Revealing Shiloh Baptist Church’s rich history in a new book

Shiloh Baptist Church is a significant historical marker for many in the Dallas Community. In his latest publication Thomas W. Spann leaves no stone unturned as he chronicles the church’s past to all those who may still be unaware. In 1911, approximately eight years after Oak Cliff was annexed to the city of Dallas, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church came to fruition. The neighborhood referred to itself as “The Bottom” referencing the seemingly destitute area. Early African American residents of Oak Cliff transformed the tough piece of land into a more habitable space. Simple dwellings crowded the bank of the Trinity River which separated the area from the more established city of Dallas. Homes in The Bottom were frequently affected by flooding from the river. Determined to make ends meet, a handful of residents responded by gathering to worship in any way possible. Small groups would take time to worship at different houses and soon the congregation of Shiloh Baptist emerged. Two decades later the church grew to spawn additional churches in Golden Gate Baptist and Greater Shiloh Baptist. The story of Shiloh was kept mostly quiet, being told by word of mouth and in short rehearsals during every church anniversary....