Shiloh Baptist Church
The Shiloh Baptist Church in Elizabeth New Jersey, is home to one of the oldest African American churches in Union County. Located at 95 Murray Street, the church was founded in 1879 and is the eighth-oldest African-American church in New Jersey. For 116 years, the church has had seventeen ministers in tow. Today, it employs two people and has annual sales of approximately 140,000 dollars. Its main attraction is its large food pantry, which provides food and clothing to the local homeless.
Aside from the church’s storied main hall, the property also includes a smaller chapel and a parlor, which hosts numerous community functions. One of the more memorable events was the “biggest rodeo ever” hosted by the church. This event was held on Sunday, March 24. Attendees included community members who had long walked by the church but were not yet ready to commit to a full membership.
Another notable event was the church’s move to larger quarters. When the congregation outgrew its former space, a nearby community opened its doors to the Shiloh faithful. As a result, the church enjoyed a renaissance of sorts. Throughout the years, the church has hosted many memorable moments, including a series of baccarat tournaments in the 1930s, which led to the creation of the city’s first baccarat club, a resemblance that continues today. In 1957, the church built its current sanctuary. Designed by renowned Atlanta architect George L. Smith, the building is an example of neo-gothic architecture with a compound tracery, intricate carving, and a steeple that rises above the roofline. Its white walls and green copper dome make it one of Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks. Today Shiloh remains one of Atlanta’s oldest churches, but with community outreach programs that promote spiritual growth and social justice within the city.
In addition to its storied history, the church has been a pioneer in Christian outreach. For instance, they offer multiple outreach programs to aid the homeless and have a food pantry. Moreover, they were the first in the area to provide Sunday school lessons for children, a service for which they have been praised. Their success in Christian outreach led to the church being awarded a charter by the state of Georgia. Their form has authorized them to offer counseling, nursing, and adoption services. The church has also been resourceful in its building design. For instance, because of limited space for Sunday School classes and Sunday morning worship services, they designed their building with a large auditorium that can hold upwards of 250 people on each side, including balcony seating for members and guests. This auditorium is covered by glass that allows natural light in from all sides during the day and darkens when used at night