Shiloh Baptist Church is a significant historical marker for many in the Dallas Community. In his latest publication Thomas W. Spann leaves no stone unturned as he chronicles the church’s past to all those who may still be unaware.

In 1911, approximately eight years after Oak Cliff was annexed to the city of Dallas, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church came to fruition. The neighborhood referred to itself as “The Bottom” referencing the seemingly destitute area. Early African American residents of Oak Cliff transformed the tough piece of land into a more habitable space.

Simple dwellings crowded the bank of the Trinity River which separated the area from the more established city of Dallas. Homes in The Bottom were frequently affected by flooding from the river. Determined to make ends meet, a handful of residents responded by gathering to worship in any way possible.

Small groups would take time to worship at different houses and soon the congregation of Shiloh Baptist emerged. Two decades later the church grew to spawn additional churches in Golden Gate Baptist and Greater Shiloh Baptist.

The story of Shiloh was kept mostly quiet, being told by word of mouth and in short rehearsals during every church anniversary. Spann has produced a detailed written history for the first time with cherished memories as a member of the congregation during parts of his colligate years.

The book is a revision of the account of the celebration of the church’s centennial in 2011. It records the joys and struggles of a small congregation that stayed in the same geographical location for over 100 years until moving to another part of the Oak Cliff neighborhood.

A Light in the Bottom is available at www.thomaswspann.com. Shiloh Baptist Church will host a book signing on May 5, after the 10 a.m. worship service at 921 W. Illinois Ave.