Article on Church Fund after Burning

Stuttgart Daily Leader, Friday January 30, 1987

Grand Prairie Churches – Shiloh’s Solitary Cemetery

Tombstones provide the background for the land which until earlier this month was the site of the Shiloh United Methodist Church.  The church, which was built during the mid-nineteenth century, was destroyed in an arson fire, Jan. 10.  An account has been opened at the Farmers and Merchants Bank for monetary contributions which will be used to rebuild the religious center that has served the Shiloh community for well over 100 years. 

Charles Gunnell, one of the approximately 25 persons that make the congregation of Shiloh United Methodist Church, said plans are in the works for rebuilding.  He said the size of the new church will be determined in large part by the contributions which are received in the building fund.  He said church members hope to have the new building erected by fall.  Gunnell said he was unsure of the exact date when Shiloh United Methodist Church was built, adding that the deed for the property, which was signed in 1871, included the existing church building.