Danville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Shiloh Baptist Church
901 Betts Street
Danville, Virginia
| — | History | — |
September 10, 2020
1. Shiloh Baptist Church Marker
In the year of 1865, a group of believers in Christ, assembled themselves together for the purpose of organizing a Sunday School, which was known as the Jackson Branch Baptist Sunday School, in the Good Samaritan Hall on Main Street, Almagro, Virginia. This was done under the leadership of Rev. Ben Jackson.
From this first meeting, the interest of the people grew and the Shiloh Baptist Church was organized, with Rev. Ellis Averett serving as first pastor.
Some of the charter members of the organization were Rev. Ben Jackson, Robert Betts, Samuel Bailey, Peter White, Sr., William Betts and Andrew Jackson. Through their financial efforts the first church was built in the year of 1888 and it was blown down by the wrath of God in a storm.
The second building was erected under the leadership of the Rev T. H. Minter, the second pastor. Again God visits the church and pours out his wrath upon it. The building was blown down again. During this time, Rev. Ruben Wilson was their third pastor.
The third building was erected under the leadership of Rev. G.H.E. Washington, the fourth pastor (1905-1911). During his inspired
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Rev. C. C. Harvey, seventh pastor (1924-1938). Under his leadership, the church was painted inside and out. The Junior Choir was also organized. Rev. E. H, Stewart was the eighth pastor (1941-1952). Under his leadership, the basement was dug and the church building was bricked. The Crowning Chorus was also organized. The Ladies Aid was very supportive in remodeling the church.
The ninth pastor was Rev. W. E. Manley (1954-1959). During his ministry, new pews were installed, Rev. J. H. Jones was the tenth pastor (1959-1964). Many members were added to the church under his leadership. He also did a remarkable job with the youth. Rev J. H. Thomas, eleventh pastor, (1966-1967)
June 24, 2022
2. Shiloh Baptist Church Marker
The Marker is one of several outdoor interpretive signs about the history of Almagro located at the Venue.
Rev. Douglas Wilson. was twelfth pastor (1968-1972). During his stay, the membership was revised with a working and flexible church program. Some of the accomplishments during his stay were: remodeled and extended the pulpit and choir stand, new Christian flag and American flag, church office furniture and equipment, central air conditioner installed, and many members were added to the church.
The thirteenth pastor, Rev. James B. Fuller (1973-1974) - Rev Fuller's desire was to bring people closer together, to In-still into the hearts and minds of people togetherness, he believed a house divided against itself cannot stand. His motto was, "God will answer prayers". His theme is, "Prayer changes things.
The fourteenth and present pastor, Rev. Cecil Bridgeforth (1976-present) has been our Shepherd for the past 38 years and is continuing to lead, keeping the commandments of God. His motto is "You can't do right, until you stop doing wrong."
Erected 2020 by Almagro Resource Center.
Topics. This historical marker
June 24, 2022
3. The Venue
Location. 36° 34.099′ N, 79° 24.065′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It can be reached from the intersection of Walters Street and Broadnax Street, on the left when traveling north. The Marker is attached to an outdoor shelter located at the Venue, a pop-up flea market located in the historic Almagro Community. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 Walters Street, Danville VA 24541, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southside Virginia and specifically in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker:
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, September 10, 2020
4. Shiloh Baptist Church
Information located adjacent to the Marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 341 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 1, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
