Reverence, thankfulness, and exceeding joy were qualities abundantly manifested during the August 16 dedication service of Shiloh UMC, a recently constructed rural church located on Highway 153, 20 miles east of Stuttgart. The services was conducted by Rev. Wesley Landrum, pastor. Rev. John Lindsay, Pine Bluff District superintendent, delivered the morning message entitled “Beauty From Ashes.” Also participating in the service were Rev. Walt Marshaleck, former pastor, and Charles Gunnell, director of the church building project, who presented the building for dedication. Ushers were Lee Hartz and Christopher Gunnell.
The little church glistened in its newness as the congregation filled it to overflowing. The choir was composed of former members whose earliest childhood memories centered around the Shiloh Church. The service was opened with a prelude, “How Great Thou Art,” by Mrs. Pattye Gunnell, church pianist for 55 years. Duets were sung by Marie Hayes and Lillian Montgomery and Mr. and Mrs. Landrum.
After the dedication service, a bountiful meal along with lively fellowship was enjoyed in the spacious kitchen-dining room. Old-fashioned hymn-singing concluded the day’s activities.
Shiloh Methodist Church was established in 1845 with the first building constructed of logs. The log church was replaced in 1890 with a church building erected of yellow poplar which served as the community’s place of worship until January 10, 1987, when it burned to the ground.
Arkansas United Methodist – September 4, 1987
By Betty Mash
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