Standing at 1500 Ninth Street NW, at the corner of 9th and P in Washington, D.C., Shiloh Baptist Church has been a defining presence in the Shaw neighborhood since the Civil War. Founded in 1863 by twenty-one former slaves who left Fredericksburg, Virginia under Union Army protection, the congregation grew from a small Sunday School on L Street into one of the most influential African American churches in the nation's capital. In July 2026, Rev. Dr. Essentino A. Lewis, Jr. became the seventh Senior Pastor in Shiloh's long history, opening what church communications have called a new season of ministry in a place that has shaped Black civic life in Washington for more than a century and a half.
A New Pastor, A New Season
Rev. Dr. Essentino A. Lewis, Jr. began his tenure as the seventh Senior Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church on Sunday, July 19, 2026. A graduate of Villanova University, the University of Maryland School of Law (where he earned his Juris Doctor and later practiced as Assistant General Counsel at Morgan State University), and Fuller Theological Seminary (where he completed his Doctor of Ministry), Dr. Lewis comes to Shiloh after eighteen years as Pastor of Clifton Park Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. A member of the Maryland Bar, he is recognized for compelling biblical preaching, organizational leadership, and a vision for the Black Church's witness in the public square. He and his wife, Dr. Cassandra C. Lewis, are the parents of three children.
The Sanctuary and the Family Life Center
Shiloh's 1,200-seat Sanctuary is one of the largest religious venues in Washington, D.C. Padded pews, a 200-plus seat choir stand, and featured stained-glass windows shape the worship space. The church grounds also include the Shiloh Family Life Center, established in 1982 under the leadership of the late Reverend Henry C. Gregory. The Family Life Center was an early model for faith-based community complexes across the country and remains a hub for programming that addresses spiritual, financial, physical, and social dimensions of family life.
The Family Life Center's event spaces include the Grand Fellowship Hall for banquets and receptions, a full-size regulation basketball court for sporting events, the Sky-Lit Chapel for weddings and memorial services, and the Rooftop Terrace with sweeping views of the city. Meeting and classroom spaces, equipped with modern AV technology, host seminars, workshops, and small conferences. These spaces are also available for outside rental, with forms for inquiries available through the church office.
Sunday Worship and Weekly Life
Sunday is the heart of Shiloh's rhythm. On the first and third Sundays, the day begins with Church School at 9:00 AM, followed by Worship Service and Communion at 9:55 AM. On those Sundays, Youth Church meets at 9:55 AM in the Chapel of Hope, serving young people ages 6 through 17. On the second and fourth Sundays, Youth Sunday School joins Church School at 9:00 AM before the 9:55 AM Worship Service. On fifth Sundays, the pattern is a single Church School session followed by worship. Worship is energetic and musically rich, led by the choirs of the music ministry, with announcements and a message from the teaching pastor. A First-Time Guest survey is available online for visitors who want to share their impressions.
Midweek rhythms are equally important. A Dial-in Prayer Service is held every morning at 7:00 AM by phone. On Wednesdays at 12:00 PM, a Mid-Week Bible Study meets over Zoom (Meeting ID 202 232 4288, Passcode 428058). Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM are reserved for the Lifestyle Bible Institute.
A Choir Tradition Steeped in History
Music has been central to Shiloh since shortly after its founding in 1863. The Worship and Music Ministry spans anthems, hymns, and spirituals through traditional and contemporary gospel, praise songs, and worship medleys. Five choirs anchor the work: the Senior Choir (formerly the First Choir), which performs the great hymns, majestic choral works, and spirituals; the Gospel Choir, rooted in the founders of gospel music with a hint of contemporary; the Wallace Charles Smith Ensemble, lifting high praise from contemporary gospel artists; the Silent Mission Choir, which signs praise to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community; and the Children's Choir, singing praise songs for their age group. The Fortress Liturgical Dancers add an artistic expression to worship, and the Flower Committee adorns the sanctuary each week with arrangements in liturgical colors.
The Minister of Worship, Evangelism and Discipleship is Dr. Thomas Dixon Tyler, who also directs the Senior and Gospel Choirs. Before joining Shiloh, Dr. Tyler served for twenty-six years as Director of Music Ministries at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., where he developed a music program of seven choirs, an orchestra, and staff musicians. Under his direction, the Shiloh Senior and Gospel Choirs performed at the American Baptist Churches USA Biennial/Centennial Celebration in 2007, presented Handel's Messiah in a December 2007 staging with period costuming and dramatic sign language, and traveled to London in 2008 for performances at Bloomsbury Baptist Church, Southwark Cathedral, and Trinity Baptist Church.
The Silent Mission: A Century of Sign Language Worship
The Silent Mission, Shiloh's ministry for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, was organized in 1913 and is believed to be the oldest Black Deaf congregation in the country. Six Deaf persons applied for membership by baptism in the early years, with more following in 1919. Silent Mission members have served as Deacons, Deaconesses, Circle Leaders, and ushers. The Silent Mission Choir is part of the music ministry, and the entire congregation joins in signing the Doxology and the Lord's Prayer. Sign language classes are taught periodically to foster communication. Many nationally known African American interpreters received training through service to the Silent Mission.
Children, Youth, and Scouting
The Children and Youth Ministry helps young people apply the principles of Christianity to every area of their lives. Sub-ministries include the Angels of Glory Dance ministry (ages 6 through 17, performing on the fourth Sunday), the New Generation of Praise ministry, the Sunshine Children's Circle (kindergarten through sixth grade, meeting every second Sunday), the Sunshine Teen Circle, Ventures, the Youth Choir, and the Youth Council. Youth Church is for ages 6 through 17 and meets on the first and third Sundays. The Youth Ushers serve every second Sunday.
Boy Scout Troop 524 and Cub Scout Pack 524 have been part of Shiloh since 1941, with the goal of advancing each scout to the rank of Eagle. The troop has produced nineteen Eagle Scouts, was the first African American troop invited to the White House Easter Egg Roll in 1980, and has attended the Lenhoksin High Adventure Trail and the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Girl Scouts at Shiloh welcomes girls ages five through eighteen, building courage, confidence, and character through activities from Daisy level (kindergarten and first grade) through Ambassador (grades eleven and twelve).
Christian Education and Scholarship
The Christian Education Ministry equips members for discipleship through nine sub-ministries: the Study of African American Life and History (ASLAH), the Shiloh Bible Institute, Church School, the HBCU Council of Shiloh, the Historical Commission, International Training Communications, the Library/Book Club, the Scholarship Committee, and Vacation Bible School. The Scholarship Committee, established in 1945, has supported more than four hundred and fifty students in its history. Recent Scholarship Sunday awards have averaged over $27,000, helping high school graduates and continuing college students pursue postsecondary education. The committee also publicizes outside scholarship opportunities and hosts receptions for academic achievements.
The HBCU Council of Shiloh celebrates Historically Black Colleges and Universities, in keeping with a Progressive National Baptist Convention resolution that promotes awareness of the contributions and legacy of HBCUs. The council offers scholarships and presentations to support young people.
Community Outreach in the Shaw Neighborhood
Shiloh's Community Outreach Ministry provides services to the Shaw neighborhood and nearby communities that might not otherwise have access to goods and services. The Shiloh Mission Ministry preaches the Christian faith and provides aid locally and abroad, including relief efforts, the Clothing Ministry, and Fellowship meals. Since March 2020, bag lunches have been distributed to the homeless by Shiloh deacons each third Saturday between noon and 2:00 PM. Pre-pandemic, a full hot meal was served along with care packages of hygienic and toiletry items. A brief devotional precedes the meal, and participants may select clothing from Shiloh's Second Chance Clothes Closet.
Tennis at Shiloh (TAS), founded in 1976, offers instructional, social, and competitive tennis play for beginners, intermediates, and seasoned players of all ages, promoting physical and spiritual development through recreation and fellowship.
The Shiloh Debutante Program
The Shiloh Debutante Program is a faith-based enrichment program for teen girls preparing for college, careers, and contemporary society. The nine-month program combines rites of passage workshops with biblical lessons, American Sign Language instruction, community service, and fundraising. Workshop topics include college and career preparedness, etiquette and integrity, netiquette, financial literacy, teen yoga and mindfulness, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship. Participants earn scholarships through family-directed fundraising; senior debutantes must commit to raising a minimum of $2,000, juniors $1,500, and pre-debutantes $1,000. The season culminates in an elegant debutante ball. The program is directed by Sharon Parker, PhD, with Elizabeth J. Carroll, M.A., as Assistant Director and Eppie O. Hankins, MBA, as Director of Finance.
Social Justice and Congregational Care
The Social Justice Ministry seeks to demonstrate God's love in service to those in need, continuing the prophetic role of the Black Church as a voice for the marginalized, vulnerable, and exploited. The ministry educates, engages, organizes, and galvanizes the congregation and surrounding community around a range of issues and concerns.
Under the Earl L. Harrison Minister of Social Justice and Congregational Care, Rev. Thomas L. Bowen, the ministry addresses the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of members and neighbors. Bowen also directs the Mayor's Office of Religious Affairs in the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and is considered the chief advocate and voice of the faith community in the District of Columbia. A graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Chicago Divinity School, he has served as Senior Religious Advocate for the Children's Defense Fund and Senior Field Organizer for its Black Community Crusade for Children.
Congregational Life sub-ministries include the Brotherhood of Shiloh Men, the Women's Ministry, the Senior Adult Ministry, and Club Support/Memory, a program sponsored by Sibley Memorial Hospital that serves caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, meeting on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
Finance, Stewardship, and Economic Empowerment
The Finance and Economic Development Ministry seeks to help participants manage their finances using Christian principles. It oversees the Debt Reduction Campaign (formerly Claim the Victory), working to retire the mortgage on the sanctuary. The Shiloh branch of the Treasury Department Federal Credit Union (TDFCU) operates on the lower level of the Family Life Center. The Shiloh Blessed 7 Investment Club invests in the stock market, meeting the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:45 PM. Shiloh Investment Club #2, organized in 1975 and recognized as one of Washington, D.C.'s most successful investment clubs, meets on the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM. Financial Peace University teaches members how to eliminate debt, build wealth, and practice stewardship. The ministry also hosts quarterly financial seminars on topics such as wills, trusts, and estate planning.
The Stewardship Ministry frames giving as the grateful and responsible use of God's gifts, expressed through the Offering of prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Members are invited to complete Tit Proceed Pledge Cards, and the church provides a Generosity Ladder describing five steps from first-time giving to courageous giving above the tithe.
Communication, Technology, and Connection
The Communication Ministry spreads the Gospel and information through twelve teams: Audio, Audio Media, Marketing, Print and Digital Publications, Public Relations, Social Media, Technology, Village Copy Shop, Visual Media, and Web Content Management. The Technology team runs Shiloh's Wi-Fi Walk-in Technology Clinic, offering free computer and device support on the first Saturday of each month (currently via Zoom), as well as managing the computer lab and streaming worship services.
During the pandemic, the COVID-19 Response Task Force launched SB Connected, providing resources, prayer tools, and a Wall of Remembrance honoring members who crossed over during the pandemic. The Virtual Book Club offers four reading groups with titles such as Just Mercy, The Vanishing Half, Where the Crawdads Sing, and The Nickel Boys, and The Shiloh Hour presents a weekly Friday evening program of music, cultural attractions, and entertainment. Prayer requests may be submitted through the Prayer Wall, the prayer request form, by text to (202) 558-0917, or by email to sbc@shilohbaptist.org.
Giving, Baptisms, and Belonging
Shiloh members and visitors can give online through SimpleGive, by mail to the Business Services office at the church address, in person during worship, through the Simple Give mobile app, by CashApp at $DCShiloh, by PayPal at PayPal.me/DCShiloh, by Venmo at @DCShiloh, or by texting the gift amount to (202) 499-5773. Donations may be designated to specific ministry funds, and giving history can be tracked through an online account.
The church's Covenant, renewed at baptism, commits members to walk together in Christian love, study the word of God, religiously educate their children, seek the salvation of their kindred and acquaintance, watch over and pray for one another, and live to the glory of God. The five core purposes of the church are woven through all ministries: worship that magnifies God, love of neighbor through social justice and outreach, baptism and stewardship, congregational care, and the Great Commission to make disciples.
Visiting Shiloh
First-time visitors are warmly welcomed. The church recommends arriving fifteen to thirty minutes early. The parking team directs visitors to the church lots behind the building or to community parking. Those with small children will find a nursery staff member ready to walk them through the check-in process. Coffee, tea, and breakfast are available before the service. After worship, visitors are invited to fill out a Visitor's Card and join the fellowship reception in Heritage Hall.
Worship services are streamed live online and on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. The dial-in number for the worship service is 1-857-232-0155 with access code 428058. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday. The after-hours emergency line is (619) 757-2602.
A Living Legacy
From its earliest days, Shiloh has been more than a Sunday gathering place. In 1897, the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Board was founded at Shiloh. In 1907, then-pastor Dr. J. Milton Waldron organized the Alley Improvement Association, whose work contributed to the creation of the federal Alley Dwelling Authority, a precursor to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The membership has included Dr. Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, the first African American president of Howard University; Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children's Defense Fund; Dr. George Walker, the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for music; and Lorraine Miller, the first African American Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. Distinguished visitors over the years have included W.E.B. DuBois, Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Billy Graham, and Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, William Jefferson Clinton, and Barack Obama, who joined the congregation for Easter Sunday worship in April 2011.
Shiloh has long hosted notable cultural moments, from contralto Marian Anderson's 1933 recital, to a 1943 recital by soprano Lillian Evanti with works by Nathaniel Dett, to the 1983 In Performance at the White House event featuring opera star Leontyne Price with the Shiloh and Howard University Choirs. In 1988, the Senior Choir traveled to Jerusalem at the invitation of the Israeli government and sang in Bethlehem Square on Christmas Day. In 1965, the church celebrated the installation of a 48-rank Casavant organ designed by then-organist Henry J. Booker. The Casavant organ, the stained-glass windows, and the music tradition remain touchstones of a congregation that continues to write its next chapter.