Shiloh Methodist is the second-oldest church in Tattnall County, preceded only by Mt. Carmel, a simple meeting house of peeled pine logs built in 1808. While the exact founding date is uncertain, local histories place its organization around 1810 or 1812 under the leadership of William Eason, a South Carolina farmer. The first structure—a peeled log chapel measuring 20 by 30 feet—stood near today’s Old Shiloh Cemetery and became known as the Shiloh Meeting House.

By 1858, the congregation decided to move to a new location beside a spring feeding into Thomas Creek. There, they built a two-door frame meeting house, less than a mile from the original cemetery. In 1899, the current sanctuary was constructed next to that two-door church, where it still stands today.

Although the new site became the center of worship, Old Shiloh Cemetery continued in use well into the 20th century. Its earliest grave dates to 1890, but many families still preferred the original cemetery. Burials there include pioneer settlers, Methodist ministers, Confederate veterans, elected officials, and both white and Black community members—enslaved and free. The last burial occurred in 1942.

As is often the case with cemeteries of this age, the number of unmarked graves is substantial and will never be fully known. Older residents recalled both intricately carved and crudely marked wooden headboards, but these have long since disappeared through decay and neglect, erasing the exact resting places of many early settlers. Thankfully, dedicated Shiloh community members have worked faithfully to preserve the grounds for later generations. Though Shiloh Methodist has been inactive for years, the church is still used for reunions and special gatherings, standing as a reminder of the deep roots of faith and family that shaped Tattnall County.