164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

“Celebrating Our Spiritual Heritage” “For there is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:

As it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Dr. Anthony A. Parrish, Sr., Pastor

525 Princess Anne Street

P.O. Box 93

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

We’ve come this far by

faith, Leaning on the Lord;

Trusting

In His Holy Word, He’s

never failed me yet. Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, Can’t turn

around, We’ve come this far

by faith.

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

“Celebrating Our Spiritual Heritage” Sunday November 11, 2018

10:00 A.M. Service

WORSHIP LEADER ......................................................... Minister Devin Waiters

PROCESSIONAL ................................................................. SBCNS Mass Choir

INVOCATION .................................................................. Minister Devin Waiters

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN ................................. We’ve Come This Far By Faith

RESPONSIVE READING ...................................................... Dr. Donna Rhaney

MORNING PRAYER........................................................... Minister Jean Meney

MUSICAL OFFERING.......................................................... SBCNS Mass Choir

WELCOME ................................................................... Sister Deborah Harris

MINISTRY OF GIVING ......................................................................... Trustees

MUSICAL OFFERING.......................................................... SBCNS Mass Choir

ANNOUNCEMENTS/ADVISEMENTS ................................... Sister Gayle Wilson

MUSICAL OFFERING.......................................................... SBCNS Mass Choir

GOSPEL MESSAGE ..................................................... Dr. Anthony Parrish, Sr.

INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCPLESHIP .................. Dr. Anthony Parrish, Sr.

ALTAR CALL ................................................................. Minister Donald Bryant

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING OF FOOD .................... Minister Donald Bryant

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

“Celebrating Our Spiritual Heritage” Sunday November 11, 2018

3:00 P.M. Service

PRELUDE

DEVOTIONS .............................................................. Deacons and Praise Team

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

CALL TO WORSHIP .......................................................... Brother Kelvin Lloyd

PROCESSIONAL ................................................................... CBBC Mass Choir

INVOCATION ..................................................................... Brother L.J. Hunter

CHANT ............................................................................... ..CBBC Mass Choir

HYMN OF PRAISE……We’ve Come This Far by Faith…………..CBBC Mass Choir

SCRIPTURE .................................................................... Mrs Valerie O. Griffin

GLORIA PATRI

PRAYER ......................................................................... Sister Jennifer Hunter

CHANT ................................................................................. CBBC Mass Choir

WELCOME .................................................................... Sister Felicia Minichini

SELECTIONS (2) ................................................................... CBBC Mass Choir

HISTORY ........................................................................ Deacon Wilbur Brown

WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING .............................. Judy Alston & Sheila Cooper

OFFERTORY PRAYER ....................................................... Brother Josiah Byrd

DOXOLOGY

INTRODUCTION OF GUEST PREACHER .............. ..Dr. Anthony A. Parrish, Sr.

Pastor, Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

MUSICAL SELECTION ........................................................... CBBC Mass Choir

THE SPOKEN WORD ................................................. Dr. Clevester O. Wimbish

Pastor, Community Bible Baptist Church

INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP .............. Dr. Clevester O. Wimbish

REMARKS .......................................................... ….Dr. Anthony A. Parrish, Sr.

BENEDICTION .......................................................... Dr. Clevester O. Wimbish

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

Rev. Dr. Clevester O’Brien Wimbish

Clevester O. Wimbish, the twelfth of sixteen children, was born and raised in Washington, DC

to the late Eppie and Lydia Wimbish. He was educated in the public schools of the District of

Columbia. Dr. Wimbish worked in the family business for over twenty years and for fifteen of those

twenty years, he held the title of Vice President and Treasurer of Wimbish Enterprises, Inc. He married

Diane Long on May 10, 1976. Dr. Wimbish has six children, three of which were born in his marriage

to Diane. He graduated from the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary in 1985. In 1989 he

graduated from The Washington Bible College and later received his Master's and Doctoral Degrees

from The Howard University School of Divinity in 1998 and 2001 respectively. Dr. Wimbish's

dissertation for his doctorate from Howard University was entitled, "Biblical Hermeneutics from an

Afrocentric Perspective".

At an early age he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined the Mt. Joy Baptist Church in

Washington, DC. He was licensed to preach the gospel in 1981, and was appointed Youth Pastor in

1985 by his former pastor, Rev. Carey E. Pointer Jr. He was ordained in 1989, at Mt. Joy under the

leadership of Rev. Bruce Mitchell, his current pastor.

In 1989, with the blessings of his pastor and members of Mt. Joy, Dr. Wimbish organized the

Community Bible Baptist Church, where he is currently the Senior Pastor. In 2000, Dr. Wimbish

organized The Good Samaritan Community Resource Center, Inc., a faith based community

development corporation, where he serves as CEO/President for the empowerment of the community.

Dr. Wimbish is currently the Dean of Student Affairs at the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary,

where he also teaches and serves as one of its trustees. Dr. Wimbish is an executive board member of

the Baptist Convention of the District of Columbia and Vicinity. His professional affiliations include:

Membership with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., The Lott Carey Convention, and The

Ministers Conference of Washington, DC & Vicinity. Dr. Wimbish has worked with local and national

elected officials for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

History of Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

From Slavery to Freedom 1864

Prior to 1854, Shiloh Baptist Church, which was located at Hanover and Water (Sophia)

Streets had two congregations worshiping together: the white Baptist and the colored

Baptist. Members of the colored Baptist church occupied the galleries of the white church.

Free colored members worshiped in the end gallery and the enslaved colored members in

the side gallery. The colored members remained silent until a time came, with increasing

numbers and a desire for fuller participation in worship, that it seemed wise to set them apart

into a separate body under the care of a consecrated white minister. In 1854, the white

members moved to a new location at the corner of Princess Anne and

Amelia Streets (Fredericksburg Baptist Church). A local historian

reflected: “It was a memorable scene on that Sunday when the colored

members filed out after worshipping there as members of that church

for the last time; there were tears and backward glances of regret. A

link, welded by years of Christian fellowship seemed broken.” In

1857, the whites sold their former site on Sophia Street to the colored

members for $500. Since coloreds were not allowed to congregate

without a white person present Reverend George Rowe, a white

minister, was appointed as the first pastor. He served from 1856 to

1863.

Because of our country's rigid fugitive slave laws at that time, free coloreds were constanly

harassed and antagonized. As a result, many of them sought relocation to other places.

Some members relocated to Detroit, Michigan and others moved to Washington, D.C.

Those who went to Detroit founded the Croghan Street Baptist Church. However, because

of urban renewal and redevelopment of this church's neighborhood over the years, the

building was demolished. Those who moved to Washington, D.C. founded the Shiloh

Baptist Church of Washington. This church continued to thrive, and in March 1998,

rededicated its expanded and renovated facility located at 9th and P Streets, N.W.

At the onset of the Civil War, worship services were suspended because the church was

used by the Union forces as a hospital, and the building also suffered severe structural

damage. Immediately after the Civil War, religious services were usually held from house

to house but at times the people met in the old warehouse on the corner of Charles and

Fifteenth Streets to worship. These services were conducted by a young white man named

Alexander Knox.

When the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, Shiloh Church (often referred by whites

as the African Baptist Church of Fredericksburg) became an independent organization no

longer under white rule.

George Lowe

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

The Independent Church 1864-1887

After being released from service in the Union Army, one of the former

deacons, George L. Dixon, who previously left for Washington, D.C.

returned to Fredericksburg in 1865 as an ordained minister. He

continued to hold meetings and services from house to

house and succeeded in getting enough of the members together to

reorganize and repair the war damaged church. Services soon resumed

with Reverend Dixon serving as the first colored pastor.

He obtained a $400 grant from the Freedman’s Bureau to help with the repairs of the

damaged church. The church grew rapidly with his baptizing as many as twenty-seven

candidates in a single day in April 1871. In March 1877, ninety were baptized in a single

day. The baptisms were typically held in the Rappahannock River near the railroad bridge.

Dixon was one of the founders of the Virginia State Baptist Convention and changed the

Ironside Baptist Church of Falmouth into a missionary Baptist church. As a leader in local

Republican politics, he organized Emancipation Day marches held on New Year’s Day and

along with seven other colored persons, he ran unsuccessfully for the Fredericksburg City

Council in1876.

In 1878, he resigned as pastor of Shiloh, having confessed to violating the seventh

commandment. He later pastored other churches in Spotsylvania and Caroline Counties

His relationship was eventually restored with Shiloh, and he served as a guest speaker on

various occasions. After he passed in 1907 in Philadelphia, his body was returned to

Fredericksburg and buried in the Shiloh Cemetery.

Reverend Lemuel G. Walden succeeded Reverend Dixon and served

from 1878 to 1881. On May 10, 1880, under his pastorate, six deacons

of Shiloh Baptist Church: Washington Wright, Simon E. Bascey,

Cornelius S. Lucas, James Gorden, James Williams and Edmond

Sprow, Jr. purchased several acres of land that became the site of the

Shiloh Colored Cemetery of Fredericksburg. The cemetery is located

on Monument Avenue between Kenmore Avenue and Littlepage Street.

Before the Shiloh Cemetery was established, most African Americans

from Fredericksburg were thought to have been buried at the northern

end of Potter's Field on Barton Street between William and George

Streets near the present Maury School building. Other slaves and

former slaves were buried in their family cemeteries or alongside their former slave owners’

families in the City Cemetery and the Masonic Cemetery.

Lemuel Walden

The Church of 1854

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

The Shiloh Cemetery has become the final resting place for three local Fredericksburg

Baptist Congregations: Mount Zion, Shiloh New Site and Shiloh Old Site. Many

prominent individuals are buried there. Among them are Joseph Walker, Jason Grant,

Reverend M.L. Murchison, former pastor of Shiloh (New Site), Reverend B.H. Hester,

former pastor of Shiloh (Old Site), and Matthew Garnett, one of the original Buffalo

Soldiers.

In the summer of 1881, Reverend Willis Robinson became the pastor of

Shiloh. He was a minister with a radiant personality and was also a

forceful gospel preacher. The church was well organized under his

leadership, and the church grew in membership. Reverend Robinson was

known statewide as an outstanding evangelist. He was a man of great

spiritual wisdom and a source of great strength and encouragement.

Reverend Robinson’s leadership guided the congregation through the

first difficult years of struggle to rebuild the church. Reverend Robinson

launched a series of rallies to raise money to renovate the church. After

raising $1,500, he wanted to start repairing the building, but the deacons

were not willing to start the work until all the money was in hand.

The renovation delay came back to haunt the congregation.

In June 1886, the rear wall fell rendering Shiloh useless and unsafe. City authorities granted

the membership permission to worship in the courthouse. In this same year, a church

committee was formed to locate a site suitable for the church. This committee selected a

site known as the Revere Shop, located on the corners of Princess Anne and Wolfe Streets.

The membership agreed upon the site and unanimously voted to purchase the property.

Shiloh immediately moved to this site and began having regular services with the Sunday

School meeting in the lower level of the shop.

The Separation-New Site’s Beginning

After settling at the new location, it was made known that only three fourths of the property

was free of litigation. The other one fourth of the property was under the authority of the

courts because minor children were involved in the property settlement. With the clouded

deed, the majority of the members were not ready to build on the Revere property. Since

the grounds of the old site were free and clear of any legal dispute, some members wanted

to return and build on that property.

On May 1887, there was a division in the congregation. Some members voted to build on

the Revere site on Princess Anne and Wolfe Streets. On June l, 1887, another body of

church members had a meeting and voted to build on the original location on Water

(Sophia) Street. An injunction was issued to prohibit building on the Revere site. The

friction between the two bodies had to be settled in the courts.

Willis Robinson

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

The court’s decision rendered on November 30, 1888 stated that the June 1, 1887 meeting was

not a lawful church meeting; therefore, any actions voted upon were not binding on behalf of

Shiloh Church. The court further stated that the church meeting that voted to build on the new

site (Revere site) was the lawful building action of Shiloh Church.

By decree of the courts, a "complete and amiable separation of the body" known the Shiloh

Baptist Church was made. The real property located at Princess Anne and Wolfe Streets was

awarded to one party and the real property at Water (Sophia) and Hanover Streets was awarded

to the other.

Another issue developed when both parties earnestly wanted the name Shiloh. No substitute

would satisfy either party. Someone suggested that the Water (Sophia) Street party should be

known as Shiloh Old Site and the Revere Shop site party as Shiloh New Site. This suggestion,

which seemingly pleased all, was accepted by both parties. The separation took place peacefully

and both parties proceeded to build brick edifices. After all expenses of the division were agreed

upon, Shiloh Baptist Church of Fredericksburg (New Site) paid in cash to Shiloh Baptist Church

of Fredericksburg (Old Site) $278.48 in protested monies. After the court's decision, Reverend

Willis Robinson decided to cast his lot with the adherents of the Revere site (New Site).

On June 9, 1890, a cornerstone was laid and the construction of the new church building, Shiloh

Baptist Church (New Site), was begun. The congregation played a very active role in the actual

construction of the church. Many of the men were skilled in various areas of construction, and

the women also played an important role by cleaning the bricks. Through God's grace, the

congregation persevered and the church was built in a short period of time.

With construction issues no longer a main focus, the next area of concern was the improvement

of the spiritual welfare of the church. Records indicate that Reverend Willis Robinson was asked

to preach every Sunday in the month, lecture on Wednesday nights, and remain in the city during

the week. However, Reverend Robinson had commitments to Blue Run Church where he

preached one Sunday a month and could not honor the request made by New Site. In 1904,

Reverend Robinson and a contingent of those willing to share his services separated from Shiloh

New Site and organized Mount Zion Baptist Church, which is located on Wolfe Street in

Fredericksburg.

The Church of 1890

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

Firmly Established and Moving Forward 1904-1978

Shiloh New Site prospered and continued to grow. The accomplishments of the church were vast

and far reaching. This branch of Zion was a meeting place for our people throughout the struggle

for human dignity and the quest for eternal salvation. It had not only served as a spiritual temple for

the soul, but New Site has had prominent achievements in the fields of education and community

outreach.

The first pastor of this era was Reverend R. C. Judkins who served from 1904-1905. He was a

native of Montgomery, Alabama, and grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, where he received his

education. He served as an assistant pastor in Massachusetts for a while, but he decided to come

south for health reasons. He was a minister of high ideals and deeply interested in preaching and

teaching. After a brief stay, he returned to Alabama.

From 1906-1920, Shiloh New Site was blessed through the ministry

of Reverend W. L. Ransome. He and his family were the first to live in the

church parsonage. A graduate of Virginia Union University, he preached the

unadulterated Word of God, thus leading his people to the full meaning of

Christian living and service. His ministry was a full one: pastor, Sunday School

teacher, choir director, and community leader.

Interested in the education of our youth, he was one of the leaders in organizing

the first colored high school in the area. This school, which was named the

Fredericksburg Normal and Industrial Institute (FNII) had its beginnings in the

basement of Shiloh New Site. The institute later relocated to Mayfield and was

renamed Mayfield High School. He served as principal and teacher at the high school. He often

represented the Negro community at city council and school board meetings. One of his major

accomplishments was securing financial aid for the Negro high school. The results of Reverend

Ransome's sojourn in Fredericksburg are felt even today. He was later called to First Baptist Church

of South Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia. where he served as pastor for more than fifty years. Known

as the dean of Baptist ministers, he died in 1975.

One of the most notable members of the congregation during this era was

Dr. Urbane Bass who established the first colored medical practice and

pharmacy in Fredericksburg. He later served in WWI from August 1917

until his death on October 6, 1918. He is buried in the Fredericksburg

National Cemetery. The Bass-Ellison Social Services Building (which

currently houses the Fredericksburg Social Services Department and the

Department of Health) was partly named in his honor. A photographic

image of him is depicted in Shiloh New Site’s collection of stained-glass

windows.

W. L. Ransome

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

Other notable congregants were Deacons Joseph Walker

and Jason Grant. Deacon Walker was a great financial

supporter of the Fredericksburg Normal and Industrial

Institute. Deacon Jason Grant taught at the school. The

fruits of their labor remain evident in our community today

with schools named in their honor. They include the

Walker-Grant Cultural and Educational Center, Walker

Grant Center and Walker-Grant Middle School.

In 1920, Reverend R. C. Redd came to New Site as a young man who had been recently called to the

ministry. He served the church until 1921. Realizing that he wanted to be better prepared to do God's

work, he returned to school.

To date, Reverend Melvin Lawrence Murchison has the distinction of

serving this church longer than any other pastor. He served thirty-eight

years from 1922 until his retirement in 1960. He was a native of

Tennessee, where he completed his early education. He graduated from

Howard Collegiate Institute in Memphis. Having been called to the

ministry, he entered Virginia Union University School of Theology, where

he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Theology.

Reverend Murchison was a dedicated minister who was interested in the

spiritual, educational and social life of his people. Under his leadership

Shiloh New Site participated in coordinated revival services and Bible

Study among Shiloh New Site, Shiloh Old Site and Mt. Zion. Joint

evening communion services were held as well.

Several clubs were organized under his tenure including the Women’s Club, Usher Board,

Pastor’s Aide Club, Twilight and Bushrod-Payne Missionary Circles and the Missionary Society.

He introduced the congregation to the Baptist Training Union (BTU). He was also a

great force in the effort to educate our children. As a teacher and treasurer at the Fredericksburg

Normal and Industrial Institute, he kept in close contact with the youth. As their friend and

counselor, he was always ready to give fatherly advice or to listen to their problems. Many adults

today attribute their success to his spiritual and personal guidance. He officiated at numerous

weddings for church members and the community, many of which were conducted in the

parsonage.

Under his pastorate, one of the most notable additions to the church was the purchase of a

$5,000.00 Moller Pipe Organ (walk-in). The dedication of the organ was said to have been the

greatest service in Shiloh New Site’s history. The occasion was so grand that the gathering filled

the sanctuary, as well as the balcony and spilled out into the street.

Joseph Walker Jason Grant

Melvin L. Murchison

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

From 1959-1960 Reverend Floyd Gayle served as Interim pastor during Reverend Murchison's

illness. Reverend Harold French was an associate minister under Reverend Murchison.

Reverend Murchison died in December 1960

The Civil Rights Movement

In 1955, a bold and courageous stand taken by Rosa Parks propelled the nation into a Civil

Rights Movement and Shiloh New Site played a very important role in the movement during the

60s and 70s. Its central location, halfway between Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C.,

made it convenient for out-of-town activists. As the largest Black church in the area, Shiloh New

Site became the meeting place for the steering committees to discuss and plan strategies. It also

became the ideal place for holding mass meetings. Some of the noted Civil Rights leaders who

visited the church during this time were Dr. Wyatt T. Walker, Dr. Samuel D. Proctor, Henry

Marsh, Esq., Oliver Hill, Esq., and Roy Wilkins. They were supported locally through the efforts

of Dr. W. L. Harris, Dr. Philip Y. Wyatt, O’Neal Mercer, Mamie Scott and Mildred Queen. Many

of Shiloh New Site members participated in sit-ins and marches in the 60s.

In 1960, Reverend Edward Smith followed Reverend Murchison as

our next pastor. A graduate of Virginia Union University, he

also studied at Columbia University and Virginia State College.

Before coming to Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site), he held

pastorates in Tappahannock and Stafford, Virginia. He was principal

of the H. H. Poole School for a number of years. Reverend Smith was

a very energetic minister.

During his administration, the rear of the church was expanded

with the addition of several rooms. The steeple was damaged,

and an enclosure was built around it to keep pigeons from entering

the building. The steeple also proved too heavy for the roof and was

removed during the next renovation (1970s). Reverend Smith served

until 1963 when he was called to pastor First Baptist Church in Princeton, New Jersey.

Edward Smith

The church with the Smith addition in the rear.

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

It was a "Great Day” at New Site when Reverend Henry C. Gregory

was installed as the pastor in 1964. From the halls of Howard

University's Drew School of Theology and Harvard University,

Reverend Gregory was uniquely prepared to meet the challenge of the

"Great Commission." As a serious, dedicated minister, his worship

services were conducted in a reverent, prayerful, and spirit-filled

atmosphere.

As he preached God's Word, the spirit of God seemed to permeate the

building. Reverend Gregory saw the need for a Gospel Chorus, so with

the aid of a music committee, the chorus was organized to enrich the

worship services. He also introduced the church to the development of

the constitution and the Board of Christian Education.

Reverend Gregory served until 1967. He was called to Fifth

Baptist Church in Richmond. and later pastored Shiloh in D.C.

In 1968, Reverend A. Russell Awkard, who had frequently visited and

preached while Reverend Gregory was pastor, was selected as the next

pastor of Shiloh New Site and served until 1972. At the age of twenty-three,

he has the distinction of being the youngest pastor called to serve this

church. He received his early educational training in Maryland. He

graduated from Howard University and continued his education at Wesley

Theological Seminary.

Reverend Awkard was a dedicated minister and a spirit-filled preacher of the

gospel. In August of 1969, Pastor Awkard held outdoor services the entire

month in an empty lot on the corner of Charles and Dunmore

Streets. These informal services attracted people from the neighborhood and

introduced a more casual dress code for church to the congregation.

Reverend Awkard became actively involved with the youth of this church and the city and initiated

participation in youth retreats. The retreats were held in Damascus, Maryland jointly with Shiloh Old

Site and Shiloh Washington, D.C. He had an interest in making use of the empty parsonage on

Wolfe Street which was in disrepair. The church made plans to make a major renovation. The youth

held variety show productions entitled “Shades of Soul” to raise funds to support the renovation.

After the renovation, the youth held activities in the basement. The Anne Hamrick Nursery School

which had been housed on lower Charles Street was relocated to the parsonage basement. In 1971,

the members named the parsonage the M.L. Murchison Christian Center.

Reverend Awkard instituted several service clubs in the church, two of which were known as First

Fruits and Young at Heart. In addition, he initiated the Easter Egg Hunt and a game night at church

to keep children safe during the traditional Halloween festivities. Shiloh New Site also participated

in the broadcasting of Sunday morning worship services on the radio sponsored by the Fredericksburg

Baptist Ministerial Association.

While pastor, Reverend Awkard improved our worship services, upgraded the Sunday School,

A. Russell Awkard

Henry Gregory

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

worked with the music department and further developed the Gospel Chorus which

frequently traveled with him. In 1971, during his time of service, the Brown, Bowes and Murchison

stained glass windows were dedicated. Under his tenure, there were significant increases in

membership and finances. He was called to New Zion Baptist Church in Louisville,

Kentucky in 1972.

Reverend Richard W. Green came to us from Baltimore, Maryland

in 1973. He attended Morgan State College, the College of Commerce

and Antioch College. Reverend Green was blessed with the ability to

deliver the Spoken Word. He said preaching was his first love.

Through Reverend Green's efforts, the youth edited our first church

newsletter of which the church was justly proud. Reverend Green was

also a gifted vocalist. He revamped the youth choir which increased

greatly in membership. He inspired the youth from the church and

surrounding communities to participate in the choir. They toured

The East Coast giving performances. They also presented concerts

locally and recorded a live gospel album entitled These Are They.

Reverend Green served until 1977. He later founded the First Baptist

Church of Love here in Fredericksburg.

Growing and Expanding 1978-1999

Reverend Nolan Williams came to New Site in 1978 and served until

1981. He received his early education in Texas. His family moved to

California where he continued his studies at different schools including

Landscape Art at El Camino College. Answering the call to the ministry,

he studied at several colleges and received his B.A. Degree from Bible

College and School of Religion at Riverside, CA.

Reverend Williams was called to Shiloh New Site where he took over

the leadership of the renovation project which was being planned.

He worked untiringly on the renovation and much progress was made.

During this time, the church purchased the property formerly known as the McGuire Hotel on July

22, 1980 to build an annex. Reverend Williams was able to obtain a $75.000.00 HUD

grant to have the hotel demolished. With the addition of the annex, the direction of the sanctuary

changed from north and south to east and west. The baptismal pool was relocated from the lower

auditorium to the main sanctuary. During this renovation, the Moller Pipe Organ was dismantled

and subsequently disappeared along with the wooden pews. Losing these valuable items caused

much consternation among the membership. In spite of the discord, the renovation continued.

A cornerstone was laid on March 15, 1981 acknowledging the church’s annex. The congregation

used its new sanctuary for the first time on August 2, 1981. The church had been worshipping in

the lower auditorium for nearly a year. The renovation which began in June 1980 increased

the seating from 250 to 410 and the choir seating from 19 to 50. The English colonial cross that

hangs over the baptismal pool was crafted and donated by the Copper Shop.

Nolan Williams

Richard Green

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

Under Reverend Williams the church started a pre-school program in the basement of the parsonage

which operated for a brief period of time. He resided on the upper floors and was the last pastor to

live in the parsonage. When his pastorate ended, Reverend Williams relocated to California.

From 1981-1984 Reverend Sloan Hodges provided spiritual leadership to Shiloh New Site as

an interim pastor. He was a very stately man and a dedicated preacher. He was very active in all

Bible study classes where he also served as a teacher. He served the church well during the absence

of a pastor by holding the congregation together and spreading spiritual guidance. He made some

significant changes to the order of service.

Reverend John E. Nickens served as pastor from 1984-1986. During his

tenure he organized the congregation into clubs by age groups which held

programs, did church and community service projects and sponsored

fundraisers. They were the Carillon Club for ages 20-40, the Smithsonians,

later named Midlanders for ages 40-55, and the Progressive Guild for ages

55 and older. It was the Midlanders who began the Christmas Card exchange

within the church which continues today.

He organized the ministerial staff, assigning them specific areas for

ministering to the congregation. The ministers were Reverend Theodore

Cunningham (Minister of Fellowship), Reverend Raymond Garnett

(Minister of Prayer), Reverend Melvin Pendleton (Minister of Visitation)

Reverend Nathaniel Young (Minister of Education). He initiated the Genesis Exercise Club and

purchased exercise equipment. A nurse’s unit was established and the church newsletter was

revived.

He had a vivacious personality and with his special musical abilities he was an inspiration to the

Gospel Chorus which grew and flourished. He was very energetic and active in all organizations

in the church. When Reverend Nickens left Shiloh New Site, he briefly established a church in the

area.

From September 1986 to April 1988, Shiloh's ministerial needs were met by the Sons of the

Church, Reverend Lovell Brandon, Reverend Nathaniel Young, Reverend Theodore A.

Cunningham, Sr. and a host of visiting clergy.

At the time of his retirement in 2002, Reverend Doctor Theodore “Ted”

Cunningham, Sr. had the distinction of being the second longest serving

pastor of Shiloh New Site. He is also the only pastor upon whom Shiloh

New Site has bestowed the title of Pastor Emeritus. Prior to his installation

on September 25, 1988, Reverend Cunningham had been a member and an

associate minister of Shiloh New Site for three years.

Reverend Cunningham came to us from Vancouver, Washington, where

he yielded to the call to enter the ministry in 1978 and was ordained in

1982. He was an excellent teacher of the Bible and an outstanding

missionary. He held an Associate Degree in Financial Planning and an

John Nickens

Theodore Cunningham

164th

Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

Associate Degree in Life and Health Insurance Business, a Bachelor’s

Degree in Management and Public Interest, a Masters of Ministry Degree and a Doctorate of

Ministry Degree.

He was licensed as a Registered Nurse, a Nursing Home Administrator, Vocational Nurse, a

Pharmacy Technician, an Audiometric Technician and a Life and Disability Insurance Agent. He

retired as a Certified Business Teacher in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

Pastor Cunningham, being a registered nurse and having concern for the health of his congregation,

initiated the Health Care Ministry in 1994 under the auspices of Mary Washington Hospital with

Shiloh New Site as the site for the pilot program. He worked with hospital personnel to make sure

the ministry had proper training and materials. The program started with twenty-six members who

were certified by the American Red Cross in various areas of health and wellness. The Health

Care Ministry also sponsored community health fairs.

Under Reverend Cunningham, Shiloh New Site experienced tremendous growth in the

congregation and instituted numerous changes and improvements to the buildings and grounds. In

the late 1980's, an organ was purchased, the lower annex was completed, and the renovation of the

lower auditorium was accomplished. In the early 1990's, focus was placed on the renovation of

the original building's exterior: painting, repair of the gutters, pointing-up of bricks, landscaping,

and construction of a brick marquis. Because of the substantial growth in membership and

finances, two of the three mortgages were paid in full.

As part of the church’s outreach, Reverend Cunningham introduced and was an active participant

in a number of initiatives. Some of them were participating in the annual American Cancer

Society’s Relay for Life; serving Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to the community,

providing complimentary repasts for funerals for members and financially supporting the

emergency needs of members through an Acts of Kindness program. In addition, the New Site

Community Outreach Program was established to meet diverse needs of the community including

housing, food, utilities and Toys for Tots. Shiloh also provided support for the Thurman Brisben

Homeless Shelter two weeks per year.

There were increased opportunities for spiritual growth and learning for the congregation and

community. The Women’s Ministry held retreats and conferences and the Men’s Ministry held

retreats as well. The Youth Ministry established a youth revival, attended retreats and conferences,

as well as take annual trips. A prayer breakfast was instituted and the church participated in the

annual Church Leadership Conference at Virginia Union University.

Looking toward future growth, a Five-Year Plan was implemented in 1994. In 1995, the first and

second floors of the parsonage (named the M.L. Murchison Christian Center in 1971) were

reconverted for use as meeting and office spaces. The following projects in the Five-Year Plan

were completed in three years:

reconstructed the steeple to original specifications (No steeple had been in place for over

20 years) When the church was without a steeple (1968-1997), pictures of the church

showed a steeple for appearance only.

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Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

refurbished the stained-glass windows

upgraded office equipment (computer, photocopy and risograph machines)

relocated and expanded nursery

upgraded video, recording, and PA systems

established a church transportation system and purchased 15 passenger van

upgraded kitchen equipment

installed stair glide

purchased closed-circuit television system for lower auditorium

installed two additional bathrooms in the annex area

relieved outstanding liens - mortgage burned on November 13, 1998

Also, in 1995, Shiloh New Site became the first African American site to be included on the

Candlelight Tour of the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. Over 4,000 people visited our

sanctuary and were introduced to our rich heritage. One of the many features of the Candlelight

Tour included the viewing of our magnificent stained-glass windows. These windows depict

biblical symbols and scenes as well as names of New Site members.

The stained-glass windows have been given in memory of:

John Henry and Fannie Lee by their family

Chainie Grant by the family and Dr. John H. Wallace (1914)

O.M. Burrell by his friends (1918)

First Lieutenant Urbane F. Bass, the area's first Black physician,

by New Site membership

Essex and Amanda Howard by their children Hattie H. Brown, Andrew

Howard and Maria H. Jackson (1949)

Arthur and Hattie Brown by their children, Ora, Mildred,

Howard and Celestine (1971)

Frederick D. and Margaret H. Bowes by their children, Mary, Nannie, Paul,

and F. Douglas (1971)

Reverend Melvin L. Murchison, Pastor, 1922-1960 (1971)

In 1996, the Shiloh Cemetery became the first cemetery to be included on the candlelight tour. A

portion of the proceeds from the tour was awarded to our church in the form of a Brick and Mortar

Grant. The funds were used towards the reconstruction of the original bell tower, which was

completed in 1997. Additionally, in 1997, the basement of the M.L. Murchison Center was

renovated to house food and clothing used to fill requests made by those in need in the church and

community through the church’s Assistance Program.

In 1998, recognizing that the service and status of both men and women are identical, the church

constitution was amended on April 30 to merge the Board of Deacons and Deaconesses to form a

Diaconate, with each member being referred to as "Deacon."

Also, in 1998, the property at 515 Princess Anne Street, known as the Byrd House was purchased.

In 1998, for the 110th Anniversary of “New Site’s” beginning (1888), the church historians

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Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

researched and produced an extensive pictorial directory documenting the history of all areas of

the church including the church’s origin, membership, ministries, clubs and organizations. The

library was also established in 1998.

The church's membership heightened in 1999, and this upswing resulted in the main sanctuary

becoming overcrowded. For a while, the overflow parishioners were seated in the lower auditorium,

worshipping via closed-circuit television. To better accommodate the increasing membership, on

September 5, 1999, an 8:00 A.M. worship service was initiated. Several associate ministers served

Shiloh New Site under the mentorship of Pastor Cunningham. They include Ministers Ritta

Armstead, Donald Bryant, Allen Green, Vernon Keeves, Willis Little, James Miles, Gregory Nick,

Anthony Parrish, Donna Rhaney, Lorin Rhaney, John Saunders, William Seals, Quentin Smith,

Ralph Thomas, Gary Wilder, and Arthur Wiggins. Many of them assisted with conducting the

worship services.

Entering the 21st Century

Under Pastor Cunningham, the rapid and continued growth of our membership also resulted in the

formation of a Vision 2000 committee. The purpose of this committee was to complete the five-

year-plan and explore other options for improving the church’s buildings and facilities. One option

was to research the possibility of moving to a new location or staying at the current location. After

the presentations of the two reports, an historical decision concerning the future of New Site occurred

on June 2, 2001. The membership voted overwhelmingly to stay at the present site.

Thus, the expansion and improvement plans began. In 2001, the property at 519 Princess Anne

Street, adjacent to the church (known as the Byrd House) was purchased and the organ replaced. In

2002, a major improvement was made through the installation of the elevator. Added to the church’s

ministries were the Anointed Voices for Christ Choir and the Recreational Ministry.

Also, in 2002, the Fredericksburg City Council launched a historical marker program to increase

awareness of the city's African American history. These markers highlight the founding and

organization of Mount Zion Baptist, Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site), Shiloh Old Site Baptist

Church and the contributions of Jason Grant and Joseph Walker, two former educators and deacons

of New Site.

Pastor Cunningham retired in May 2002 leaving New Site these words of wisdom: “We must

continue to pray together, stay together, and be about the business of spreading the gospel, not

only in our talk, but in our walk as well.”

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Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

Following Reverend Cunningham’s retirement, Minister Anthony A. Parrish, Sr.,

who was already a member of Shiloh New Site, having joined in April 1997, was

selected as our next pastor. He now holds the distinction of being the second

longest serving Pastor of Shiloh New Site, celebrating fifteen years in 2018.

Minister Parrish is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served honorably in

the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964. He later received degrees from Benjamin

Franklin University, Washington, D.C.; Northern Virginia Community College;

Washington Baptist Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. He received his

Bachelor’s and Master’s of Art Degrees in Ministry from American Bible College

and Seminary in 2004. In 2016, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Fredericksburg Bible

Institute and Seminary of Fredericksburg, Virginia (Cornerstone College) where he currently teaches.

He answered the call to the ministry at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia and

delivered his initial sermon in August 1979. Minister Parrish was ordained July 17, 1982 and was

called as pastor of Bethlehem in 1987 until his resignation in 1996.

Minister Parrish was voted in as Pastor-elect in April 2003 and was installed in September 2003.

Under his leadership, the building improvement plans under Vision 2000 continued, ministries were

added and reorganized, new programs initiated, and other changes were made.

In 2003 and 2004, some of the physical changes made were the removal of the original baptismal pool

from the basement, remodeling of the kitchen pantry and lower auditorium bathrooms, the installation

of carpet in the lower foyer and stairs, and the purchase of the Bird House at 210 Wolfe Street.

In New Site’s efforts to grow the church spiritually, the drama and prayer ministries were established.

The name of the youth choir was changed to Young Voices for Christ, and the church sponsored a

music workshop through Hawkins Productions. The church constitution was also revamped during

this time and a church newsletter was reinstituted.

Still planning for more and better designed space, an architectural firm was hired in 2004 to develop

renovation drawings and estimates for presentation to the congregation. Also, in 2006, the building at

515 Princess Anne Street, formerly known as the A. L. Bennett Funeral Home was purchased and

included in the expansion plans.

The anticipated expansion led to a Groundbreaking Ceremony being held on July 8, 2006. However,

because of the declining membership and finances which the church was experiencing, the decision

was made not to proceed with the original expansion plans. Instead, the church continued to make

improvements to the individual properties as needed. Some of these included remodeling the

parsonage and the funeral home (renamed The Education Building). This remodeling provided

additional Sunday School and meeting rooms, more office space, the relocation of the library, an

additional study for the pastor and additional storage.

Continuing New Sites’ missionary services and out-reach throughout the world, the church was

honored and excited to sponsor and host the Wototo Children’s choir from Uganda in 2006. Members

hosted them in their homes during their visit. The choir gave a concert for the church and community.

In 2007, the church also purchased a house in their village. In addition, Shiloh New Site also

supported a church in South Africa for a number of years.

Anthony Parrish

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Anniversary Celebration

Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site)

The year 2007 also saw the establishment of the Young Ladies Ministry, the Ministers Wives and

Ministers Widows Ministry, the initiation of a baccalaureate service, and the purchase of a new piano.

A new janitorial service, Eastern Enterprise, was hired at the end of 2007. In 2008, Shiloh New Site

became an ardent participant in the Micah Ministry and became the host church for the Friday night

meals served to the community. These meals are provided by Shiloh New Site and other churches in

the community with the ministries in Shiloh New Site rotating the serving of the first Friday meal.

2008 also was the year of the addition of the Praise Team.

In 2009, the position of music coordinator was added to improve the music services for the

congregation. Also, in 2009, some major repairs had to be made to the floor of the main sanctuary

causing the church to worship in the lower sanctuary for several months. The pews and carpet were

also replaced at this time as well.

Ministry and spiritual growth, outreach, services and improvements continued as we entered the

second decade of this century. In 2010, special donations were made to Haiti to aid in their recovery

from a catastrophic earthquake. The church was able to assist Shiloh New Site members and the

community with transportation through the purchase of a bus in 2013 and a van in 2014.

Added to our prayer and praise service each Wednesday night is a sermon given by our pastor or one

of the associate ministers. Additionally, the pastor and associate ministers bring words of

encouragement to the Micah meal participants each Friday night. Our dedicated associates under the

mentorship of Pastor Parrish are: Ministers Donald Bryant, Nathaniel Hayes, Donald Meney, Jean

Meney, Donna Rhaney, Loren Rhaney, Bernadine Parrish, Portia Sayles, Catherine Smith, Devin

Waiters and Jonique Waiters.

A daytime Bible Study class and increased Bible Study offerings on Wednesday night were also added

for the spiritual growth of the members. Additional adult Sunday School classes have been added to

meet the learning desires and styles of our congregants. In 2015, because of the reduced size of the

congregation, the church decided to return to having a single worship service at 10:00 A.M.

Shiloh New Site has a revised website and have upgraded and improved the technology in all of the

facilities and offices to meet the software and hardware needs of the ministries and to participate in

social media platforms. In 2016, the house at 513 Princess Anne Street was purchased adding further

space. Also, additional parking for Sunday worship has been secured. As with any home, the church

home is in constant need of upkeep, repairs, improvements and upgrades which are carried out by our

dedicated trustees.

Shiloh New Site is still striving to meet the needs of our congregants and community and execute the

great commission. On Sunday, November 4, 2018, our most recent ministry was launched. We now

have a Young Adult Ministry for ages 18-30.

We thank God for our special and blessed journey.