Port Republic Road Historic District
2XX(even) Shiloh Ave
Shiloh Baptist Church, 1924
Concrete or blockContributes to the historic character of the district
Did you know?Shiloh Street was once Church Street
From the National Register nomination
One story Romansesque-inspired church of tile-block construction with a raised basement, a tall principal story with a front-gable standing-seam-metal roof, and two square towers at the front corners with modern enameled-steel-panel pyramidal roofs and modern double-leaf flush doors. The basement-level fellowship hall, only partially below grade, is entered via steps sheltered by a one-bay portico centered on the facade, with arched stuccoed openings and a castellated roof parapet. Two tall flights of concrete steps with wrought-iron handrails (the northern steps have a modern ramp attached to them) lead to the two tower entries that provide access to the main sanctuary space. The principal story's dark brown tile walls are enlivened with several contrasting courses of light gray concrete blocks cast with a pattern of undulating foliage. Tall rectangular window openings feature leaded- and stained-glass window panels with simple arch motifs. Attached to the south side is a recent brick-veneer office and Sunday school wing. A small paved parking lot is located to the north of the sanctuary. The Shiloh Baptist congregation formed shortly after the Civil War and purchased the present site in 1872. A temporary log meetinghouse was replaced in the mid-1870s by a frame church that stood where the present church parking lot is now located. The present building is largely the result of the efforts of the Rev. Clinton H. Harris, who pastored at Shiloh from 1921 to 1948. The church was built by African American contractor Jacob Fuller. Work began in June 1924 and the building was dedicated on November 25 the same year. (Clark et al, "Waynesboro's Black Community," 12, 67; Sosvenir Booklet ... Shiloh Baptist Church.)
People
- Rev. Clinton H. Harris owner in 1921 (pastored at Shiloh from 1921 to 1948)
- Jacob Fuller builder in 1924 (African American contractor)
- Clark et al architect in 1924 (Waynesboro's Black Community, 12, 67)
- Sosvenir architect in 1924 (Sosvenir Booklet ... Shiloh Baptist Church)
Memories
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