BAPTIST CHURCH IN WINTERVILLE, NC

In 1879, the spiritual vision of Rev. John Biggs, led him to hold services in his home until land was donated by Mr. A.G. Cox, the founder of our community, for the construction of a church building. Mr. Cox was a man of great faith, and was particularly interested in education and the spiritual health of all citizens of Winterville. There is a deed dated November 27, 1904, in which he and his wife Susan, deeded to the trustees of Mt. Shiloh; (William Worthington, John Sparkman and Issac Richardson) the original lot, in consideration for a fee of one dollar.



The property was located on the western side of the railroad tracks which were being constructed at that time, and served as a campground for the workers.

Mt. Shiloh would go on to serve W.H. Robinson School (Located on the opposite side of the tracks) by providing classroom space while the school was being enlarged. The property is now the residence of the late Russell and Pauline Boyd family.

During the 1970's, it became clear that renovating the old building was not possible, so the church, under the leadership of Rev. Nahum Harris, embarked on a building project. Land was acquired at 230 Boyd Street and the new sanctuary was erected. A groundbreaking ceremony was held February 1976. Prior to the completion of the project, Rev. Harris died. Rev. Maurice Laws was elected, and we held our first service in our new church on the second Sunday in September of 1978. Under his leadership , services were expanded to every second and fourth Sunday. The financial obligations for the building project were completed. 

Other Pastors who provided spiritual leadership up until the early nineties were: Rev. Reddick Hyman, Rev. John Williams, Rev. Joe May, Rev. O.M. James, Rev. Battle, Rev. E.N. Staton, Rev. Dunn, Rev. Freeman, Rev. W.H. Moore and Rev. Jimmie Dixon. The church sent other ministers into the vineyard to preach the gospel. These include Rev. Norris Tucker, Rev. Hoyt Hammond, Elder Doris Lacey, Rev. Leroy Adams, Rev. Willie L. Jones, Rev. Terry Ellis, Rev. Brendia Bryant and Rev. James Council.

Dr. Gregory Ellis was called to our congregation in 1992. Under his leadership, church services were expanded to four Sundays. During 2002 he initiated a renovation of the interior of the church. These improvements included padded pews, wall to wall carpet, a sound system, a computer, a tiled dining room area and other needed repairs. Our congregation continued to grow spiritually and to provide services to the community as part of our Christian stewardship. 

Dr. Calvin Johnson came to us in 2010 with a vision of continuing progress for our church. Under his leadership, more renovations were implemented which included the installation of new counter tops and cabinets in the fellowship hall, the pews padded, and the most beautiful windows that adds to the welcoming atmosphere of our church. His theme was, "Building a Ministry without Walls." Dr. Johnson also implemented the practice and importance of a sacrificial offering in our services.

Our current Pastor, Rev. Charlton E. Cunningham was installed on July 9, 2017. His vision and mission for the church is self-explanatory in the words that he added to our theme "Building a Church without Walls..... by Growing, Glowing, and Going!"