Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH OF AIKEN ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR NEARLY TWO CENTURIES OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.
Whereas, having been founded in 1842, Shiloh Baptist Church of Aiken is celebrating its historic one hundred seventy-fifth anniversary in 2017; and
Whereas, in the spring of 1842, two missionaries from the Edisto Baptist Association, Brothers William J. Fickling and William Johnson, surveyed the area around Baskett's Mill and generated enough interest to start a small church. The twenty-eight charter members probably never dreamed that one hundred seventy-five years later, Shiloh Baptist Church would have a membership of seven hundred and serve a community of several thousand people. On Thursday, September 22, 1842, this small group met under a "brush arbor" on the church's present site to constitute the church; and
Whereas, at Shiloh's founding, the north side of Aiken consisted of nothing but farmland. Henry Day deeded ten acres to the church on May 15, 1843, "to be kept in trust for the use and benefit of a place of divine worship for the Baptist denomination." Shiloh's first pastor was the Reverend W.J. Fickling, who served from 1842 to 1847. His first sermon was taken from Zechariah 4:6b (KJV): "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts"; and
Whereas, 1950 was a banner year for Shiloh. Due to its growth, the church began a building program, and during this time the first parsonage, a five-room frame house located off Highway 1, was constructed. During the ministry of the Reverend Roy Frierson, the church sponsored a daily radio program and also a Sunday morning program at the Chain Gang. Reverend Frierson served the church for three years (1966-1969), after which he resigned as pastor to answer God's call into full-time service in the foreign mission field; and
Whereas, in 1970, under the leadership of the Reverend Daniel Johnston, the church constructed its present educational building and adult wing. The present parsonage also was built during Reverend Johnston's years at Shiloh, and many young men were led during his ministry to enter into full-time Christian service. In addition, Reverend Johnston extended the church's ministry by serving as chaplain at a state correctional institution just a few miles from the church; and
Whereas, always a very missions-minded church serving under Jesus Christ as Lord, Shiloh Baptist seeks to share the Gospel within its community and beyond, as well as show Christian love in more tangible ways. Its "Sewvation" group knits caps for the seamen who come into the port at Charleston. The caps always include Scripture verses as a way of sharing the gospel. Church members also share the love of Jesus through participation in Operation Christmas Child, which sends gift-filled shoeboxes to children in many different countries. Locally, Shiloh sends CARE packages to the inmates at Trenton Correctional Facility and ministers to the migrant workers in the area. The Quilting Club makes aprons for walkers for the elderly and quilts for local nursing homes; and
Whereas, Shiloh Baptist Church has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Aiken area for one hundred seventy-five years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage for many more years of worship and service. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate Shiloh Baptist Church of Aiken on the occasion of its historic one hundred seventy-fifth anniversary and commend the church for nearly two centuries of service to God and the community.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Shiloh Baptist Church.
This web page was last updated on May 10, 2017 at 5:20 PM