Age not a factor for oldest N.C. Baptist church

By Dianna L. Cagle

BR Assistant Managing Editor

Sheryl K. Waller cuts Lennon Floyd's hair as part of Shiloh Baptist Church's Operation Inasmuch outreach efforts.

Photo by Dianna Cagle

Biblical Recorder

SHILOH - Across the street from a marker that recognizes Shiloh Baptist Church as the oldest Baptist church in North Carolina - founded in 1727 - members don't let age keep them off the mission field.

Shiloh was bustling with activity for the statewide Operation Inasmuch April 19.

"It's getting out into the community," said Mike Holcomb, coordinator for his church. "Christians have a bad rap."

It makes a difference "when you can get out and minister," he said. Holcomb inherited the reigns of leadership in late February, early March after the original coordinator passed away. His family only moved to the area a little over a year ago. He said it has been interesting to talk to some of the older members about the history of the church.

"It's really been very interesting," he said. "It shows God's presence in the history of Shiloh."

Calling himself a "touchy-feely" person, Holcomb said he's enjoyed crawling through the rafters of the church, looking at the skeleton of the building. One can see the progression of wiring, the introduction of electricity into the building.

"You see the different stages of the centuries," he said. "What was so old laying right next to the new. You get the feeling that's the way the church is too with different generations sitting side by side."

With about 40 volunteers, most of the projects occurred at the church.

Members washed cars and vacuumed the interior. Snacks and refreshments were offered to people taking advantage of the service. Games and magazines were set out.

"We kind of wanted to give people an opportunity to stay around and have a little fellowship," Holcomb said.

Sheryl Waller donated her talents to raise money for the Girls in Action group.

Dave Combs, pastor, was "very pleased" with his members' efforts. He said the youth group had helped with an Inasmuch in Elizabeth City before, but one had not been done at the church.

While the turnout was not what they would have liked, Combs said the members learned a lot and are excited about future opportunities.

Combs, who has been pastor for six years, said the church heard about Inasmuch through the associational newsletter, the Baptist State Convention and the Biblical Recorder.

Holcomb said it was also important to reach out "beyond the church."

A deacon suggested that a neighbor might need some help with landscaping. The homeowner's son had been cutting the grass up until his mower died last year.

"The yard was in pretty rough shape," Holcomb said.