Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Source:
Memorial and Biographical History of Ellis County,
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892
"July 25, 1847, we the undersigned, inhabitants of the counties of Navarro and Dallas in the State of Texas....agree to form ourselves into a congregation to be known by the name of Shiloh Congregation, under the care of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church....." F. E. King, Minister, Sarah King, James E. Patton, Eld., Mary E. Patton, E. C. Newton, Eld., Sarah Newton, Martha Billingsley, Katherine Kimble, Elias Mitchel, Mary Wallace, James Billingsley, Eld. Mary Newton, Wm. C. Billingsley, Susan J. Billingsley, Pollard Kirkland, Margarette Kirkland, Arrena Kirkland, Sarah Garvin, John S. Patton, Jane Laughlin, Bros. James S. Patton, James Billingsly and S. C. Newton having been Ruling Elders whence they came were unanimously chosen Ruling Elders in this congregation and S. C. Newton Clerk of Session.
The above named persons came to this part of Texas in 1845-46. Rev. F. E. King, from Missouri, was a licentiate under the care of the Lexington Presbytery. His father, Samuel King, was one of the three who constituted the first Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dixon Co. Tenn. in 1810.
F. E. King was not authorized to organize churches so Rev. J. C. Provine of Paris, Texas, organized this church. In the fall of 1847 Rev. King went to Gonzales, was ordained, and served as pastor of Shiloh Church until September 1859 when he died of the flux.
At that time the church had some 250 members and large numbers attended services especially on "protracted meeting" occasions. People came from considerable distances with services held day and night.
Regarding the Elders:
James Billingsly, from Arkansas, a man of over average size, good natural ability, pleasant disposition - true example of frontier pioneer.
James E. Patton, from Missouri - a relative of a numerous family in that State, several of whon were noted ministers - man of honesty and integrity; engaged in locating and surveying land, without education for it, was very accurate and rapid in calculations - respected and admired by all for honesty and Christian deportment.
E. C. Newton - below medium height and rather weak constitution - fond of reading - good scribe - chosen as Clerk of Session and remained until resigned because of failing eyesight. Moved to Ford County in West Texas.
After the death of Rev. F. S. King, his brother, Rev. R. D. King, also from Missouri, served as pastor for six months. He was "headstrong with uncomprising disposition" - and not as well liked and popular as his brother. Died in West Texas and buried at Tehuacana with wife who preceded him in death.
The next pastor was Rev. C. W. Berry, also from Missouri, who was an athlete, with a good mind, fiery zeal and a forcible speaker.
Rev. D. G. Molley, from Canehill, Ark., was a minister of some note and was pastor from 1861 until 1880. He had four sons who were also in the ministry.
The next pastor was Dr. S. Richards, from Illinois - well educated, good theologian and speaker, but thought by some "of a cold temperament and without much zeal."
Rev. B. M. White, from Alabama, grew up in Missouri and came to Texas in 1846. He was a forceful speaker and effective minister. Was pastor of Shiloh for 3-1/2 years. He was followed by Rev. D. D. Molloy who served again as pastor for one year. Next came James Williams from Tennessee - said to be a good average preacher, and "pretty fair theologian" who died in about two months. A friend, J. M. Martin, served the remainder of the year 1889. The present pastor is Rev. M. Bunch.
During the forty-four years of Shiloh's existence, under nine ministers, thousands have been converted and some 1500 united with the church during that time.
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