first Deaconess to be ordained. Deaconess: Arlinda Burkes, Betty Hosey, JoAnne Martin, Thelma Miller, Mozell Peters, and Rosie Seals; along with Deacons : Harry Green, Vurnell Holman, and Levon Johnson. The constitution was amended and adopted February 4, 2004.
  • In 2006 as Shiloh continues to grow, we are on a journey to bring the vision to reality by expanding our bounderies and answering the call of God to be a light on the "Hill" and surrounding regions.
  • In 2007 we celebrated 100 years in ministry thanking and praising God for all that he has done and where he has brought us from.  We are moving to excel in Kingdom work; this is the year of Excellence.
  • In April of 2009 our Christian Education Ministry also known as STEP (Shiloh Total Equipping Process) graduated 35 teachers. In November 2009 a groundbreaking ceremony was held where our new ministry complex is being built. December 11, 2009 another first, Minister Lillie Purchase was ordained Prophetess.
  • February 2010 , 7 more teachers graduated.
  • June 5, 2011 10:55 A.M. history is being made again. Shiloh moves to their new house of worship 18101 West Oak Avenue. Jerry Lewis presented the keys to Trustee Chairman Tom Saunders, who in turn presented them to the Chairman of the Administrative Council Deacon Darryl Burkes who proceeded to turn the keys over to Pastor House. 

Time Capsule Ceremony 2019