The history of Shiloh Temple International Ministries dates back to 1931, when the Reverend Howard Smith and his wife, Pastor Mattie Smith, established a small, storefront church in South Minneapolis. The mission of the church was to minister to the spiritual needs of people during the great economic depression of the 1930’s.
Shiloh Temple Church began to grow with a small but faithful congregation.
In 1953, Reverend Smith passed away, leaving the church leadership solely to his wife. Pastor Mattie Smith continued to preach the gospel faithfully and devotedly for the next 30 years.
Pastor Smith envisioned a powerful ministry, reaching out to all people. She was convinced that Shiloh Temple Church would be a 'cornerstone' not only in meeting the spiritual needs of the local community, but also reaching out to people worldwide, all while spreading the gospel about the love of Jesus Christ.
In 1959, the University of Minnesota purchased the property of the old edifice and Shiloh Temple Church continued to met regularly over a period of seven years in the home of Pastor Smith, located in South Minneapolis. A significant breakthrough occurred out of their years of dedication in 1964, the Lord blessed the small but faithful congregation with a church building at 1534 East 24th Street in South Minneapolis where Pastor Smith continued to preach and minister a deepened faith in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Smith transitioned to glory in 1984 before seeing her vision become a reality. She bestowed the leadership of Shiloh Temple Church to the capable hands of her grandson, who now serves as the honorable Diocesan, Bishop Richard D. Howell, Jr., which continues to oversee the church today. Dedication, persistence and faith has sustained the vision of Pastor Mattie Smith that is now approaching fruition.
In 1995, due to the growing membership of East 24th Street, Shiloh continued to have Sunday School, Sunday Evenings, and Mid Week Services there, but moved its Sunday Worship Services to Christ Church (the old Minneapolis Gospel Tabernacle Church where North Central Bible University began).
In December 1997, Shiloh purchased and moved to 3900 Hubbard Avenue North in Robbinsdale, Minnesota to accommodate the growth of the ministry. In 2002, Shiloh Temple Church became Shiloh Temple International Ministries (S.T.I.M.), with not only planting churches in the Minneapolis and Fargo-Moorhead areas, but also spread and networked with churches and fellowships both nationally and internationally including works in Africa, Asia and Europe, and continues to grow.
In February 2004, S.T.I.M. purchased the old Kodak building at 1201 West Broadway in North Minneapolis and had its opening service on May 2, 2004 after major building reconstruction. We praise God for the increase He has given, and we know that what was sown over 70 years ago is now being reaped. To God Be The Glory!
