Web content copyright © 2015 by Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), 801 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401

A church that practices graceful discipleship

Refreshing music and thoughtful preaching

Shiloh Old Site has six choirs that take turns providing special music for our 11 a.m. Sunday worship services. The style varies from Sunday to Sunday, depending on which choirs are singing, but you'll generally encounter a mix of hymns, spirituals, anthems, and gospel (both traditional and more contemporary). A seventh choir provides the music each week at 8 a.m. You'll also find strong and thoughtful preaching, the kind that strengthens hearts and empowers lives, connecting you with the struggles of our larger world while reflecting the transforming and embracing values of Christ.

Scouting programs for youth of all ages

Shiloh Old Site's Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs warmly welcome all interested children and youth, whether their families are part of our church, another church, or no church. Leadership is provided by dedicated members of Shiloh Old Site, assisted by parents and other interested adults. Shiloh Old Site's Scout groups normally meet weekly at the church building during the school year They also go on various outings, service projects, and camping adventures. We also have an active youth choir and other church-wide youth programs.

Weekly Bible studies that go beyond the ordinary

In addition to classes every Sunday morning for men, women, children, and youth, Shiloh Old Site offers two weekly Bible study groups that seeks to unleash the power of scripture so that, through informed fellowship and interaction, we might all grow together as true agents of God's love, mercy, and peace. A lively discussion group on Tuesday mornings probes scripture deeply, respecting both its original character and its implications for faithful living in today's world. Another group meets on Wednesday evenings, exploring a variety of powerful texts.

A vibrant future and an empowered past

Although we at Shiloh Old Site look to the future with great excitement and a rich hope, we are a congregation that feels deeply empowered by a courageous "cloud of witnesses." African Americans and others have gathered faithfully for worship and service on this same site "down by the riverside" in Fredericksburg, Virginia, since 1854. In the History section of this web site, you'll find words and photos in grateful recognition of the many tears and struggles, victories and joys, that mark of our rich history as a congregation.

Easy to find, plus free transportation available

Our five hundred active members live and minister in Christ's name throughout the greater Fredericksburg area, but the building where we meet is downtown on the historic banks of the Rappahannock River. Parking is available on the street and on nearby city-owned parking lots. In addition, each Sunday (and on other occasions) our church mini-bus picks up riders throughout the area. You can reserve a ride in advance. (There's even a wheelchair lift for those who might need it.) See the Visitor section of this web site for a map and lots more helpful information.

A caring congregation in a growing community

The city of Fredericksburg was recently classified as the second fastest growing locality in the state of Virginia. (Click here for a community profile.) More than 15% of our current, active members joined the congregation within the last three years, and 38% joined sometime in the last ten years. (Click here for a congregational profile.) Yet we remain a committed part of the family of God, standing with our own members in time of need, no matter who they might be or how long they have been a part of our fellowship.

Reaching out locally in the name of Christ

We have long been thoroughly committed to mission outreach to others in the name of Christ. So we regularly reach out in service to our local community, both through our own ongoing programs (such as our remarkable Home Missions ministry) and through our founding membership in both the deeply important Micah Ecumenical Ministry and the Community Wellness Coalition. We also host a thrice-weekly meal program of the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging and weekly meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, among others.

Faithfully serving our state, our nation, our world

We reach out in larger venues as well through generous financial contributions and ongoing partnerships with the Baptist General Convention of Virginia, the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, and other like-minded groups. Over the last few years, we have also partnered with several indigenous community-service projects in the West Africa, making a significant difference in the lives of sisters and brothers in the nations of Ghana and Benin.