Our Heritage

A Grand Heritage, A Glorious Future

A 1991 fire nearly destroyed this entire structure. Today, a warm welcome is extended to all who enter.

After the reconstruction, the size of the sanctuary more than doubled to allow for the growing congregation. The restored organ and nine panels of stained glass behind the pulpit can be shared from this view. Designed originally by Henry Booker, the Minister of Music at Shiloh in the early 1960's, the organ was disassembled and shipped to Canada for refurbishing while the new sanctuary was under construction.

The nine-panel window above the choir has, at its base, three panels similar to the Ndebele-styled designs. The blue above these designs is for the waters of middle passage. Out of the sands for a new world rise the hands in rich multi-colors that represent the hands of their ancestors reaching up to God in prayer. From these hands emanate a rainbow - representing many gifts and talents. Above the center panel is the star of hope symbolizing guidance through life's difficult struggles. The center panel is a chalice - the cup of the new covenant, from which many people drink and become one in Spirit.

The spacious hallway showcases the stained glass windows - with the ceiling alcove opening to the grand, rose window.

The uniqueness of this sanctuary is the blending of the historic Gothic to preserve some of its distinctive look with modern technologies and architecture to make it aesthetically pleasing. No columns create obstructions for the worshippers, providing everyone with a clear view of the entire sanctuary. Additionally, the design creates a family atmosphere, allowing people to sit close to one another. The sanctuary forms a circle that speaks of the church being a circle of persons related through Christ.

The original Church consisted of only the left side of this structure. After the 1991 fire, the architects more than doubled the size, carefully matching the new brick to provide a seamless blending with the original structure.

The stained glass windows in the sanctuary depict the vision of family, ministry, and the commitment to culture, identity, and heritage. The stained glass window throughout the church are the original windows, completely refurbished for the present sanctuary. The faces in the window have been redone to reflect the African backgrounds. The flesh tones are varied to display the richness of diversity, and the lower level window are based on the Ndebele tribal patterns of Southern Africa.

This renovation project was extremely complex because only three original brick exterior walls were left standing while the interior was redone. Built without true foundations in 1835, the walls required major structural underpinning and support throughout the excavation and reconstruction. The new facade of the expanded sanctuary includes a mirror image replication of the original complicated corbelling brickwork. New brick was custom made to duplicate the original material.

Shiloh Baptist Church is highly respected and the decor reflects its history and standing in the community. Custom-designed, stained oak millwork is used in the sanctuary throughout the building. Combined with crimson seat covers on the pews and faux walls, these details create an effect that is both welcoming and dignified. This theme is carried into the lobbies with their detailed fanlight transoms and carefully planned trim and door surrounds.

Each piece of furniture was custom designed. A cabinet containing a bust of Dr. Earl L. Harrison, fourth pastor of Shiloh from 1930 to 1971, is situated in the corridor that bears his name. The cabinets is an excellent example of the painstaking precision that went into every aspect of the restoration of Shiloh.

The view from the pulpit and choir loft emphasizes the interior symmetry. The vaulted sanctuary occupies two levels, with a lobby level at each. Additionally, a state-of-the-art lighting system and catwalk, sound control booth, and audio-visual systems are incorporated.

Out of the ashes has risen a true beauty! Shiloh continues to be a beacon of light and hope in this community--where a continuation of "calling souls to Christ leads them out of the darkness and into the light."