[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2016

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
sesquicentennial anniversary of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 
located in my congressional district in Henderson, North Carolina.
  Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1866, three years 
after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham 
Lincoln and months following the ratification of the Thirteenth 
Amendment to the Constitution. The Church property was acquired by its 
members for religious worship, and has since remained a place of 
worship and fellowship for the Henderson/Vance County community and 
other surrounding areas in eastern North Carolina.
  In the Church's early days, both Methodists and Baptists worshipped 
in the same building, but in 1867, the membership had grown so 
significantly that the two denominations agreed that the Baptists would 
buy the Methodists' share of the property. Under the leadership of 
Reverend Jefferson Burwell and Mr. Aaron Pratcher, Shiloh Baptist 
Church proceeded to organize a place of worship on one acre of land 
located in Henderson.
  Mr. Speaker, much of Shiloh Baptist Church's growth over the years 
can be attributed to its dedicated leadership and congregation. In 
1985, Reverend Richard I. Walden led the Church to a larger building to 
accommodate the growing congregation. With Reverend C. R. Mitchell as 
pastor in 1967, the Church saw the erection of a new Sanctuary and 
Educational Department. In October 2002, Shiloh further expanded with a 
new multipurpose building that was named in honor of Shiloh's church 
mother, Mother Johnnie Young Mims Sanders. Since 1995, Shiloh has been 
pastored by Reverend Joseph L. Ratliff. Today, Shiloh Baptist Church 
remains a pillar of the Henderson community and in the state of North 
Carolina.
  The Church remains active in its community, serving as a longtime 
partner of the Food Bank of North Carolina. As a member of the food 
pantry, Shiloh serves over 975 households and over 2,280 individuals 
each month. Shiloh has also partnered with area churches to provide 
school supplies to students and Christmas food boxes to over 225 
families annually.
  Shiloh Baptist Church's 150th anniversary observes the labor and 
dedication over 150 years as well as the Church's promise for the 
future. By the grace of God, Shiloh Baptist Church's outstanding 
leadership and devoted congregation have allowed for significant growth 
in membership and ministry and continued outreach in the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the rich history of Shiloh Baptist Church in 
Henderson, North Carolina, and I ask that my colleagues join me in 
congratulating Reverend Ratliff, the congregation, and the residents of 
Henderson on this historic milestone.

                          ____________________