Shiloh Church has an interesting and sometimes confusing beginning, as many churches did, during the early days of its existence. The first attempt for a Spring Creek Charge in 1863 did not come to fruition. Individual churches that participated in that early endeavor were Spring Church (Shiloh), Boalsburg, Houser's, and Bellefonte.

The second attempt at unity for the Lutheran congregations came only a year later with Spring Creek (Shiloh), Boalsburg, Houser's, and Pine Hall. This too did not bear the fruit that was sought by the many individuals involved.

The church was organized as a single church parish on 3 December 1864 as the Spring Creek Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. by the Reverend L. K. Sechrist and thirty-two parishioners. The Reverend J. T. Williams became pastor in 1867 and built the church in 1867-68. "Shiloh" became the name adopted for the congregation at that time.

George Dale donated the land for the church and cemetery. A Mr. David Etters died during the construction of the building and was said by some to be the first person buried in the cemetery on 22 July 1867, though it is possible that the date is off by one year. There is some evidence that the location was already the site of a small, perhaps private, cemetery as there appear to be some graves that bear the dates as early as 1854.

Sources

1. "Rededication and 80th Anniversary of Shiloh Evangelical Lutheran Church" a program dated 29 October 1944.
2. An undocumented and anonymous report in the vertical file of the Centre County Library and Historical Museum under College Township.
3."The Cemeteries of College Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania" published by the Centre County G.S. Copyright 2003page 24

Directions to Shiloh Cemetery

From the intersection of U. S. 322 and College Avenue ( PA 26) go north towards Bellefonte 2.2 miles on PA 26. (this direction is labeled "east" on College Avenue) to the "Y" intersection. At the intersection, the Nittany Mall will be directly ahead. Bear to your left onto Benner Pike ( PA 150) and go approximately 0.5 miles to the Shiloh Church and cemetery. Turn Left on Shiloh Road.