Church History

Historical Time Line



History is no more than a record of past events of an organization, a nation, or race of people. People make history and where there are no people, there is no history. When writing the history of an organization, there are names that can't be omitted. These were the prime movers of the organization the people that worked theirs minds, hands and
hearts so that the organization could grow. Most of them haven fallen asleep in death. Just a few are still with us.
The winter of 1906 was a cold severe one with a lot of snow. The black church in Joliet was five (5) miles away. The road that ran along the river bank was closed many times, due to the inclement weather and this made it impossible to attend service on many Sundays. A few devoted and sincere Christians got together in the home of Bro. Scott
Saunders, W. Harvey, T. Brown, Robert Turner, and William Kinnard. These five families came together and gave birth to what is now known as, "The Shiloh Missionary Church." Bro. Scott Saunders was elected chairman. The next step was to purchase property for the building of the church. Bro. Scott Saunders entered into a real estate agreement with the Asher Bank of Will County to purchase real estate described as lot 4, Block 73, in the City of Lockport, Illinois, the sale price was $400.00 and the down payment was $50.00. The balance was payable in three (3) years at the rate of 6%. All five (5) men signed the trust deed. The Rev. Bishop A. Mack was called as the first Pastor and the rest is history
in the making.
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church was built in 1907 Lockport, Illinois. Lockport was the water control point in the canal system for raising and lowering the water flow in this area, it was a thriving community with many factories, Bishop A. Mack organized and rected the first church building.
The next pastor on record was Rev. Robert Cruel. We begin our church history in 1923 as related to us by Mother Lula Jones, who united with the church under the pastorate of Rev. Cruel, who pastored until 1926, leaving for reasons unknown.
The mandate for leadership was given to Rev. Albert Harris of Chicago, Illinois, he served for two(2) stormy years and left in a disagreement with the board.
Again, without a Pastor the search began. The members of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Joliet, Illinois recommended Rev. Charles McCally, who was an active member in good standing with the church. He was a licensed preacher assisting in the service every Sunday. Shiloh accepted and elected Rev. McCally after the Pastor and Officers ordained him. He served for sixty (60) days and resigned his post.
Without a Pastor once more, the torch of leadership was passed to Rev. Alexander Johnson in September 1928. He lead Shiloh for one(1) year and later resigned to accept the leadership of another church.
A committee was formed to contact Rev. Albert Harris to ask him to reconsider pastoring Shiloh again. Rev. Harris accepted the charge in 1929. It was the beginning of the depression and a very bad year. Times were lean from 1929 to 1939, jobs were few. At times it was impossible for the church to compensate the Reverend. There were times when Rev. Harris had to pay his own car fare to Lockport and sometimes he would ride the milk truck from Chicago. Through it all he exhibited that he was a child of God and he remained there and gave his best in the service for the Lord and His people. In 1945 under his leadership, the Senior Usher Board was organized. Sis. Beatrice Thomas and Sis. Luberta McGee were selected as president and vice president by Rev. Harris. Later that year the church moved from 96th Street in Lockport to the present site. Bro, Oscar Lewis was chosen Chief Usher, and served faithfully until his death.
The black population drifted away from the city of Lockport and the membership declined. In 1947 under the leadership of Rev. Harris plans were developed to relocate the church closer to its people. A committee was formed and members were: James Love, Oscar Lewis, James Moulton, and Sis, Allene Moulton. "200 Yale Avenue, Lockport, Illinois was considered the ideal location. Through this committee the land was purchased and the building was moved. At that time this area was undeveloped, so, Rev. Dennis McGee led the drive to bring water to the church.
Music has always played an important part of the black church, a Senior choir, Vocal choir (that sung notes), and a children choir was in existence, but there was a void for teenagers, to fill this void, a Junior choir was organized in 1953---1954 by Deacon Edward McGee also the church musician, and the Junior Usher Board was appointed.
By 1957 the membership increased in size and Rev. Harris saw the necessity to enlarge the church. They began by building a wall around the old building, knocking the inside out, placing post where the inside wall were to hold the roof. The church was finally enlarged. Rev. Harris inspired Shiloh for thirty (30) years, serving three (3) generations. He took an active part in organizing churches in this area and ordained thirty-five (35) ministers in Will and Cook County in his life time. In 1959 Rev. Harris resigned his post to hold the church together.
Shiloh was again without a Pastor. Many ministers came and preached. The call was then extended to Rev. Earl Blocker of Chicago, Illinois. He began his pastorate on Christmas Day, 1959. The next year was very good. Eighty souls were added to the congregation, new seats were installed, and work began on the kitchen. Trouble began and Rev. Blocker served two (2) years. In March of 1963 he resigned his post to serve St. James Church in Chicago.
Without a pastor again, Shiloh decided to look closer to home for leadership. The call was issued to one of her own children. A resident of Lockport, member of this church, served as a deacon until the Lord called him to preach the word. The torch was given to him August of 1963. The Rev. James W. Walton Sr..
The first order of business was to remove the posts from the sanctuary. It was decided that the building should be completely renovated. We went to work. A new front, new roof, reinforcing the walls, paneling the walls, and covering the floors. We installed a baptizing pool, new stove, refrigerator, and a table and chair set for the kitchen. Furniture for the study and offices. Lots for parking, steeple and automatic bell system, central air, duplicating machine, organ, and a grand piano. Our membership grew from 200 –900. We hired a part time secretary. In 1978 our present building was too small to hold our membership.
Plans were made to build a new sanctuary. A building committee was formed. Trustees: James Howard, Lewis Thomas, Fred Payton, Willie Westmoreland, and Flennory Ford. Deacons: Thomas House and Dillard Harris. Plans were made and an architect was hired. Ground breaking for our new sanctuary was held May 10, 1981, and we dedicated this beautiful edifice to the Almighty God on March 28, 1982.
Plans were made to upgrade our facility for Christian education. The old church building was to be divided into class rooms. On October 24, 1986, a committee was formed to renegotiate the terms of the mortgage. We received a lower interest and cut the length of our payments in half. The committee consisted of Deacons: Thomas House and Dillard Harris, Trustees: Lloyd Craig and Willie Westmoreland. In 1987 we installed room dividers on the first and second floors of our educational building. Also in 1987 Shiloh Fest was organized as an effort to offer people of the community a outdoor summer festival with Christian spirit. The festival is held early August each year, offering fellowship, entertainment, arts and crafts, and good soul food in a Christian setting. Rev. Walton quoted these few words from the good book. “We Can Do All Things Through Christ.” Yes, through it all God truly smiled on us.
The Shiloh Baptist church family under Pastor Walton’s leadership had a mind to work and do great things for the Savior. We paved part of the parking lots, made our nursery a happy place for the infants and young ones. Plans were in the making to pave all parking lots, but before he could implement and complete his dreams of adding more class rooms, a gym, playground, swimming pool, and paying off the mortgage; Pastor Walton became ill. After a lingering illness, He went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 21, 1990. Serving, Preaching, Teaching and leading Shiloh for 26 years. He licensed and ordained 13 ministers in his lifetime. Three of his sons are Pastors of local churches. He is resting in the arms of Jesus.
Without a Pastor again, Shiloh went into mourning period. Believing in what Pastor Walton asked us to. We looked among our own and elected one of Reverend’s sons in the gospel, "the Rev. Richard D. House" in June of 1990. We have continued to grow in grace, and have been guided by Pastor House to do great things for God's kingdom.
In June of 1992 we purchased the Hayes property as a part of the plan to build a multi-purpose center. The following month, July of 1992, the washrooms in our lower level were completely renovated. August of 1993 proved to be a great time of celebration. The Lord blessed us to pay off the mortgage well ahead of schedule and a Mortgage Burning Service was held at that time.
July of 1992 our Women's Ministry was organized, 1994 Audio/Video Ministry, along with Out Reach, Evangelism, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Restoration, Recreation, Men's Ministry, Abundant Male Choir, Card & Correspondence, Bus Ministry, Children's Church, Publicity, and the Rosemary Walton Scholarship Committee.
May 5, 1995 Pastor House accepted a full time Pastor ship becoming the first Pastor to ever hold that position in Shiloh's history. Also in 1995 a new P.A. System was installed and a new 15 passenger church van was purchased. In 1996 an addition was added to the bus barn to house the van. Shiloh's first newsletter was published in July of 1997. More than a hundred new converts were added to the church membership including the calling of four (4) ministers. Pastor House no longer had to play dual role on Sunday mornings. Under his leadership we have more plans in the making to move a little higher.
In February 1997 we purchased 39 acres of land on Briggs Street and Bruce Road to build our new facility. Hoping to break ground by 2001. Sunday, August 3, 1997 that land was dedicated. In 1998 the Lord blessed us to pay off the land mortgage in full. The blessings are still flowing we are continuing growth in membership. We have a roster of fourteen (14) Ministers, which three (3) are women; three (3) new Trustees two (2) women. In 2001 our Youth choir was officially commissioned as a choir. Changing with the times and moving to another level Shiloh implemented the Administrative and Ministry Councils effective as of December 28, 2001.
2002 we reached another milestone, the acquisition of 42 acres of land on Oak Avenue, where a ministry complex is vision to be built for all types of ministries. Pastor House said, something has been done, we are moving in the right direction expanding and broaden our borders. A sign posting ceremony was held on November 17, 2002 at 10:00 A.M. The sign went up as a symbol of our Faith and it signifies where we are going; thank God that we are a part of the Vision. Pastor House stated that the community needs to know what we are doing.
On January 4, 2004 several firsts were taking place. First Sunday, first snow storm 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 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. June and July, 2009 to
supplement Shiloh’ Capital Stewardship Campaign, spearheaded by Sis. Consuelo Bishop, we participated in the Chicagoland Speedway, Nascar Weekend, which proved to be a fruitful event. In November 2009 a Ground Breaking ceremony was held where our new Ministry Complex is to be built. December 31, 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 Chairman of the Administrative Council Deacon Darrell Burkes he proceeded to turn the keys over to Pastor House. The story does not end there, April 15, 2012 ARISE was sanctioned to accommodate our young people ages 17 through 25. September 13, 2013 three (3) ministers were ordained by Pastor Richard D. House: Marilyn Merrell, Timothy Johnson, and Jesse Tucker. October 2014 Trustees: Lee Glossett, Melvin Davis, Sinatra Griffin, and Terrance Mabry were presented to the congregation. March of 2015 the Food Pantry was established, headed by Deacon Marty Young. April 2017 Marvin Lindsey and Gwen Conway were appointed Trustees. November 2021 Mark Booker was appointed Trustee. For his passion and love for Youth, Pastor House established “On The Roof For The Kids”, and that an on going project. Upon the retirement of Pastor House in 2022, we were without a pastor again. Minister Leroy Campbell was appointed Interim Pastor during the search for a pastor. Minister Campbell served from January 2023 through September 30, 2024. September 15, 2024 David A. Williams was elected senior pastor. And Yes, by the grace of God, there’s more history to be made.

Rev. Bishop A Mack 1907-1923
Rev. Robert Cruel 1923-1926
Rev. Albert Harris 1926-1928
Rev. Charles McCally 1928- 6 months
Rev. Alexander Johnson 1928-1929
Rev. Albert Harris 1929-1959
Rev. Earl Blocker 1960-1963
Rev. James W. Walton, Sr. 1963-1990
Rev. Richard D. House 1990-2022 Pastor Emeritus
Leroy Campbell, Interim Pastor 2023-September 30, 2024
Rev. David A. Williams October 2024 -

Time Capsule Ceremony 2019