THE HISTORY OF
SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Norristown, Pennsylvania
Shiloh
pronounced: SHY-loh
/ ˈshaɪˌloʊ /
Part of speech: Proper noun
Definition:
A biblical name meaning peace, rest, or place of tranquility. In the Old Testament, Shiloh was the central place of worship where the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were housed after Israel’s wilderness journey (Joshua 18:1). The name is also understood by many to carry a messianic meaning — “the one to whom it belongs”.
The Beginnings of SMBC
The Beginnings of SMBC
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church — whose name means “House of Prayer” — began in 1986 in a small home on Poplar Street in Norristown, Pennsylvania. A committed group of believers gathered under the leadership of Rev. Hickerson, laying the foundation for what would become a growing and enduring spiritual family.
1989 — A New Pastor
The Lord called Rev. Dennis E. Joell, Sr. to serve as Pastor. Under his leadership, Shiloh entered a new season of growth. Worship services were first held at Penn Christian Academy in East Norristown, Pennsylvania. The church went under a new name, Shiloh Full Gospel Baptist Church.
1990 — Relocation to the Carver Center
In February 1990, the congregation moved to the George Washington Carver Center at Arch & Jacoby Streets in Norristown. As attendance increased, the need for a permanent home became clear.
Early 1990s — The First Buildings
God opened the door for Shiloh’s first properties at 518 Green Street, followed by additional space at 520 Green Street. These acquisitions marked the church’s transition from a mobile ministry to a rooted institution in the Norristown community. Shiloh was renamed, Shiloh Baptist Church.
1995 — Expansion and the Buddy Stewart Annex
Continued growth led to the purchase of a newly remodeled sanctuary at 537–539 Green Street. This location provided a larger worship space along with two apartments. The previous sanctuary was repurposed into a classroom and fellowship space known as the Buddy Stewart Annex.
1998 — Marching Into a New Home
After much prayer and fasting, the church received clear direction to move again.
In May 1998, Shiloh marched into its current home at 610 George Street.
This property provided:
A large sanctuary with a cathedral ceiling and stained glass windows
A balcony area
A fellowship hall
Multiple classrooms and storage spaces
Administrative offices
A newly installed baptismal pool
Next door, the church acquired a spacious parsonage featuring four bedrooms and ample living space to support pastoral ministry.
1986
2026
Today
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church is led by Pastor Robert L. Corsey and continues to thrive in this consecrated place, where generations have learned, served, worshiped, and experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Our history reflects faith, perseverance, and God’s continual provision —
and the story is still being written.
The Future of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
As Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church steps into its 40th year, the mission of this house remains the same: Walking with God so we can help others.
At Shiloh, we understand the importance of staying connected to the root (John 15:5)—grounded in Christ, anchored in our history, and faithful to the foundation on which this ministry was built. At the same time, we recognize the necessity of growing, evolving, and responding to the needs of our community and the world around us.
Our vision is clear: Bearing the fruit of the Spirit while being clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—so that we may make heaven crowded.
To fulfill this call, we must embrace both continuity and change:
remaining true to who we are, while adapting to the times so that the Gospel reaches every person God sends our way.
The future of Shiloh is rooted in Christ, strengthened by our legacy, and shaped by our commitment to love, serve, and lead with excellence—for generations to come.
Love
Choosing compassion, grace, and Christ-like care in every interaction.
A Focus on The Word
Rooting everything we believe, teach, and live in Scripture.
Missions
Living out the Great Commission through service, outreach, and evangelism.
Holiness
Walking in integrity, purity, and a life that reflects God’s character.
Fellowship
Building genuine community where people grow, connect, and support one another.
A Note on Missions
In 2018, when Pastor Corsey was installed as Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church following the passing of our former shepherd, a member approached him with a simple but profound question:
“Pastor… who are we?”
At first, he didn’t understand what she meant. But when she asked again, he realized the weight of her words. Over the years, through transitions and various unofficial name adjustments, one part of our identity had quietly fallen away.
Pastor Corsey responded, firmly and without hesitation:
“We’re Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.”
He emphasized Missionary—the part that had been dropped, overlooked, or softened over time. In that moment, he reaffirmed something essential:
Missions is not just a word in our name. It is who we are.