SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY

Explore the rich heritage of Shiloh Baptist Church, from our humble beginnings in 1910 to becoming a pillar of faith and service in the Tuckahoe community. Our history is a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering faith.

1938-1944

Significant developments took place in the church, including the successful liquidation of a $6,000 mortgage. During this period, the church also saw the formation of several new organizations: the church rally clubs, the Blue Ribbon Club, which served as a Pulpit Aid, and the Literary Society, which functioned as a cultural group.

1945 - 1988

During the late 20th century, Shiloh Baptist Church experienced notable developments and expansions. Reverend Houston, alongside the Literary Society, facilitated a lasting fellowship and visitation between Shiloh Baptist Church and Wayland Temple Baptist Church of Philadelphia, a relationship that spanned over 60 years. The church aligned with the Progressive National Baptist Convention and purchased a parsonage at 61 Washington Street in 1949. In 1959, an Educational Building was constructed as an annex to the church. A new parsonage was acquired at 15 Wallace Street in July 1971, with the final mortgage payment completed by March 1983. In August 1988, an entry ramp was built. Between 1993 and 1995, the church saw the formation of the Young Adults group and the Celestial Choir, the reorganization of the Men’s Chorus, and the establishment of a Children’s Choir, which performed every Second Sunday.

2000 – Present

After a serious flood in the Sanctuary in December 2009, the Shiloh congregation marched back into the refurbished Sanctuary In May 2012.

Revitalized Missionary Ministry, which together with Women’s Ministry, has organized homeless feedings, numerous clothing drives, and distribution of blessing bags to homeless as well as incarcerated youth.

Ordination of Reverend Edward Stowe, Sr., on September 18, 2016.

In a special ceremony on December 15, 2019, Shiloh elevated Sister Grace Martin to the office of Mother of Shiloh Baptist Church.

Pastor Gerald shepherded the flock through the pandemic. By the grace of God, Shiloh missed only ONE Sunday worship service.

Shiloh Baptist Church has always been active in the Tuckahoe and Eastchester communities. Pastor Gerald and several members of the congregation participated in various Black Lives Matter rallies protesting the systemic police abuse of unarmed black citizens, specifically the murder of George Floyd.

In the fall of 2020, Shiloh partnered with a Hollywood production company, which filmed an episode of POSE in the church sanctuary.

Shiloh’s first women deacons were ordained on September 26, 2021—Deacon Sarah Brown, Deacon Lillian Byrd, and Deacon Marvine Greaves.

Shiloh Pastor History

• Rev. H William Lovings (1913 – 1914): Instrumental in incorporating Shiloh as a church.

• Rev. Houston and Rev. Cook (1915 – 1918): Oversaw the church’s relocation to 73 Columbus Avenue.

• Rev. Joseph J. Parker (1919 – 1937): Led significant advancements, including purchasing the stone building on Marble Place and constructing the current church sanctuary.

• Rev. A.A. Corprew (1938 – 1944): Liquidated a $6,000 mortgage and established cultural and support organizations like the Blue Ribbon Club.

• Rev. Charles E. Houston (1945 – 1991): Strengthened community ties, aligned Shiloh with the Progressive National Baptist Convention, and spearheaded infrastructure developments, including the Educational Building and new parsonages.

• Rev. Clifford I. Johnson (1992 – 1998): Fostered young adult and children’s ministries, including the Celestial Choir and Men’s Chorus.

• Rev. Frank E. Coleman, Jr. (1999 – 2009): Guided the congregation through challenges, including a major sanctuary flood.

• Rev. Dr. Michael B. Gerald (2012 – Present): Led the congregation through the pandemic, revitalized ministries, and championed social justice initiatives.