Lamar Association’s Shiloh Baptist celebrates 150 years

Lamar Association’s Shiloh Baptist Church recently celebrated 150 years of sharing Christ with the community.

The church held special services June 2 during the Sunday School and worship hours with several former pastors and other members sharing memories and music. The early anniversary celebration was held in conjunction with the church’s annual homecoming and decoration day.

Shiloh has a rich, well-documented history. Church clerks have preserved minutes dating back to the Sept. 18, 1852, gathering held to constitute the church.

Recently acquired church letters and roll books reflect business handled by church founders. A history room was designated to display some of the original documents.

Glenn Boman, pastor of Shiloh, welcomed an estimated 250 people to the event, which included a potluck luncheon provided by the women of Shiloh and a brief cemetery service honoring deceased members.

Frances Hamilton, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, presented the church with a plaque commemorating the anniversary.

“Thank you for yesterday, thank you for today, and looking ahead with God’s blessings upon you, thank you for tomorrow.” Hamilton said.

Paul Shaw began his four-year pastorate at Shiloh in 1991. Shaw commended the country church for giving sacrificially to important Baptist endeavors, especially missions. Shiloh, with a total membership of 148, currently gives 15 percent of its budget through the Cooperative Program.

Shaw challenged church members to continue reaching their community for Christ. “Do everything you can to pull people into your church,” he said.

Keith Williams served Shiloh 1986-1991. In a short sermon, he challenged the congregation to remember that Christ is the focus, foundation and future of the church.

Boman thanked everyone for attending and left those gathered a special sentiment. “Shiloh is a place where there is something for you to do if you want to do it and a place that will love you if you want to be loved,” he said.

Boman is in the process of writing a history of the church and plans to have it available by the actual anniversary Sept. 18.

(TAB)