Our History/Beliefs

History of New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

The first light that was shed in the minds of the group of organizers has spread with such force, that it has become a beacon in the center of the hill. It beacons men and women to follow its paths from generation to generation. “And I say 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.” Matthew 16:18

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1938 on Northwest 18th Avenue and 62nd Street under the leadership of Rev. L. Wallace and the late Moderator Rev. J. I. Ross, presiding. Four other members were present. The late Sis. Nealy Sheffield was among the members. At that location, they labored and toiled for three years and the membership grew. In 1941, the church moved to a wooden building at 1395 N. W. 69th Street. The late Dea. Albert Jones and the late Mother Mollie Jones united with the church. (Mother Mollie Jones passed away on March 23, 1996). In 1942, Rev. Wallace resigned.

Rev. A. M. Griffin was called and installed as our spiritual leader and served us well. Under his leadership, he ordained Deacons: *Willie Roberson, *Horace Ross, *Emmitt Ross, Eddie McClain, *Walter Butler, *British Tharpe, *Stafford Matchett, Artis Perkins, *Charles Foster, and *Leroy Brooks. Rev. Griffin organized the following Ministries: Deacons Board, Trustee Board, Choirs #1 and #2, Junior Choir, Pastor’s Board, and Willing Workers’ Club. Shortly after 1944, under Rev. Griffin’s leadership, Usher Ministry # 1 was organized with six (6) ushers. Thelma Williams was its President.

In 1958, due to the growth and progress of the membership, the old building was demolished and a new sanctuary was erected. During that time, we worshipped with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and various other churches in the area while our new sanctuary was under construction. In 1960, we marched back into our new sanctuary. At that time, Rev. Griffin changed the name from Shiloh Baptist Church to New Shiloh Baptist Church. The body of the church continued to multiply under Rev. Griffin’s administration. The following ministers and deacons served under him: Reverends *Elder Walter Butler, *Emmitt Ross, Joe Wilmont, *James P. Walden, *Robert Brown, *Robert Daniels, *F. L. Johnson, *Leroy Jackson and Deacons *Albert Jones, Clifford Brown, *Tommie Neal, *Willie Roberson, *Charles Foster, *James McDaniels, *Leroy Brooks, *Thomas Montgomery, George Davis, and *Stafford Matchett. Alfonso Harmon, *Amos Allen, and *Freeman Davis were added to the Board of Deacons. *Denotes deceased.

On July 3, 1973, the Lord called Pastor A. M. Griffin home from labor to reward. He was a Moses leading God’s people and he had labored untiringly for 31 years. Again, the membership was without a pastor for four months. Deacon Willie Roberson, Chairman of the Deacons and the other members of the Deacons Board labored diligently until December 2, 1973. The Lord sent us a Joshua to continue leading His people. Rev. Arthur Jackson, Jr. was installed as Pastor on February 24, 1974. Under his leadership, the membership grew by leaps and bounds. Again, the sanctuary was too small. The Pastor, Deacons, and membership agreed to purchase another building.

In 1993, David Ellis was ordained and installed as a Pastor. Under the leadership of Rev. Arthur Jackson, Jr., the membership grew to over 3,000 plus individuals, all because of Christ. A video ministry was implemented. Our Transportation Ministry included a 49-passenger coach bus, a mini-bus and two vans. We had a state-of-the-art computer system installed to upgrade our records. Our Daily Bread Ministry fed hundreds of people on a daily basis. Also implemented were the Church Epistle Newsletter, Departmental mailboxes, 12 auxiliaries, Mother’s Board, Willing Workers, Pastor’s Aid Ministry, the midweek Bible Class had over 200 enrolled and attending, Weekly Tutoring Ministry, and over 31 other active ministries. We saluted our dear and dedicated Pastor, Rev. Arthur Jackson, Jr., who had labored with us for 19 years. We also saluted two of our oldest active members: Sis. Alice Thompson Love and Sis. Carolyn Ferguson. In 1993, the following were ordained and installed as Pastors: Rev. Emanuel Whipple of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Rev. Kenneth Jones of Greater Love, Baptist Church, Rev. Kenneth Johnson as Assistant to Pastor Jackson. On November 28, 1993, Rev. W. J. Gaskin was installed and installed as Pastor of St. Luke, Baptist Church of Ft. Lauderdale. The following Deacons were ordained: Bobby Jones, Kevin Barr, Darnell Johnson, and Proctor Boone. Paulette Jones, Brenda Barr, and Debra Johnson were added to the Deaconess Ministry. Rev. Sherman Mungin was added to the ministerial staff.

History of New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

In 1994, the Youth Ministry sponsored Rites of Passage and McKnight Achievers. Pastor Jackson was appointed State Coordinator for the Gun-Buy Back Campaign, which collected over 300 guns. Pastor Jackson received his B.S. Degree from International Bible College in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Phillip Davis was licensed as a Minister. A $3,000 Scholarship was awarded to three students. The Senior Citizen’s Ministry had over 30 enrolled with monthly meetings. Felton Boston, Harvey Wanton, and *Ernest Evans was added to the Deacon’s Ministry. Joyce Boston and Ethel Evans were added to the Deaconess Ministry. Sister Marion Roberson was installed as President of the Deaconess in September of 1994. In October of 1994, our mortgage of $1.9 million dollars was paid off, thanks to the Lord.

In 1995, Pastor Arthur Jackson, Jr. was elected as Moderator of the Florida East Coast Baptist Association and we completed installation of the passenger elevator in the church. We also began weekly Wednesday night Mid-Week Praise and Worship Service. Frank Patterson and Gregory Flowers were added to the ministerial staff. Rev. Joseph Sewell was installed as Pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church of Florida City.

In 1996, Johnny Barber and Ronald Young were licensed as Ministers. We added a Women’s Ministry and a Men’s Brotherhood who were in charge of Worship Service every 4th and 5″ Sunday. Deacon Ghisler Noel was added to the Deacon’s Ministry and his wife Diane Noel was added to the Deaconess Ministry In May of 1996. We had our very first Tent Revival in May of 1996. In July of 1996, we hosted the District Congress of Christian Education. In December of 1996, Bobby Allen, Lonnie Williams, and Craig Walker were ordained as Deacons. Their wives, Iris Allen, Elaine Williams and Sabrina Walker were added to the Deaconess Ministry. Sis. Ann Williams was also added. Rev. Willie Sims was added to the ministerial staff. In December of 1996, Minister Sherman Mungin was ordained.

In 1997, James Williams and Michael Myles were licensed and added to the Ministerial Staff. Rev. Kenneth Johnson was installed as Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church of Ft. Pierce. Damian Graham participated in the Oratorical Contest sponsored by the Florida General Baptist Convention and won third-place in Daytona Beach, Florida. Pastor Jackson received his Doctorate Degree from Jacksonville Baptist Theological College. Pastor Jackson ordained Roderick McPhee, Floyd Parker, and Charles Rodgers as Deacons. Their wives, Deidre McPhee, Bernice Parker, and Tawanna Rodgers, were added to the Deaconess Ministry. Pastor Jackson licensed and added to the Ministerial Staff Rev. Frank Dean, Min. Nathan Austin, Min. Melvin Watson, and Min. Ghisler Noel. As of April 1997 Pastor Jackson had over 31 sons in the ministry to preach and carry God’s Word to a lost and dying world.

In 1998, one of Pastor Jackson’s lifelong dreams became a reality when we installed a huge waterfall with praying hands on the top of the waterfall in front of the church. The fountain was dedicated in December. Rev. Jackson installed Rev. Keith Butler as Pastor of New Mt. Moriah; Rev. Rueben Carter, Assistant Pastor of New Redeem; Rev. Gerry Latson, Assistant Pastor, Antioch Baptist Church of Liberty City; Rev. Johnny Barber, Assistant to Pastor, New Shiloh; Rev. Roderick Johnson, Chaplain of the U. S. Army Reserve; Rev. Phil Davis, Assistant to Pastor, New Shiloh; and Rev., Ronald Neal, College Campus Chaplain. At that time Pastor Jackson had approximately thirty-five sons in the ministry licensed to preach and carry God’s Word to a lost and dying world. In January of 1998, Rev. Sherman Mungin became the Assistant to Pastor Jackson. In April 1999, Pastor Jackson gave the opening prayer for the Florida session of the House of Representatives in Tallahassee by request of Representative Fredericka Wilson. Rev. Jackson, Jr. ordained Jimmy McCord, Ronald Phillips and Arthur Wright and added them to the Deacon’s Ministry. Before entering into the new millennium, the church purchased a building in November of 1999 at 10500 N.W. 7th Avenue it is named the Arthur Jackson, Jr. Resource Center. Also in 1999, Sis. Sylvia Rolle was named Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee and Sister Sabrina Johnson was added to the Deaconess Board.

In the year 2000 Rev. Richard Bennett was added to the Ministerial Staff and Bro. William Wilcox and Bro. Carlos Barrows were licensed as Ministers. In December of 2000, the church dedicated the “Walk in Faith” monument at the Arthur Jackson, Jr. Resource Center. In July of 2000, Rev, Jackson announced his plans to run for the President of Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc. In 2001 Bro. Louis Howard preached his first sermon on March 25. In addition, the following Ministries were added: Speak to the Mountain, Preparing for the Harvest, Marketing our Ministry, Sharing our Mission Statement Ministry, Sharing our Vision, Revival and Renew Through Revivals and Holding the Harvest Ministry. The church went online with website www.newshilohmbc.org. In 2002 Minister Jamal Allen was added to the Ministerial staff and Rev. Richard Bennett was ordained. Pastor Jackson was elected President of the Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc. In July, NW 95 Street was changed to Rev. Dr. Arthur Jackson, Jr. Boulevard. Pastor Jackson appointed Rev. D.L. Powell, Executive Assistant to the Pastor. Pastor Jackson then had 49 Sons of the house to preach and carry God’s word. Sis. Alice Brown was added to the Deaconess Ministry. On August 8, 2002 the Lord called Pastor Jackson home. Pastor Jackson served as Senior Pastor and Teacher for almost 30 years. In October 2002 Rev. D.L. Powell was installed as Senior Pastor and Teacher of New Shiloh. Pastor Powell installed Rev. Johnny as Pastor of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church.

In 2003 Pastor Powell appointed Rev. Frank Dean Assistant to the Pastor, Minister Carlos Barrows Youth Pastor, Minister Nathan Austin Minister of Media and Marketing and Brother Leroy Richardson as Assistant Director of Operations. The church was re-carpeted, the building was re-painted on the outside, the parking lot was resurfaced and the iron fence was built. Pastor Powell implemented the Men’s Bible Study and Parking Lot Ministry. In 2004 Pastor Powell expanded the Administrative and Custodial Staff. Minister Williams Wyche was added to the ministerial staff. On March 10, 2004 the AJJ Resource center mortgage of $77,000.00 was paid off. During 2004 Pastor Powell added State of the art video cameras and screen system. Pastor Powell also created a more contemporary atmosphere. The banners and new podiums were added. The AJJ Resource Center has been partially renovated (to include a new roof, new air-condition units, carpet and various internal and external upgrades). On May 28, 2004 Pastor Powell received his Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Smith Chapel Bible College. On November 28, 2004 Pastor Powell ordained Harold Livingston, III, Dennis Lloyd, Robert Parker, Nathaniel Stephen and Charles Wright and added them to the Deacon’s ministry. Rev. Nathan Austin, Rev. Carlos Barrow and Rev. James Williams, Jr. were also ordained. Sister Sherri Stephen and Sister Virginia Wright were added to the Deaconess Ministry.

In 2005 Pastor Powell set up and dedicated the A.M. Griffin Computer Lab (consisting of 13 state of the art computer systems), re-painted inside of the church building, renovated and expanded all the bathrooms and the kitchen. The Mime Ministry was also organized. In 2006 Pastor Powell instituted The Rev. Dr. Arthur Jackson, Jr. Day, our Website was updated and the Internet outreach ministry “An Elevating Experience,” was established on Streamingfaith.com. Now our Worship can be viewed live on the internet. In 2007 Pastor Powell led Shiloh in renovating and extending the pulpit area and added additional lights to the parking lot and building to make it brighter and safer as we come to the house of the Lord. In 2008 Pastor Powell has led Shiloh in upgrading our lobby and halls with tile floors and is looking to the Lord for even greater things this year. On June 17, 2008 the doors on the Sanctuary was upgraded. As we pause to salute God’s people for their efforts from generation to generation at New Shiloh, we bless God for what He has done, is doing and will do! To God be the glory!

We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy stat; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but by choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by law of God, positively inclined to evil, and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. (Gen. 1:27; Gen. 3:6-24).

We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned Contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest, and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.