After Reverend Johnston’s departure, Reverend J.B. Pratt became the Pastor. He and the membership successfully completed the installation of the Baptismal Pool. the late Alice Meade was the first member to be baptized in the pool. The next big achievement was the installation of the church pew. Things which seem small and insignificant now or which we take for granted represented tears and struggle for the small beginning church.
Moving on, the church celebrated its Twenty-Fifth Anniversary on June 13, 1928 with an anniversary Rally. Reverend Edward Caffee, an evangelist from Alabama, was minister at that time. He was a man ahead of his time. Under his administration, a new roof was added and rest rooms were installed. Rev. Caffee’s vision extended to seeing “the church as a necessary social service center for the colored people of Norristown...” He believed that “when the spiritual and moral needs of a people are properly served, that people can better render service on their jobs.”
Siloam prospered.
Growing with this vision as a guide, Siloam became the first Black church to host the “World Day of Prayer.” Reverend Samuel Martin was the pastor at that time. His ministry coincided with the depression era. His diligence enabled the church to meet its financial obligations. One hundred members were added, repairs were made to the church, and the wire fence was installed in the back of the church. Reverend Martin labored for fiscal responsibility. As the church grew, Siloam became the spearhead for the formation of the organization of the Minister’s Wives Union. The second meeting was held at Siloam Baptist Church. Mrs. Martin was a socially conscious member, active in the community. She organized the Junior Choir. The Thirty-Second Church Anniversary was celebrated August 1, 1935 along with the Third Anniversary of Pastor Martin. It was a milestone. The church would last.
