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Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church had its beginnings as a result of the religious fervor of the 1800’s which was to become known as the “Great Revival.” During this time “Camp Meetings” were held in the Tusculum area, around Sinking Creek, near Hollis Creek, and wherever a faithful crowd could be gathered. The exact date of the first meeting of the group who would be called Shiloh is unknown. The church could have begun as early as 1832. However, the oldest records are dated 1844, and show that the organizing pastor was Reverend Isaac S. Bonham.
Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church had its beginnings as a result of the religious fervor of the 1800’s which was to become known as the “Great Revival.” During this time “Camp Meetings” were held in the Tusculum area, around Sinking Creek, near Hollis Creek, and wherever a faithful crowd could be gathered. The exact date of the first meeting of the group who would be called Shiloh is unknown. The church could have begun as early as 1832. However, the oldest records are dated 1844, and show that the organizing pastor was Reverend Isaac S. Bonham.
For the first twenty-five years, Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church met in the Holly Creek School House. In 1855, land was purchased at the present site for the building. Construction of a white frame building began in 1858 and was completed in 1859. At that time the building was described as being “on a lovely hill top behind Tusculum College.” A belfry was added a few years later.
For the first twenty-five years, Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church met in the Holly Creek School House. In 1855, land was purchased at the present site for the building. Construction of a white frame building began in 1858 and was completed in 1859. At that time the building was described as being “on a lovely hill top behind Tusculum College.” A belfry was added a few years later.
Like many churches, Shiloh suffered greatly during the Civil War. Prior to the War, the church records listed 158 members. As no church minutes were kept during the War, there is no way to ascertain if church meetings were held here during that time.
Like many churches, Shiloh suffered greatly during the Civil War. Prior to the War, the church records listed 158 members. As no church minutes were kept during the War, there is no way to ascertain if church meetings were held here during that time.
After the Civil War and during the remainder of the 1800’s, the church prospered and records indicate that many “souls” were added to the Church roll. In the 1880’s, Shiloh was the first to organize a missionary society to support the work of foreign missionaries.
After the Civil War and during the remainder of the 1800’s, the church prospered and records indicate that many “souls” were added to the Church roll. In the 1880’s, Shiloh was the first to organize a missionary society to support the work of foreign missionaries.
The simple and beautiful church structure remained unaltered until 1952-1953, when a basement was dug and classrooms, a study, and a library were added. In later years, a porch added to the beauty of the façade, and a ramp added to the accessibility for all members.
The simple and beautiful church structure remained unaltered until 1952-1953, when a basement was dug and classrooms, a study, and a library were added. In later years, a porch added to the beauty of the façade, and a ramp added to the accessibility for all members.
As Shiloh continued to grow, more space was needed. In 1990, a long range planning committee was appointed. In 1994, construction of a fellowship hall with a kitchen and additional bathrooms was begun. Also, in order to accommodate the growing youth programs, the basement was expanded. The beautiful new addition was dedicated in October 1994, and completed in 1995.
As Shiloh continued to grow, more space was needed. In 1990, a long range planning committee was appointed. In 1994, construction of a fellowship hall with a kitchen and additional bathrooms was begun. Also, in order to accommodate the growing youth programs, the basement was expanded. The beautiful new addition was dedicated in October 1994, and completed in 1995.
Over one hundred and fifty years later, Shiloh is still a beautiful building “on a lovely hill top behind Tusculum College.” But those of us who worship there believe the most beautiful thing is to be found behind its white double doors. The love and grace of God continues to bless us as we gather each week inside the little church’s sheltering arms.
Over one hundred and fifty years later, Shiloh is still a beautiful building “on a lovely hill top behind Tusculum College.” But those of us who worship there believe the most beautiful thing is to be found behind its white double doors. The love and grace of God continues to bless us as we gather each week inside the little church’s sheltering arms.
As always, we invite anyone visiting our web site to visit us in person. We would love to meet you and make you a part of our church family.
As always, we invite anyone visiting our web site to visit us in person. We would love to meet you and make you a part of our church family.
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