Our History

Rev. George Byrd Organizes Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in 1872. Our first house of worship is located on Boyd Avenue in the Spanish Town area.

After 34 faithful years as pastor, Rev. Byrd retires and lives out the rest of his days at his home in Virginia. Rev. Jack Mitchell succeeds Rev. Byrd as pastor. During his time, the church sanctuary moved from Boyd Avenue to 14th Street.

During this year, the existing structure is demolished and replaced the the present building on South 14th Street.

Bro. Dudley T. Smith becomes ordained to the Gospel ministry at the request of Rev. Mitchell as he weakened with age. Rev. Smith served as Re. Mitchell’s assistant from 1937 to 1944. After more than 30 years, Rev. Mitchell retires and Rev. Smith succeeds him as pastor in 1944.

In February 1962, God called Rev. Dudley T. Smith to Him, and in April of that year, the congregation elected his youngest son, Charles T. Smith, to succeed his father.

Between 1972 to 1980, the present sanctuary and our first educational building are constructed on South 13th Street for a total of about $700,000, including the cost of land. The debt incurred was retired in 1988, seven years ahead of schedule.

Shiloh implements the scholarship program for church members this year under the leadership and guidance of Rev. C. T. Smith. Presently, this program has grown to award over $65,000 each year.

New construction includes a social, educational, fellowship, and office complex with 18 classrooms, five offices, a library, and a greatly enlarged gymnasium. This facility is completed for a cost of $1.5 million, of which the debt incurred was retired in 2007.

Shiloh’s Charitable Foundation, Inc., created this year, allows the church to meet the needs of the community in new and creative ways. The Foundation’s areas of focus include education, economic development, and social services.

After 50 great years, Rev. Smith retires from pastoring the church, and in September of that year, God called him home.

In February 2013, church membership elected Rev. Fred Jeff Smith to serve as the fifth pastor of Shiloh, succeeding his father and grandfather.