Fellowship Circle

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History

The Circle concept of the membership of Shiloh Baptist church was conceived by the late Reverend Earl L. Harrison.  This was necessary because the membership had grown to such proportions that he felt small groups would create a closer fellowship.  The Circle Leaders Council was initiated in 1941 to enable the Pastor to meet with leaders once a month as a means of interpreting his plans to them.  He could also provide advice and encouragement to leaders to support the program of the Church.  By working closely with members of the Circles.  Circle leaders were offered the opportunity to recognize the skills and talents of each member, always encouraging them to use these God-given gifts in the work of Kingdom Building.  This was the beginning of Fellowship Circle which was organized in 1945 with 25 members-today there are more than 90.

Mrs. Jewel Randall named the Circle Fellowship.  She was the one only leader of this Circle to server for more than four decades.  Under her guidance, the Circle has been blessed to use and motivate many talented persons who have been selected from our Circle by Pastors Harrison, Gregory and Smith to become Deacons, Deaconesses, Circle Leader or Vice Leader, Choir Directors, and Church Clerk.  Other Fellowship members have served in leadership roles such as Chairs of a Deaconess Board, A Missionary Group, the Pastor or Church Anniversary Committees, Men's Day, Women's Day, Church-wide Retreats, Church-wide Institutes and many more.

Under Mrs. Randall's leadership, the Circle has been instrumental, inspirational and enthusiastic in striving for excellence and perfection.  As leader she taught Fellowship to approach each assignment as if it were the very first.  This concept creates fervor and excitement.  Through the faith, persuasion and perseverance of our leader, members have freely given of their time, talent, resources for Kingdom Building.  This Circle was instrumental in promoting the concept of sacrificial giving in lieu of sponsoring programs to raise funds for the many programs presented by the Pastor.  The mottos for the Circle are I can do anything through Christ Jesus who strengthens me and We can move mountains with faith.

Each Spring Festival and Harvest Festival, events sponsored by the Circle Leaders Council give the Circle a special challenge to excel in creativity and fund-raising.  Fashion Shows, Pageants and other programs are some of the activities of the Circle.  Mrs. Randall encouraged Circle to inspire, teach, and share their talents with all new members.  Through the years, the Circle has reaped many benefits from applying these concepts.

To Our Jewel, we the members of Fellowship Circle salute you for forty-five years of outstanding dedicated service to the membership and Shiloh Baptist Church.  To God by the glory for your guidance, direction and untiring leadership.  May you have many more years of service in His vineyard as you lead your flock of worshipers.

(photo of Jewell Randall, Fellowship Circle Founder)