Siloam Baptist

Siloam Baptist Church was originally organized as Smyrna Baptist and formally constituted in December 1828. The name came from the surrounding community, known as Smyrna until 1870, when a post office was established. Because another Georgia town already bore that name, the community became known as Siloam. In 1905, the church adopted the new town name and became Siloam Baptist.

By early 1844, the congregation had grown to more than 100 members. Church rolls of the time were recorded in four columns: white male, white female, colored male, and colored female. Following the Civil War, the African American members gradually transferred their membership to other congregations.

Over the years, Siloam Baptist has worshiped in three different buildings. The current sanctuary, completed in 1896, continues to serve the congregation. Land purchases expanded the church’s holdings, and by 1878, it owned five acres at a total cost of $23.15. Part of this property was set aside for the creation of Siloam Cemetery, located across the street. The church also donated a lot to the Presbyterians when they moved their building from Hastings to Siloam. Today, Siloam Baptist stands as a reminder of the community’s deep roots and the generations who have worshiped, served, and shaped its history for nearly two centuries.

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