Shiloh Seventh Day Baptist Church Honors Borough’s 250th Anniversary with Bell Dedication and Patriotic Celebrations

Shiloh Borough celebrated its 250th anniversary with a community event that highlighted local history and patriotism. The festivities took place on June 13, beginning at 1 p.m. in front of the municipal building. The event featured a welcome, thank-yous, and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Valerie Probasco, a borough councilwoman. The local VFW Post 1795 Honor Guard, led by Captain Louie Spinelli, presented the colors in a formal formation. Former mayor Howard Scull, who served for 25 years, shared reflections on the borough’s history.

Guest speakers included Bill Probasco, a deacon and historian at the Shiloh Seventh Day Baptist Church, who discussed the borough’s evolution from “Cohansey Corners.” Dave Hitchner, a local author and former school administrator, recounted the history of the former elementary school, which once featured a bell that marked the start and end of each school day. The bell was recently dedicated during the event, with Shiloh Borough Mayor Brad Campbell leading the ceremony. The bell, which once sat atop the school, was a cherished symbol of community life.

The event also included a musical performance by a men’s quartet, featuring members of the Shiloh Seventh Day Baptist Church. The quartet sang “American the Beautiful” and “God Bless America,” adding a spiritual and patriotic tone to the celebration. The program concluded with a closing prayer led by Pastor Tyler Chroniger of the Shiloh Seventh Day Baptist Church, reflecting the church’s role in the community’s historical and spiritual life.

In addition to Shiloh’s celebration, Vineland also honored America’s 250th anniversary with a Flag Day event. Hosted by the Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce, the Vineland Rotary, and the Vineland Historical Society, the event took place on June 14 at the Historical Society’s museum. Attendees dressed in red, white, and blue, demonstrating a shared sense of national pride. The event commemorated the 1777 resolution by the Second Continental Congress that established the first official American flag, a tradition that grew from a classroom lesson in 1885.

Both communities used their celebrations to reflect on local history and national heritage. The Shiloh event, in particular, emphasized the role of the Shiloh Seventh Day Baptist Church in preserving and sharing the borough’s past. The church’s involvement in the festivities underscores its ongoing commitment to community and historical stewardship. As the nation marks its 250th year, such events serve as reminders of the enduring values of patriotism, unity, and shared heritage.

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