In 1963, a gentle leader and great teacher took over the duties of Pastor of Siloam, the Reverend William R. Harris. He also came to Siloam from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he had pastored eleven years at Beulah Baptist Church. Reverend Harris was a graduate of Virginia Union University and held both the B.S. and Master of Divinity degrees.
He too served the general community of Norristown, and certainly helped to continue the bright image of Siloam as a church that cares. He served on the Executive Committee of the N.A.A.C.P. and the Mental Health Clinic. Additionally, he served as a School Board Director of the Greater Norristown Area School District for ten years. His wife, Doris, was a school teacher and as of 1994 was a principal in the Greater Norristown Area School District. Reverend and Mrs. Harris were the parents of two daughters, Elaine and Paula.
Under Pastor Harris, the church renovated the rest rooms and the kitchen, both of which projects were sorely needed. The exterior and interior of the church were painted and new lighting and communion glass holders on the pews were added to make the auditorium a place of beauty. He was extremely active in the Foreign Missionary Program and made numerous trips to Africa to advance its good work.
Very noteworthy under the leadership of Pastor Harris was the installation of the Wicks Organ which we now enjoy. This organ consists of nine ranks and 645 pipers and was designed specifically for Siloam Baptist Church.
Reverend Harris pastored Siloam for 27 years until his death on June 2, 1990 after a brief illness. He was the second pastor to die in office.
