Shiloh Church (Newport, Rhode Island) facts for kids
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Shiloh Baptist Church
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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Annex (left) and church (right)
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | 25-29 School Street, Newport, Rhode Island |
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| Built | 1799 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Newport Historic District (ID68000001) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000026 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 12, 1971 |
| Designated NHLDCP | November 24, 1968 |
The Shiloh Baptist Church building in Newport, Rhode Island, has a rich history. It started as a school and later became an important African American Baptist church. Today, it is recognized as a historic place in the United States.
Contents
A Building with Two Lives
The Early School House
In 1799, a church called Trinity Church decided to build a school. Money for the school came from a gift left by Nathaniel Kay. The building was made in the Georgian style, which was popular back then. It was 40 feet long and 25 feet wide. Many important people from Newport went to school in this very building. The school taught students for a long time, until 1867.
Becoming Shiloh Baptist Church
The Shiloh Church was a group of African American Baptists. They started their church on May 10, 1864. Their first meetings were held in a house on Levin Street. William James Barnett was their first pastor, followed by Theodore Valentine. For five years, the church met in the Seventh Day Baptist Church building. But they really wanted their own permanent home.
In 1868, the members of Shiloh Church bought the old school building. They paid $2,000 to Trinity Church for it. The congregation moved into their new church home on February 24, 1869. A special sermon was given by Rev. Samuel Adlam to celebrate. The church members worked hard to raise the money for the building over the next 14 months.
Pastor Henry N. Jeter's Leadership
Henry N. Jeter became the pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in 1875. He served the church for 25 years! Pastor Jeter helped the church grow in many ways. He created a written set of rules for the church, like a constitution. He also made the church choir bigger and better. People knew him for bringing everyone together, even when there were challenges.
The church building itself also saw many changes. In 1873, it was renovated, costing $1,600. An extra building, called an annex, was added to the south side of the church in 1884. This annex was used as a parish hall, a place for church activities. In 1897, the church updated its entrance. They also replaced the clear glass in the arched windows with beautiful stained glass.
Recent History of the Building
The Shiloh Baptist Church building was recognized as a very important historical site in 1971. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. At that time, the Shiloh Baptist Society still owned the building. By 2020, the historic building had been repurposed. It was operating as a bed and breakfast, welcoming guests to stay in a piece of Newport's history.
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