Category: architecture

day of rest

broad steepled churcg
Shiloh Baptist Church, Palmyra, Virginia

Based on the prevalence of biblical names and the size of the U.S. church population (approximately 500,000 churches), a conservative estimate suggests there could be several hundred to a few thousand churches with “Shiloh” in their names.

The term “Shiloh” has multiple layers of meaning in scripture, which contribute to its appeal:
•Geographical Place: Shiloh was an ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Jerusalem, where the Israelites set up the Tabernacle after entering the Promised Land (Joshua 18:1). It was the central place of worship during the period of the Judges, where figures like Hannah prayed and Samuel received his prophetic calling (1 Samuel 1:3, 3:1-10). Its role as a sacred space makes it a symbol of God’s presence among His people.
•Prophetic Figure: In Genesis 49:10, “Shiloh” is widely interpreted by Christians as a Messianic title. The verse suggests that a ruler from Judah will hold authority until “Shiloh comes,” to whom the nations will gather. Early Jewish and Christian scholars, including the Targum Onkelos and Church Fathers, saw this as a prophecy of the Messiah. The term may derive from Hebrew roots meaning “peace-giver,” “he to whom it belongs,” or “messenger,” all of which Christians apply to Jesus.
•Symbol of Peace and God’s Presence: Shiloh’s association with rest and tranquility reflects God’s promise of peace. In the New Testament, this is fulfilled in Jesus, who offers spiritual rest (Matthew 11:28-30) and is the ultimate dwelling place of God’s presence (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9). The fall of Shiloh due to Israel’s disobedience (1 Samuel 4; Jeremiah 7:12-14) also serves as a warning against spiritual complacency, a theme Baptists often emphasize in preaching repentance and faithfulness.

Relation to Jesus
The connection between Shiloh and Jesus is primarily rooted in the Messianic interpretation of Genesis 49:10, which is significant for Baptist theology:
•Fulfillment of Prophecy: Christians, including Baptists, believe Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Shiloh as the descendant of Judah who holds eternal kingship. He is the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5) and the ruler to whom the nations are gathered (Philippians 2:9-11). The scepter (symbolizing authority) remains with Judah until the Messiah, Jesus, establishes His eternal kingdom.
•Bringer of Peace: Shiloh’s meaning as “peace-giver” aligns with Jesus as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and the one who brings reconciliation between God and humanity (Ephesians 2:14). Baptist churches often emphasize salvation through Jesus, who offers rest for the soul, mirroring Shiloh’s connotation of tranquility.
•Spiritual Temple: In the Old Testament, Shiloh housed the Tabernacle, where God’s presence dwelt. In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the ultimate temple (John 2:19-21), and His Spirit dwells in believers, making the church the new “temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16). For Baptists, naming a church “Shiloh” may symbolize the church as a place where believers encounter Jesus, the true source of God’s presence.
•New Covenant: The fall of Shiloh and the departure of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 4:22) foreshadowed the rejection of the old system and the establishment of a new covenant through Jesus. Baptists, who emphasize salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), see Jesus as the fulfillment of Shiloh’s promise—a new, eternal place of rest.-Mr. Grok

day of rest

church and cemetery
Antioch is the oldest African-American church in Middlesex County and has been a beacon of leadership in the county for 158 years. It is also a part of the Saluda Historic District.–House and Home

Day of Rest

Located in southeastern Fauquier County, the Casanova Historic District is a small cluster of remarkably intact late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings, including a rare steam-powered mill, a late 19th-century schoolhouse, a tiny post office, a parish house and a rectory, and some commercial buildings and residences. Casanova began its life in the mid-19th century as “Three Mile Station” or “Three Mile Switch,” signifying its location exactly three miles along the newly laid Warrenton Branch Railroad, a spur of the old Orange and Alexandria Railroad. It became known as Melrose Station, named for a nearby plantation, Melrose Castle, but was renamed Casanova in the late 19th century to avoid confusion with a Melrose community in Rockingham County. The new name honored Juan Casanova, who married into the Murray family, the original owners of Melrose. With commercial, industrial, institutional, and fine residential structures dating from 1879 to 1920, Casanova today presents a rare image of a small community virtually untouched by modern intrusions. The Casanova Historic District’s earliest surviving architectural resource dates to 1879; unfortunately, the train station and all other rail-related buildings are gone.–VADHR