Shiloh United Methodist Church
In 1986 the Ireland Methodist Church sought a way to attract new members to their church. Their membership had diminished to less than 10. The district and state leaders of the United Methodist Church were contacted and were interested in helping the Ireland area. These church leaders came to the Ireland/Jasper area and were taken through the many new sub-divisions there. They also visited the schools and saw the clean appearance of Madison & Bainbridge Townships as a whole. Their report back: We are very impressed with the potential of the area, however, expanding Methodism in the area would have to come from a new start and a new location.
The Vincennes District Committee for new starts, expansions, and buildings met several times at different locations about the new start in the Jasper/Ireland area. It was decided to move forward. Bishop Hodapp chose Rev. Steve Seitz to be the minister for the church. Rev. Seitz held services at Ireland for a time. A phone bank was set up in the Ireland Methodist Church and the calling began to find interested persons. A site for the new church was next.. Walter Harris and Delbert Hmsel were a committee of two and the site was selected and approved. The owner of the property met with the Ireland church members in Ireland and an agreement was reached on purchasing 10 acres in the SE corner of Highway 56 & County Road 350. Soon after, Rev. Steve had a sign painted and Walter Harris, Edgar Frank, and Delbert Himsel, erected a sign desiginating the purpose of the site to the public.
More meetings were held by the district committee for various purposes and a name was selected for the new church. Names submitted were: New Covenant, Calvary, Carpenters, Sunrise, Shiloh, Grace, Wildwood, Morningside, St. Luke, and Wildflower. The vote was taken with Shiloh being selected. St. Luke and Morningside were next in that order. Also, at the same meeting, the district & state leaders decided to have the services of the new church at the Jasper Community Arts Building until the new church was built. While the church was getting started in Jasper, the ten acres was mowed as needed by a John Deere tractor and a 16ft. wide mower.
From a core of 10 people and the eventual 25 original members, the church has grown to near 500 members and an additional 100 attendees. Shiloh has a very active Sunday School with classes for all ages. The church has 4 week-end services at various times (click on Shiloh website for current details). Shiloh has many bible studies, organizations and ministeries. The TGIW (Thank God It's Wednesday) brings many together at mid-week.. Shiloh has went through four building projects and expansions and has added 12 acres to it's original 10 acres. Rev. Seitz remains the minister along with 3 assistants and a secretary. Shiloh has proven to be very successful and a great addition for the area. Please click on the Shiloh United Methodist Church Link below for up to date happenings of the church.
Link to Shiloh United Methodist Church
