The History of Shiloh Baptist Church
Shiloh Baptist Church was founded as Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in 1880. The church evolved out of prayer meetings held under a “brush harbor” on land owned by Congressman John Frederick Dezendorf. Around 1880, Congressman Dezendorf gifted the land the worshipers and a wooden church was built.
Rev. Admiral Billups organized the first congregation on Chapel Street. Rev. Burdock Nicholas was called in 1884, and pastored the church for three years. Rev. F.P. Saunders came to pastor the church in 1894. Under his leadership the wood frame building was demolished and a brick church was built. Rev. Saunders was succeeded by Rev. Allen Jones who served for one year.
In 1894, Dr. L.W.C. Metts came to shepherd the church. Soon thereafter, financial difficulties caused Mt. Nebo to disband and reorganize as Shiloh Baptist. During his 13-year tenure, Dr. Metts helped the church to overcome financial troubles. Under Dr. Metts’ leadership, Shiloh stood tall in the community as its magnificent orchestra performed weekly concerts for the congregation and community.
Dr. John Hilyer Ashby took over the reins of Shiloh in 1908. Under the dynamic leadership of this energetic pastor, the congregation’s spirits rose. The church prospered and the building was renovated. A heating system and a pipe organ were installed. While Dr. Ashby shepherded the flock, membership grew and the orchestra and choir continued to flourish. Dr. Ashby resigned in 1921. Rev. Frederick Winfield Black was then called to the pastorate and served until 1924. Rev. V.V.K. Stokes took charge of Shiloh from 1925 to1929.
In 1930, Dr. W.L. Hamilton was called to pastor the church. Under his leadership, membership grew, a new baptistery was installed and the heating system was updated. In 1940, the church celebrated the pastor’s 10th Anniversary and dedicated the new Sunday School Annex. In 1949, the old building became too small and the church leaders negotiated the purchase of the Park Avenue Baptist Church. The church moved to 745 Park Avenue on September 11, 1949 in fine fashion, led by the Booker T. Washington High School band. The debt was paid off quickly. A mortgage burning and cornerstone laying service was held in 1954. Dr. Hamilton continued to serve Shiloh until his passing in 1962.
Rev. Dr. MacCarthy C. Southerland began his pastorate in 1963. Rev. Southerland was an advocate for education and young people. Under his leadership the church erected a new educational building. In October 1966, after accepting the presidency of the Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg, Rev. Dr. Southerland resigned.
In August 1967, Rev. Dr. John H. Foster assumed leadership of Shiloh. Under the leadership of Rev. Foster, the congregation grew, and soon it was apparent that the church facilities needed expansion and renovation. In the fall of ’67, the church broke ground for a new parking lot. Renovations of the Sanctuary began in 1970 and were completed in 1971. During this period, worship services were held at Jacox Junior High School.
Rev. Foster’s vision for Shiloh also encompassed outreach into the community. From 1967 to 1978 the church sponsored a weekly radio ministry. In 1968, Shiloh established a continuing education program for unwed mothers. In 1970, Shiloh opened a well-child health clinic that was partially staffed by Norfolk State College nursing students. The clinic was closed in ‘72 to make way for the Shiloh Day Care Center which opened in 1973. The Day Care’s teaching staff consisted of instructors, assistants, and Norfolk State students. In 1990, Shiloh worked with Norfolk Public Schools to launch a series of tutoring sessions and workshops for minority high school students.
Christian education was always an integral part of worship at Shiloh. Rev. Dr. Foster believed in fiscal responsibility, so the church quickly liquidated its debts. Additionally, under Dr. Foster’s leadership, the church increased its support of global missions. During his tenure, Dr. John Foster was fully supported by all the ministries of Shiloh. In 2007, Rev. Dr. John H. Foster retired after nearly forty years of service to Shiloh.
On May 1, 2007, Rev. Robert L. Davenport, Sr. was installed as the Interim Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church. Under Rev. Davenport’s leadership, Shiloh continued to build up its strong foundation. Rev. Davenport made improvements in various areas aimed at “making God smile.”
In August 2008, Rev. Dr. Keith I. Jones assumed the leadership of Shiloh and thus began our era of “New Things”. Under Pastor Jones’s leadership, the Visioning team formulated a new vision and mission for Shiloh. Our Vision – We are a beacon of love serving Christ, by serving people. Our Mission – We are here, to glorify Christ by reaching the World, preaching the Word, and teaching the Way. Rev. Jones introduced new dimensions to our worship. New Christian education programs and ministries were implemented. Finally, Rev. Jones has encouraged community outreach. Explore this website to learn more about what Shiloh is doing today.
Shiloh Baptist Church
Celebrating our Past… Looking Towards our Future.
