SHILOH  BAPTIST  CHURCH

the exact date of which is uncertain. However, Virginia Deed Book Number 39, page 180 in the Clerk’s Office, Charlotte Court House, Virginia, shows that a deed for the land on which the first church was built was recorded on April 4, 1865. The land was a gift from Mr. Henry Elam and his wife Mrs. Lucetta Elam. The organizers of the church chose the name Shiloh Baptist Church after the name of the church where they had previously worshiped.

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    Most of the early records of the church were destroyed by fire in the late 1950s. We have attempted, therefore, to reconstruct through oral history some of these lost records. We do know that in 1950, Mr. and Mrs. Willie T. Bedford deeded additional land to the church. Because of the increase in membership and the much-needed repairs of this crudely built church, the members decided to erect a new edifice. The strong leadership of Reverend James E. Craighead and the sincere dedicated efforts of the members made it possible for the new structure to be completed in 1957. The new church was erected across the road from where the original church once stood. In 1972, land was purchased from Mrs. Frances Jones to provide additional cemetery space and in June 2004, Brother George Saunders donated 6.4 acres for additional cemetery space.

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    During the first one hundred and twenty-one years, Shiloh was blessed with the leadership of devout, dedicated ministers interested in the growth of the Christian community. The savaged church records do reveal the following Christian gentlemen as pastors: Dr. Samuel Johnson, Reverend Freddie Seymour (Associate Minister), Dr. Peyton E. Anderson, Reverend Lewis Wilson, and Reverend James E. Craighead. The length of the pastorate of each of these ministers could not be determined from the church records. The records do show, however, the tenure of later pastors.

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    Reverend Lowell M. McCown was installed as pastor June 1, 1962. He served as pastor for about two years. From 1964 to 1967, the church was in search of a new pastor. During this interim, ministers from various churches officiated. In April 1967, Reverend Hayward J. Hendricks was elected pastor and served for sixteen years until his death in 1983. Under the pastorate of Reverend Hendricks, the church organ was purchased; the present building was annexed with a fellowship hall, two classrooms, and two bathrooms.

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In addition, under Reverend Hendricks’ leadership, the church was bricked; the handicapped ramp was erected (under the direction of Marion David Elam in 1973); and central heating and air conditioning were added (1974).

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    Reverend Donald Hamlett began his pastorate May 17, 1983. During his leadership, the members expressed a desire for an increase in the number of Sunday morning worship services. The first Sunday in each month had been the usual worship date; however, in February 1987, morning worship was also instituted on the third Sunday in each month. On April 24, 1988, morning worship service was subsequently extended to four Sundays each month. During Reverend Hamlett’s tenure, the floor was carpeted November 5, 1987 and the pews upholstered in 1990. (Our member, Nell Harris did a beautiful job in upholstering the pews.)

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    Reverend S. Hugo Womack, Jr., was installed on February 9, 1992. Under his leadership, the church continued to grow spiritually and in membership. Pastor Womack was a leader, an inspired minister, and a Christian gentleman. He gave us the Christian leadership we needed to continue in the footsteps of the founders of our church and to do the will of God.

 

 A fifth Sunday morning worship service dedicated to the youth and a special service in recognition of the senior citizens were initiated. Other improvements include the installation of a sound system, stained glass windows, indoor baptismal pool, chandeliers and other lighting, a drop ceiling, the addition of a secretary office, painting of the sanctuary, replacing the roof, the erection of a marquee, expansion of the pastor’s study, expansion of the parking lot, initiation of the church van ministry, organization of a Men’s Chorus, a Men’s Community Prayer Ministry, a Women’s Prayer Ministry, a church scholarship fund, implementation of quarterly youth workshops,  expansion of the fellowship hall, kitchen and bathrooms (Contractor: Earnest Home Improvement Company, Earnest Robertson owner),  organization of the Shiloh Praise Ensemble, organization of a Children’s Church, installation of  a security system, installation of video and TV networking system, and extending the entrance of the church to include two bathrooms, a choir room, and a clerk’s office.

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On May 28, 2010, after 18 years of service, (1992 – 2010) our Heavenly Father called our beloved Pastor, Reverend  S. Hugo Womack, Jr. from labor to reward. 

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After the death of Pastor Womack a committee was formed to search for a new pastor.  The committee consisted of 7 members. They were Deacon Otis Dailey, Deacon Gregory Burwell, Deacon Bobby High,  Deacon Curtis Harris, Reverend Marvin Harris, Sister Ruth Brogdon, and Sister Claudette Powell.  From  nine candidates three(3) were selected: Rev. Ricky Sampson, Rev. Dr. Raymond Dowdy and Rev. Revell Hicks.  With prayer and Godly wisdom, the members voted Reverend Ricky Sampson in as pastor elect of Shiloh Baptist Church.

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    Reverend Ricky D. Sampson was voted as pastor-elect on April 2, 20ll and on Sunday, April 1, 2012 he was installed as Pastor-elect where he serves as a faithful servant of God leading souls to Christ.  In addition to regular worship services, Sunday School, Revivals, and Youth Activities he teaches bible study on Thursdays.  He also attends the Bluestone Harmony Association, support the youth in events such as the Bluestone King/Queen Rally, NAACP Queen/King Rally, and School events to name a few.  Under his leadership, new members have joined and thus far a new deacon was installed.  A policy manual/constitution and by-laws were established; and early morning worship services were established on 3rd and 5th Sundays.  Other improvements under his leadership include the purchase of a new van, paving of the parking lot, paving around the church, sidewalks and the replacing of a new roof.

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    The Church history would not be complete without acknowledging the services of members who worked untiringly for the continued growth and enhancement of this great church. In addition to dedicated pastoral leadership, Shiloh has been richly blessed with Christian men and women who were and still are instrumental in the spiritual growth of the church and the community. Such stalwart men and women have served in many capacities.

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Shiloh has been blessed with members who have gone into the ministry. They are:

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PASTORS

    Rev. James E. Craighead – Circa 1945

    Rev. Frederick J. Seymour – Early 1900

    Rev. Marvin Curtis Harris – Ordained August 15, 1998

    Rev. John Lewis Craighead – Licensed January 27, 2002 – Ordained November 7, 2004

    Minister Brian Keith Craighead – Licensed April 14, 2002

    Minister Tyrone Craighead – Licensed June 20, 2004 – Ordained April 19, 2009

    Evangelist Sheverlyn Hayes – Licensed October 29, 2005

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DEACONS

Allen Burwell, Henry Bedford, Robert Palmer, Henry Elam, Willie T. Bedford, Jack Roberts, Effridge G. Rice, Greef Elam, Ed Brown, James E. Craighead, Charlie Lambert, Raleigh Dunn, James Brogdon, Abraham Seymour, Thomas Pulliam, Bernard Harris, Conrad Elam, Leonard Elam, Sr., Silas Seymour, Edward Harris, James E. Pulliam, Otis Dailey, Gregory Burwell, Bobbie High, Nathaniel Dailey, Ulysses Elam, Keith Craighead,  Curtis Harris and Ralph Foster.

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TRUSTEES  

Rus Brooks, James McCargo, Tony Robertson, Willie T. Bedford, Artie McCargo, Allen Burwell, William H. (Willie) Elam, Thomas Pulliam, Abraham Seymour, Leonard Elam, Sr., Edward Harris, Roosevelt Watkins, Silas Seymour, James Edward Pulliam, Henry Allen Elam, Nathaniel Dailey, David Craighead, Otis Dailey, Earnest Robertson, and Gregory Burwell.

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CLERKS

Henry Elam, Willie T. Bedford, Charlie Elam, William H. (Willie) Elam, Robert Lambert, Nannie Elam Hunter,  Audrey Robertson and Vanessa Scott.

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TREASURERS

Bernard Harris, Claude Scott, Marjorie Harris Scott, Ruth Elam Brogdon, Lucille Craighead Jackson, Nell Harris, Alma Simonson, and Angela Jones.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS, OFFICERS AND TEACHERS

Raleigh Dunn, Bernard Harris, Silas Seymour, Russell Hunter, Jr., Larry Pulliam, Otis Dailey, James Edward Pulliam, David Craighead, Onnie Bedford, Alma Brown Brogdon, Novella Harris Saunders, Luella Harris Pulliam, Alice Craighead, Charlie Lambert, Alma Craighead Simonson, Julia Corene Elam, Mattie Elam Harris, Harold Dailey, Marjorie Harris Scott, Otis J. Elam, Ruth Elam Brogdon, Cordelia Craighead Worsham, Marie Seymour, Ada Craighead Hargrove, Jennie Elam Faulkner, Juanita Pulliam Lyle, Dorothy Harris Harper, Marion David Elam, Flossie Burwell, Annie Mildred Elam Bailey, Sarah Gayles Pulliam, Arlene High Dailey, Lucille Craighead Jackson, Arminta Brogdon Dailey, Nannie Pulliam, Luther Lambert, Pernell D. Hunter, Thomas Pulliam, Conrad Elam, William Henry Elam, Nannie Elam Hunter, Lewis Jerome Elam, Wallicia Elam Lacks, Linda Harris Perkins, Harold Dailey, Thelma Robertson Brown, Darnell Jefferson, Juanita Pulliam, Vanessa Scott Knott, Bobbie High, Lucy Harris, Mary J. Elam, Ida Brown Harris, Ada Maria Elam, Laurena Elam Pulliam, Charlie Lewis Elam, Audrey E. Robertson, Nell Harris, Rosa Cheatham,  Nannie Terry, Lorna Brown, and Sheverlyn Hayes.

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YOUTH LEADERS

Marjorie Harris Scott, Ruth Elam Brogdon, Nannie Elam Hunter, Jennie Elam Faulkner, Audrey Elam Robertson, Novella Harris Saunders, Eleanor Elam Bacon, Charlotte Womack, Vanessa Scott Knott, Angela Elam, Sophia Jones.     

     

MISSIONARY SOCIETY OFFICERS

Annie Craighead, Mary Bedford, Onnie Bedford, Alma Brown Brogdon, Laura Brogdon, Nannie Brown, Nannie Elam Brogdon, Nannie Lee Dunn, Geneve Lambert, Gracie Seymour, Nannie Elam Hunter, Mary Pulliam, Marjorie Harris Scott, Carrie Craighead, Luella Harris Pulliam, Mary Price Elam, Ruth Elam Brogdon, Arminta Brogdon Dailey, Lucille Craighead Jackson, Lillie High Hughes, Hattie Seymour Floyd, Cordelia Craighead Worsham, Evelyn Pulliam Lambert, Mattie Seymour Johnson, Lorna High Brown,  Arlene High Dailey and Alma Simonson.  

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USHERS

Jessie Lambert, Arthur Seymour, Allen Burwell, Hezzie Brown, Silas Seymour, Willie Lewis Elam, Edward Harris, Nathaniel Dailey, Otis Dailey, Marie Seymour Staten, Milton Lambert, Evelyn Pulliam Lambert, Nannie Lambert Ford, Annie Dell Elam Brogdon, Jessie Craighead, Sr., Wirt Lambert, Elna Elam Bacon, Claudette Valentine Powell, Valera Green Barksdale, Harvey Harris, Barbara Harris, Nell Harris, Caroll Seymour, Luther Lambert, Angela Pulliam Jones, Audrey Elam Robertson, Earnest Robertson, Monica Goode Watts, Terri Furline, Juanita Pulliam Lyle, Clifton Elam, Charles Lambert, Jr., Francina Gregory, Kevin Staten, Mark Dailey, Sarah Gayles Pulliam, Nathaniel Goode, Chris Dailey, Jermaine Burwell, Jonathan Goode, Nathalie Staten, Tonya Pulliam, Michael Burwell, Leslie Dailey, Michael Dailey, Joshua Scott, Kierra Watts, Courtney Watts, Brynda High, Desmond Pulliam, Keon Pulliam, Earl Forrest, Rosa Cheatham, Keith Craighead, Trevon Elam, John Womack, Barbara Lawrence, Tammy High, Teresa Craighead, Beatrice McKenith, Lakeshis Cheatham, Darnell High, Arnita Ridgeway, Taleisha Ridgeway, Tiffany Craighead, Jessie Craighead, Jr., Clarence Craighead, Jeffrey Edmonds, Nathaniel Powell,  Derwin Craighead, Jasmine Crawley, Daniel Harris, Timothy Walker, Qaveon Rawlings, Qaeshon Rawlings,  Isaiah Dailey, and Deonte’ Foster.

 

CUSTODIAL STAFF

David J. Craighead,  (served for more than 40 years), Earnest Robertson, Nathaniel Dailey, Arminta Dailey, Gregory Burwell, Michael Burwell, Otis Daily, Bobby High, and Tammy High.

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CULINARY STAFF

Evelyn Lambert, Carol Burwell, Audrey Robertson, Elna Bacon, Vanessa Scott, Alma Simonson, Wallicia Lacks, Nannie Edmondson, Barbara Wylie, Claudette Powell, Novella Saunders, Deandre’ Robertson, Tracey Teagan, Jerris Wells, Joyce Worsham and Clifton Elam, Jr.

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MINISTERS OF MUSIC

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    During the early 1900’s the music directress for the church was Mrs. Luella Seymour, who played music for the choir and also taught music lessons. Following her tenure, music for the morning worship service consisted mostly of congregational singing. In 1942, the Shiloh Senior Choir was organized under the direction of William H. Elam. A piano for the church was purchased through the efforts of Mary J. Price Elam who held food sales to raise the money. Ministers of music for the church included Luella Seymour, Jennie E. Faulkner, and Julia Corene Elam. Other musicians included Sarah Coleman, Mary Tapp, Doris Copeland Owens, Gloria D. Brogdon-Grantham, Oscar Lynboyd Brogdon, Terra Hamlett, Jerome Roberts, Marian Chandler, Leonard Elam, Jr., Teresa Watkins, Rev. Marvin Harris, Lee Walker, Juanita Pulliam Lyle, Arthur Seymour, Emma Keeton, Jeffrey Wilkes, Curtis Martin, Greg Waller, Earnest Hairston, Bryant Davis, Steve Hurt, Bobby McClure, and Melvin Williams. Drummers: Shyheim Roberton and Ameenah Elam.

A Junior Choir, under the direction of Thomas Pulliam, was organized around 1948. Pianists for this choir were Juanita Pulliam Lyle and Arthur Seymour.

 

   A Youth Choir under the direction of Jennie Elam Faulkner Julia C. Elam and Ruth Elam Brogdon was organized in 1957. Pianists for this choir were Jennie E. Faulkner, Julia Corene Elam, Gloria D. Brogdon-Grantham, and Oscar Lynboyd Brogdon. In 1996, the Youth Choir came under the directorship of Charlotte Womack, Audrey Robertson, and Novella Saunders.  The present youth choir directors are Angela Elam and Sophia Jones. This choir sings each 2nd Sunday of the month.

 

The year 1986 marks the founding of the Gospel Chorus, under the direction of Novella Harris Saunders, Nell Harris, and Arlene High Dailey. The Men’s Chorus was organized in 1996 under the directorship of Charlotte Womack with Jennie Elam Faulkner as Pianist.

 

The Shiloh Praise Ensemble was organized in the year 2000 with Tonya Pulliam as directress.  Sister Angela Elam is now the director of SPE.  The SPE sings each 5th Sunday.

 

    From humble beginnings, Shiloh Baptist Church is blessed. Sunday School, morning worship services, and Children’s Church are now held each Sunday. Free van transportation to Sunday School and other church activities is available. Each year a youth revival, an annual revival and a fall revival are held.  Women Day, Choir Anniversaries, Vacation Bible School , Senior Citizens Day and Pack the Pew are annual events.  We provide scholarships to further the education of our youth.  Weekly Bible study is available for both youth and adults. Quarterly youth workshops are held each year. A Men’ Prayer Breakfast is held monthly. The church membership is continuing to grow.

 

    Most importantly here at Shiloh, we try to meet the Spiritual needs first while also helping those in need. Through the aid of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to learn the word to light the world. Nobody can deny that God has brought us a long way.

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