[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HISTORIC SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH REBULIDS

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 1998

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Shiloh Baptist 
Church following a week of special services commemorating the 
completion of a new sanctuary.
  Mr. Speaker, the Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington, DC had its 
humble beginnings in Fredericksburg, Va. In 1854, the white 
congregation of the Baptist Church decided to relocate. The white 
membership offered the building to its black members for $500.00. The 
offer was accepted and the black members renamed the church Shiloh. By 
1861, Shiloh had 750 members, most of whom were slaves and the balance 
of the membership was free blacks. In that same year, with the onset of 
the Civil War, Union troops entered Fredericksburg and occupied Shiloh 
using it as a hospital. This disrupted church life and the growth of 
this branch of Zion. In 1862, the Potomac branch of the Union Army 
offered safe passage to any blacks, free or slave to Washington, DC. In 
June of that year, hundreds took advantage of the offer and traveled to 
the Capital City. Approximately 400 members from Shiloh Church were 
among the group.
  Soon after arriving in Washington, several members of the group from 
Fredericksburg began to meet in a little shanty on L Street between 
16th and 17th Streets. They met under the direction of McCleary 
Perkins, a white Union soldier. They learned to read and write and held 
regular prayer and fellowship meetings. On September 23, 1863, the 
Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington, DC was formally recognized by a 
Recognition Council and on September 27, 1863, the Reverend William J. 
Walker was ordained as pastor.
  Under Reverend Walker's leadership, Shiloh's membership grew to over 
800, two buildings on L Street, NW were purchased and the members 
constructed a two-story brick building, also on L Street, that was 
completed in 1883. Reverend William J. Walker died on August.
  In 1891, following some controversy and a split in membership which 
led to the formation of the Walker Memorial Baptist Church, Shiloh 
called its second pastor, the Reverend J. Anderson Taylor. Under his 
administration the church was enlarged, a new organ was installed, the 
choir was vested, the music ministry expanded and missions at home and 
abroad were established. In 1906, Reverend Taylor gave up the 
pastorate. About 200 members left Shiloh, formed the Trinity Baptist 
Church and called Reverend Taylor as pastor. Reverend J. Anderson 
Taylor died on October 6, 1916.
  Reverend J. Milton Waldron was called in 1906 and set out to develop 
an instructional church that would care for the needs of the total 
person. By 1924, Shiloh had outgrown its two-story edifice and a new 
home was found at the corner of 9th and P Streets, NW. There were a 
series of fires during which Reverend Waldron's health began to fail 
and he resigned. Reverend Milton J. Waldron died November 20, 1913.
  Shiloh searched for a leader who could help reduce its debt and 
provide leadership through the Great Depression. In September 1930, 
Reverend Earl L. Harrison became the fourth pastor and served for 
forty-one years. During his forty-one years as pastor, the debt was 
retired, properties were acquired, the circle system was established, 
young ministers were mentored and the music ministry continued to 
develop. Reverend Earl L. Harrison died on November 14, 1971.
  In 1972, Shiloh called its fifth pastor, the Reverend Henry C. 
Gregory III a fourth generation preacher. Reverend Gregory had served 
as the assistant pastor under Reverend Harrison between 1961 and 1963. 
During his administration, Reverend Gregory increased the sacred 
components of the worship service and instituted a plan to develop the 
leadership within the church. He is best remembered for building the 
Family Life Center. The Center provides Christian development, 
spiritual education and recreation opportunities for church families 
and the community-at-large. Reverend Henry C. Gregory died on April 29, 
1990 after 17 years as pastor.
  In July 1991 Shiloh called the Reverend Wallace Charles Smith, its 
sixth pastor in 128 years. During the annual Henry Booker Organ Recital 
in November 1991, the church erupted in smoke and flames. Everyone was 
evacuated safely, however, the building suffered extensive damage and 
could not be used. Services were held in the gymnasium of the Henry C. 
Gregory, III Family Life Center. Under Reverend Smith's leadership 
Shiloh was rebuilt on the corner of 9th and P Streets, NW.
  Mr. Speaker, Shiloh Baptist Church is a beacon of light and hope in 
the Shaw Community and on March 15, 1998 marched into its newly built 
church from which its tradition of spiritual, civic and social activism 
continues.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask this body to join me in celebrating the rich 
history and perseverance of the historic Shiloh Baptist Church of 
Washington, DC.

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