The History
Shiloh Baptist Church has been blessed to be a light in this community since 1863. Those who toiled in the waning days of slavery, to establish Shiloh Baptist Church, could not then foresee that she would still be standing and still be thriving today.
The first documented house of worship for Shiloh was dedicated on February 1, 1920. The church was destroyed in a storm in the early 1930’s, and again in 1975. After each setback, Shiloh was rebuilt and enlarged. We pray that God will continue to be our very present help and our anchor in every storm.
On December 25, 2022, the twenty-first pastor of Shiloh, Pastor Morris Hillsman retired after 50 years of serving as the leader of this flock. Pastor Demetrice Wesley was licensed and ordained under the leadership of Pastor Hillsman. The teachings and legacy of Pastor Hillsman are etched in the hearts and minds of Pastor Wesley and the Shiloh church family.
Since 1863, Shiloh has been “standing on the Solid Rock,” the sure foundation that is Christ, the Lord. We pray that God will find her worthy to continue in the upbuilding of His kingdom until Jesus comes again.
MEET OUR PASTOR
Demetrice J. Wesley
Reverend Demetrice J. Wesley is a dedicated servant of God, a passionate preacher, committed educator, and the 22nd Pastor of the Historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Valley, Georgia. His journey in ministry and education has been marked by a deep love for Christ, a desire to serve others, and a steadfast pursuit of academic excellence.
Pastor Wesley’s ministry journey began when he preached his first public sermon on June 8, 2014, at the Historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. From that moment, he recognized God’s call upon his life to faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and positively impact the lives of others through preaching, teaching, and servant leadership.
Education has always been a central part of Pastor Wesley’s life. He is a proud graduate of Fort Valley State University, where he established a strong academic and spiritual foundation. He later earned a Master of Education degree from Grand Canyon University, strengthening his passion for teaching and his commitment to using education as a tool for empowerment and transformation.
Currently, Pastor Wesley is pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership at Columbus State University, further developing his leadership skills and educational expertise. His pursuit of advanced education reflects his commitment to excellence in both ministry and the classroom.
Pastor Wesley was licensed and ordained under the leadership and mentorship of the late Rev. Morris Hillsman, Sr., whose faithful example continues to influence his ministry. He carries forward that legacy with humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to preaching the uncompromised Word of God.
As the 22nd Pastor of the Historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Wesley is committed to leading God’s people through biblical preaching, discipleship, community outreach, and servant leadership. His vision is to cultivate a Christ-centered church that worships wholeheartedly, disciples faithfully, serves compassionately, and impacts the community for the Kingdom of God.
Professionally, Pastor Wesley also serves as a middle school social studies educator, where he is passionate about inspiring students to reach their fullest potential both academically and personally. He believes that education and ministry are complementary callings through which lives can be transformed.
Above all, Pastor Wesley’s life is a testament to his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. He is wholly devoted to glorifying God through every aspect of his life, loving people, serving his community, and faithfully shepherding those entrusted to his care. Whether in the pulpit, the classroom, or the community, his greatest desire is that God alone receives the glory.
Pastor Wesley is more than a teacher and more than a preacher—he is a servant of God whose life reflects a sincere commitment to Christ, His Church, and the advancement of His Kingdom.
