New Shiloh 1983
On January 23, 1983, we marched into our new sanctuary. That building was destroyed by fire on September 7, 1984 at 1:00 a.m. When Sis. Lillie Linder called *Deacon Daniel Williams, Chairman of the Deacons Board, to let him know that our church was burning he called Pastor Jackson, who was in California attending the National Baptist Convention. Pastor Jackson caught the next flight out to Miami to tell his people, “Well Rise Again!” We have been toiling for 62 years. We have had much heartache but with the help of a gracious God, we have made it. This church has stood the test of the ages and we have come out victoriously. The church is the life of any community. It gives to men a desire to live life at its best. Through God’s direction another sanctuary was constructed on the same grounds and we marched into our new sanctuary on March 22, 1987. God continued to bless us with more laborers for His vineyard. Under the leadership of Rev. Arthur Jackson, Jr. the church progressed and the ministries increased tremendously. Rev. Jackson, Jr. organized and implemented many auxiliaries. Such as: Usher Board #3 and #4, Voices of Shiloh, Hospitality Ministry, Budget Committee, Leadership Workshops, Orientation classes for all new -members, Early Morning First Fellowship Program, Out-Reach Crusaders, Bus Ministry, Convalescent Home Ministry, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and a full-time church staff.
The following Deacons were ordained: David Grace, Otis Shelley, Jackie Bryant, Lonnie Wilfork, Donnie Frink, William Wilcox, Danny Williams, and Alexander Jackson. The wives of these Deacons were added to the Deaconess Board: Eva Grace, Ruby Shelly, Pecola Bryant, Gloria Wilfork, Beatrice Frink, Beverly Wilcox, Ann Williams and Natalie Jackson. The following Deacons were added to the Board: Lonnie Screen, Logan Harris, Walter Wright, Julius Davis, *Miles Ervin, Freeman Hendricks, Cleveland Bell, Valley Jones; Walter Watson, *Felton Simmons. The wives of these Deacons were added to the Deaconess Board: Johnnie Harris, Susie Davis, Betty Hendricks, Christine Bell, Janie Simmons and Julia Watson. At that time, the Licensed Ministers were Bruce Gamble, Artis Perkins, Elba Jackson, Larry Brown, Luther Woodruff, Alfred Tharpe, Alphonso Jackson, *Charles Foster, Keith Butler, Arthur Jackson III, Ranzer Thomas, Lynberg Nelson, Reginald Thompson, *Willie Spiller, W. J. Gaskins, and Billy Hardemon. Ministers installed as Pastors were George Davis of Hopewell Baptist Church, Artis Perkins of Valley Grove Baptist Church Alfonso Jackson of Greater St. James Baptist Church of Coconut Grove, Alfred Tharpe of Salem Missionary Baptist Church, and David Robinson of St. Luke Baptist Church.
On Sunday, April 9, 1989, we had our Church Cornerstone Laying Service. Our cornerstone is visible for all to see at the entrance of the church. On April 22, 1990, during our Annual Homecoming Day, Ordination was held for three Deacons: David Ellis, *James Carroll, James Aikens, Their wives: Elmyra Ellis, Jessica Carroll, and Eldora Aikens were added to the Deaconess Board. *Deacon Samuel Simon was added to the Deacons Board and his wife, Minnie Simon, was added to the Deaconess Board. Minister Ranzer Thomas was ordained and installed as Pastor of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
In 1991, Darren English, Byron Dean, Phillip Jackson, and David Ellis were licensed as Ministers. On March 27, 1991, Minister Arthur Jackson III was ordained and installed as Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church of Carol City. In April of 1991, Donald Blocker and Phil Hamilton were ordained as Deacons. Their wives, Delores Blocker and Catherine Hamilton were added to the Deaconess Board. In July of 1991, Joe Polite was licensed as a Minister. Joseph Sewell, Emanuel Whipple, Carl Cooper and Herman Carter were added to the Ministerial Staff. In November of 1992, Ronald Neal was licensed as a Minister.