The Beginning
“Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church had its beginning with Rev. J. Miller in December 1916 in the home of (decease) Deacon Lee Edwards at 422 Market Street, Muskogee, Oklahoma. Rev. J. Miller: The meeting for the organization was set for December 28, 1916, at the Union Baptist Church, located on South 13th and Hartford. Bro. M. L. Gaines offered the name “Shiloh”.
1917-1922
Rev. G. R. Washington: The first structure was erected in 1918 under his leadership in the present location. The church had sawdust floors and pews with no backs.
1922-1944
1922-1924 - Rev. J. J. Jones
1924-1925 - Rev. P. B. Lewis
1925-1926 - Rev. Sims
1926-1927 - Rev. W. H. Woods
1927- 1934 -Rev. P. Knox Taylor
1934- 1935- Rev. E. H. Henry
1935- 1936- Rev. A. A. Banks
1936- 1944- Rev. M. L. Hatchett
1944-1947
Rev. J. E. Pettiway: He expressed the need for a new sanctuary and the old building was torn down and rebuilt, with only the sanctuary on the main floor and all the other facilities in the basement. During the building process, the membership worshipped with Metropolitan Baptist Church. On moving back to the Church, “Greater” was added to the name.
1947-1952
Rev. Murry Grey
1953-1958
Rev. R. L. Turner: By this time the church building was run down and Rev. Turner made plans to have it repaired and also put tables and chairs in the classrooms. He served well as Pastor until his sudden death.
1958-1959
Rev I. A. Johnson served as interim Pastor until another Pastor was directed to us.
1959-1985
Rev. Lee D. Moore: He came to us from Hugo, Oklahoma. Being a doctrinal teacher, he instructed us to always carry the full name of “Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church”.
1985 - Present
Rev. Vanzelen G. Brown Sr.: He preached his first sermon on June 30th using as his text: “Are you in, or out of the fold!” He was installed on August 11, 1985. His first project was to pave the unfinished parking lot. His next short range plan was to pay off the mortgage. On January 11, 1987 there was a victory celebration, which was the mortgage burning service.
Also, being led by the Holy Spirit, he saw a need for an Education building for the youth. On January 26, 1992, the edifice was dedicated to our late Rev. Lee D. Moore and the Fellowship Hall to the Mother of the Church, and the oldest Charter member, Sis. Beatrice Lee.
Another vision of a much needed outreach ministry was a Christian Daycare Center. The vision is now a reality. God’s Desire Daycare opened in March of 1995 for ages 2-12 years and enrollment was 4. In January of 1996 infant care was introduced and in September 1997 the Preschool was added. Today, God’s Desire Daycare and Preschool averages 50 children participating in either before/after school care, daycare, infant care and preschool attendees. We have also been blessed with purchasing joining property around the church.