[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 30, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 142ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 30, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to 
recognize the 142nd Anniversary of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Mason 
Neck, Virginia, and to celebrate the unveiling of its historical 
marker.
  The mission of Shiloh Baptist is to be a ``beacon of light'' within 
the community, bringing hope, spiritual guidance, and a loving spirit 
to those it serves.
  On November 18, 1879 Relius Allen and Archie Gilliam, Trustees, 
purchased one acre of land on Gunston Road, where the first Shiloh 
Baptist Church was built. This humble log structure became the 
spiritual home to local families including the original organizers 
named Gilliam, Berries, Gant, Blackburn and Williams. A small cemetery 
was also established on the original property. In 1900, another one-
acre parcel was purchased directly across the street; this parcel 
included a building, the Gunston white school, which served as a second 
meeting house. In 1927, a vestibule and steps were added to the 
building, which is still in use today.
  Since that time, the Church has witnessed many changes. August 11, 
1984 marked the groundbreaking of the New Edifice to the Glory of God, 
which was dedicated the next year. In 1999, a 6-acre addition was 
dedicated. In 2004, two trailers were installed, providing additional 
room for classes, administrative offices, prayer rooms, and a library. 
Also in 2004, two additional acres were purchased, increasing the total 
Church property to 10 acres. The house on the original Parson's 
Property has been set aside for use as a ``House of Helps and Hope'' to 
serve the needs of our less fortunate neighbors, as well as a nursery.
  It is believed that Reverend John Webb was the first pastor of the 
church and since its founding, 16 pastors and three interim pastors 
have served the Shiloh Baptist congregation. In 2002, the Reverend 
Doctor Luther M. Bailey became Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, where 
he continues to serve. Under his leadership, new programs have been 
implemented and membership has grown to 146.
  The significance of Shiloh Baptist Church has been recognized with 
the placement of a historical marker presented by the Fairfax County 
History Commission. This Church has witnessed great transformations in 
our country from its beginnings shortly after the end of the Civil War 
to the election of our Nation's first African-American President, 
Barack Obama.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 142nd 
Anniversary of Shiloh Baptist Church, and in recognizing the historical 
significance and contributions to the community made by this Church and 
its members.

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