History of the Shiloh Baptist Church
Matthew 16:18 — “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
The Founding (1912)
The Shiloh Baptist Church was organized by the Reverend B. Jackson in 1912 after a revival conducted by the late Reverend S. G. Guinn. Reverend Guinn was called as pastor and served from 1912 to 1917.
Many outstanding ministers contributed to the growth and prosperity of this church, namely: the late Reverend Witherspoon, Reverend C. H. Shermon, Reverend Dick Phillips, Reverend M. Oden, Reverend E. W. Gordon, Reverend T. Patton, Reverend W. P. Parnell, Reverend R. H. Thompkins, Reverend C. Davis, Reverend L. M. Clark, Reverend F. P. Lane, Reverend J. S. Selma, Reverend Willie Toodle, Reverend R. D. Osburn, Reverend Victor Moore, and Reverend Sterling Pipkin.
It was needless to say, we had our share of discouragements, hardships, and trials, but through our faith and determination, God kept us. We have worshiped in the third building since the church was organized in 1912.
Membership Growth and Early Leadership
When First Baptist Church, Woodward, was forced out of Woodward, Alabama, Shiloh, along with other surrounding churches in the community, opened their doors to them. As a result, our church membership grew bigger and better.
Here at Shiloh, we were blessed with many dedicated and faithful members who worked very hard at organizing and maintaining the growth of this church.
The former Deacons and Trustees elected in 1912 were Brother William P. Warren, Brother Willie Sandford, Brother W. A. Moon, Brother West Scale, Brother John Founderberg, Brother Will Huff, Brother Will Sullivan, and Brother T. W. Wair.
Elected in 1959 were Brother Coates Steele (Chairman), Brother Reuben Heard, Sr., Brother Reuben Heard, Jr., Brother Henry Smoot, Brother E. Parks, Brother Wixie Dean, Brother Joe Woodward, Brother Harrison Holmes, Brother John Morris, Brother Roosevelt Grant, Brother P. Bank, Brother Tom Houston, and Brother Henry Turner.
Trustees were Brother James Calvert (Chairman), Brother Earnest Parks, Brother James Welch, Brother Guiter Pinkard, Brother Azo Walters, Brother James Green, Brother Horace Willis, Brother Charles Burgin, Sr., and Brother C.J. Davis.
Some of our former Deacons and members were ministers and pastored leading churches in or around this community: the late Reverend J. H. Johnson, Reverend J. F. Steele, Reverend S. R. Reese, and Reverend Victor Moore.
We also had former or present members who were ministers or affiliated with other churches, namely: Reverend Dexter Hazzard, Reverend Jerome Calvert, Reverend Reginald Calvert, Reverend Darryl Pipkin, Reverend Johnny Tabb, Sr., and Reverend Tyrone Banks.
Deacons and Trustees Through the Years
Throughout the years, members of our Deacon Board and Trustee Board changed due to illness or death, and some of the members’ positions changed.
In the early 1990s, our Deacon Board members were Brother James Green (Chairman), Brother Horace Willis, Brother Shawn Willis, Brother Charles Burgin, Brother Azo Watters, Brother Roderick Davis, Brother William Irving, Brother Johnny Tabb, Sr., Brother Rudgeray Grant, and Brother Louis Pinkard.
Music Ministry and Worship Leadership
Looking back at our first choir, the late Sister Mary Oliver organized it, and the first president was the late Brother Willis Moon. After him, there were many other presidents and directors. To name a few: Sister Annie Steele, Sister Mary Rainey, Sister Nettie Bivens, Sister Annie L. Coleman, Brother Henry Layton, Sister Eloise White, and Sister Rhonda Bean.
Many members contributed to our spiritual growth here at the church with their anointed voices and faithful service, namely: the late Brother James Calvert, Brother Roosevelt Grant, Sister Mable Simmons, Sister Lottie Curry, Brother Dock Jordan, Sister Nettie Bivens, Sister Dora K. Layton, Sister Linda Tabb, Sister Mary Rainey, Sister Cynthia Jones, Reverend Victor Moore, Brother Kenneth Pace, Sister Wilma Cook, and Sister Dotsie Tate.
The first pianist for our church service was the late Sister Janie Scott. Several pianists and organists followed after her, namely: Sister Annie Bell Sullivan, Brother Gregory Cole, Sister Shanika Ridley, Brother Jimmy Allen, Reverend Booker T. Williams, Brother Dell Bloomer, Sister Mary Brown, Reverend William Bean, Sister Tracie King, Brother Jerry Davis, Reverend Bruce W. Henderson, Jr., and Brother Tony Brown.
Sunday School and Mission Work
Sister Aileen Robinson was the secretary of our Sunday School during the period of 1947 through 1949. Later on, Sister Yvonne Molette served as secretary and was often sent to workshops and conferences on behalf of the church.
Sister Mary Hill became President of the Mission in 1948, and later, in 1966, Sister Eugene Sullivan became President of the Mission. Sister Flora Willis served as president of the Young Matrons Society.
Honors and Milestones
In 1952, Brother Will Huff, a loyal and faithful member, was honored for his service to the church and community. He was also one of the authors of the Colored Employee Newspaper.
Cornerstone Laying and Dedication (1966)
On August 28, 1966, the Cornerstone Laying and Dedication Services were held. Reverend M. I. Smith brought the message, and Reverend Dr. C. C. Welch performed the Act of Dedication. Sister Barbara Parker provided words of welcome, and Sister Lucile Kemp highlighted the Occasion.
Each auxiliary shared a special report:
Deacons and Wives: Brother James Calvert
Missionary Society: Sister Eugene Sullivan
Matrons: Sister Flora Willis
Senior Choir: Brother Earnest Parks
Junior Choir: Brother Arthur Coleman
No.1 Usher Board: Brother Horace Willis
No.2 Usher Board: Brother Kenneth Lowe
No.3 Usher Board: Brother Clinton Parnell
B.T.U.: Sister Emma Heard
Willing Workers: Sister Lillie Whitted
Nurses’ Guild: Sister Annie Willis
Shiloh Volunteers: Brother Henry Turner
Prayer Band: Sister Alice Owens
Sunday School Department
Class No.1: Brother Horace Willis
Class No.2: Sister Eugene Sullivan
Icy Johnson’s Bible Class
Intermediate Girls: Sister Carrie Reese
Intermediate Boys: Sister Lottie Curry
Primary: Sister Deland Smoot
Beginners: Sister Rosa Hannon
Group Leaders – Missionary Society
Sister Mable Allen
Sister Mattie Turner
Sister Otha Lee Houston
Sister Camilla Lipscomb
Sister Carrie Haygood
Sister Amy Dukes
Sister Deland Smoot
Sister Lottie Curry
Sister Alice Owens
Sister Willie Mae Minor
Matrons
Brother Harrison Holmes;
Sister Dorothy Gilbert;
Sister Doris Green;
Sister Flora Willis;
Sister Essie Willis
Sister Emma Heard.
Pastoral Leadership: Reverend Willie Toodle and Reverend Sterling Pipkin
One of the saddest moments in the history of Shiloh was on April 21, 1967, when our pastor, Reverend Willie Toodle, departed this life and went home to be with the Lord.
Reverend Sterling Pipkin was called as our new pastor. Under his leadership, many renovations were done to the present church. His programs consisted of:
- Teaching and implementing biblical solutions to problems of the present age
- Supporting the church through tithes and offerings
- Training new members in their duties and responsibilities as Christians
- Teaching members to understand and abide by the church covenant.
- Because of his teaching and the members’ understanding and abiding by the Word, many were recognized for their faithfulness.
Education and Community Impact
In 1971, Sister Icy Johnson was honored for her faithful service, and a Sunday School class was named after her — the Johnson Bible Class. Thirty-five years later, Deacon James Green served as teacher to this class until his death. Sister Flora Willis now serves as the teacher.
In 1984, the Union Gospel Press Division in Cleveland, Ohio (the company where we purchased our Sunday School material), had a notice that they were planning to use pictures of churches on the covers of their books. Norris Willis had a picture of our church, which was submitted by the late Deacon James Calvert, a very dedicated and humble servant of God. Shiloh Baptist Church was featured on the cover.
Reverend Sterling Pipkin’s Legacy
In November 2002, the church celebrated the thirty-fifth anniversary of Pastor and First Lady Sterling Pipkin. Their son, Reverend Darryl S. Pipkin, delivered the message, and we climaxed at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Dr. Jonathon McPherson of St. John Baptist Church, Edgewater.
Later that same year, Reverend Sterling Pipkin departed this life and went home to be with the Lord. He was loved by his entire congregation, especially the youth, often reminding them, “There is always room at the top.”
Because of his dedication and concern for our youth and their future, a scholarship was established in 2002: The Reverend Sterling Pipkin Scholarship, founded by Sister Rose Denson Pipkin and Reverend Darryl Pipkin. The late Sister Gladys B. Davis, a dedicated retired educator, was appointed Chairperson.
The members of the Reverend Sterling Pipkin Scholarship Committee were: Sister Geraldine Irving, Sister Wendy Dickey, Sister Rhonda B. Bean, Sister Sherry McClain, Sister Cynthia Hardy, Brother Henry Layton, Sister Autumn Jeter, Brother Derrick Skipwith, and Brother Hiram Holmes. Later, Brother Lloyd Ridley and Brother Cleophus King were added.
Reverend Bruce W. Henderson, Sr. (2003–2015)
In August 2003, Reverend Bruce W. Henderson, Sr., was called to lead the flock of Shiloh Baptist Church. The church was sensitive to leadership and possessed a quest for continued growth and spiritual development.
Under Reverend Henderson’s leadership, the church continued to grow spiritually, physically, and financially. Many accomplishments were attained and continued to be brought to reality. Several ministries, programs, and accomplishments were established under his leadership:
- Brotherhood Ministry
- Unity Ministry
- Audio and Media Ministry
- Radio Broadcast
Parking Ministry - Wednesday Night Live Bible Study
- Early 8:00 a.m. Church Services (1st and 3rd Sundays)
- Welcoming Committee
- Purchase of a church van
- Purchase of a brand new Baby Grand piano
- Purchase of property in 2008
Reverend Henderson was also in the process of establishing four new ministries: the Bereavement Ministry, Home Help Care Ministry, Child Tutoring Ministry, and Clothing and Food Bank Ministry.
In 2004, Reverend Henderson ordained several men as Deacons of the church: Brother Tom Skipwith, Jr., Brother Hiram Holmes, Sr., Brother Henry Layton, Brother Derrick Skipwith, Brother James Burgin, Brother Joseph Merchant, Brother Ricky Albright, and Brother David Danner.
The Sisterhood Ministry and Missionary Society were revitalized into service.
On July 9, 2004, Brother Guiter Pinkard, a faithful member of Shiloh, was given a proclamation from the City of Birmingham and Mayor Bernard Kincaid for his ongoing commitment to his family, friends, and community as he exemplified the ideals of good citizenship and service to God.
In June 2006, our Unity Ministry held its first Annual Gospel Explosion.
Later in 2014, Reverend Henderson ordained several men as Deacons of the church: Brother Roy Ball, Brother Charles Burgin, Jr., Brother Lonnie Mathews, Brother Antonio Nunley, Sr., and Brother Robert Prince.
Our Trustee Board continued to grow, adding new members: Deacon James Burgin, Deacon Joe Merchant, Sister Rhonda Bean, Sister Martha June, Sister Yvonne Molette, Sister Deborah Harper, Sister Valerie Winfield, Sister Blondell Holmes, Brother Willie Spence, Brother Derrick Skipwith, and Brother Rodney Franklin, Sr.
Reverend Henderson submitted his resignation as Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church, effective September 6, 2015.
Pastoral Leadership: Reverend David Simpson (2016–2019)
On June 19, 2016, Reverend David Simpson was called to serve as Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, with his first official Sunday being July 17, 2016. Reverend Simpson faithfully shepherded the congregation for several years. Unfortunately, due to health challenges, he resigned in July 2019, and later that year, on October 11, 2019, he peacefully exchanged time for eternity.
The Pastoral Vacancy and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Following Reverend Simpson’s resignation, the church was forced to reopen the pastoral search process. However, as this process began, the world was struck by a global pandemic — COVID-19 — which affected every aspect of life, including the Church. In-person worship services were suspended, and the traditional rhythms of congregational life were disrupted.
Even in the midst of uncertainty, the Shiloh Baptist Church family remained steadfast in faith. Members continued to bring their tithes and offerings to sustain the ministry and keep the work of the church moving forward. Through the dedicated efforts of Deacon Antonio Nunley, Brother Cleophus King, Sister Rhonda Bean, Sister Cassandra Merchant, Brother Christopher Merchant, Sister Blondell Holmes, Sis. Yolanda Burgin, Sister Martha June, and, in partnership with Roosevelt Church of God in Brighton, food boxes were distributed to families throughout the community. This ministry of service allowed Shiloh to stand as a beacon of hope and compassion in a season of global crisis.
Pastoral Search and Transitional Leadership
After a period of prayer, planning, and patience, the pastoral search process resumed, and the doors of the church were reopened for regular worship services. With the support and guidance of Pastor Victor L. Harkins, Moderator of the Jefferson County District Missionary Baptist Association, ministers were sent to faithfully fill the pulpit during this transitional season.
On November 7, 2021, the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church was introduced to a young preacher at the age of seventeen years old — Reverend Alonte R. Hill — who was invited to conduct Sunday worship services. For seven months, he faithfully preached, taught, and served the congregation. During this time, the church grew to love him deeply, building a genuine relationship with him.
Pastoral Leadership: Reverend Chadley Richardson (2022–2024)
After an extended season of transition, Reverend Chadley Richardson was called to serve as the next pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. The church voted and officially elected him on May 22, 2022, and his first Sunday in leadership was Father’s Day, June 19, 2022. After faithfully serving for two years, he transitioned to pursue another ministry assignment. His final Sunday at Shiloh was November 3, 2024.
Pastoral Leadership: Reverend Alonte R. Hill (2025 – )
Following Pastor Richardson’s departure, the church extended an invitation for Reverend Alonte R. Hill to return to Shiloh — this time not simply to fill the pulpit temporarily, but to provide consistent leadership during the pastoral vacancy. However, the members soon made their desire clear: they wanted him not just as a pulpit supply preacher, but as their next pastor.
Reverend Hill’s response was, “I’ll pray about it!” After seven months of continued faithful service, prayerful consideration, and the clear leading of God, the church officially called Reverend Alonte R. Hill to serve as the 21st Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
At the age of 21, Reverend Hill became the youngest pastor in the history of the church. His first Sunday as Pastor was July 6, 2025.
Installation services were held on September 28, 2025, marking a sacred and historic moment in the life of the church. The installation message was delivered by Pastor Charles Hollingsworth of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, entitled “Just Be Faithful” from 1 Peter 1:16–20; 5:4.
A New Season of Growth and Vision
Under Pastor Hill’s leadership, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church is thriving. New members are being baptized, former members have returned, and the congregation continues to grow in both number and spiritual vitality. Truly, the best is yet to come.
Notable Accomplishments
- Launched online giving through Givelify, making it easier for members and supporters to give consistently.
- Established a Youth Ministry Fund to support programs, activities, and initiatives that empower and engage the next generation.