Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

From 1926 to 1964 Shiloh gave its graduating students an offering and care boxes as they left for college or the service. Many were leaving a county Black families were already abandoning. The Black population fell 24 percent between 1910 and 1920, rose in the 1920s, dropped again in the Depression, and fell 38 percent in the 1940s as defense and industrial jobs opened in northern and western cities. By 1980 Black residents were 22 percent of Burleson County, down from 46 percent in 1910.

What the plaque says

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church In the years after the Civil War, formerly enslaved men and women formed congregations to serve their spiritual needs. The Reverend Riley (Rielly) Williams (1812-1912) organized Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. The first structure was built in the Chriesman community. Around 1870, the church moved to the Shiloh community. Rev. Williams, his wife Harriet, and six children lived next door. On June 27, 1871, Rebecca White conveyed land to Rufus Coleman, John (Merida) Meredith and George Williams. George and his wife, Leavy, donated land to the church and a structure was built. Additional early leaders of the church included Rev. Coleman, Rev. J.B. Jackson, Rev. L. Gates, Rev. Dudley Rice and Rev. E.W. Williams. In the 1910s, under the leadership of Rev. William L. Kemple (1879-1965), the original church structure was torn down and a new structure built. In the 1920s, electric lighting was added to the building. In 1926, Rev. R.G. Gaines led Shiloh. Under his leadership, the church grew in membership. Between the years 1926-1964, the church took up a special offering for its students who graduated high school and were heading to college. The church congregation made care boxes of food and other items for those students. The congregation also assisted those students who joined the military after high school. Shiloh students served in the army, navy, air force and marines. Deacons during this time were Sellie Butler, Henry Townsend, Rufus Jones, L.D. Moore and Elijah Merian. Nettie Townsend, Willie Butler and Ella Moore led mission activities. From 1966-1984, Rev. Lee B. Groce Sr. served as pastor. During this time, membership grew and the church facilities expanded. For over a century, Shiloh has faithfully served the community. (2023)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Lake Somerville State Park and Trailway — 16 mi
  Two park units on an 11,000-acre lake between Austin and College Station, joined by a thirteen-mile trailway for hikers, cyclists and riders with primitive camps along the way.
• George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum — 26 mi
  The library of the forty-first president on the Texas A&M campus, opened in 1997, where George and Barbara Bush and their daughter Robin are buried in a family plot on the grounds.
• Milam County Courthouse and Jail — 26 mi
  Cameron's 1892 Renaissance Revival courthouse and the 1895 St. Louis-built jail beside it, now the county museum, are listed together on the National Register.
• Independence and Old Baylor Park — 29 mi
  A crossroads north of Brenham that was the richest town in Texas when it won Baylor University in 1845, refused the railroad, and lost the college to Waco and Belton in 1886.

More markers nearby

• An Arm of The Chisholm Cattle Trail — 4.9 mi
• Woodson Lumber Company — 5.3 mi
• Deanville — 5.4 mi
• First Baptist Church — 5.5 mi