Shiloh Baptist Church
Also known as: Temple B'nari Jeshurun
Why it's listed
Built in 1906 for Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, a Jewish congregation formed in 1866, this masonry building at 5500 Scovill Avenue in Cleveland was designed by Harry Cone in a Neo-Classic style. It has a Greek cross plan, a central dome with a golden cupola and small open lantern, and a front portico with six Corinthian columns and a decorated oculus in the pediment. Doors and windows are round-arched. Inside, wide elliptical arches lead the eye to the dome above an open central space with a balcony on three sides. In 1924 the Shiloh Baptist congregation purchased the building. Shiloh, formed in 1849, is described as the oldest black Baptist congregation in Cleveland, and had previously met in a storefront and two other buildings. The change in ownership reflects shifts in the surrounding neighborhood, which became the heart of the city's black community. The building remains in use as a church and is also valued for its classical architecture.
Significance in brief: It is nominated as part of a group of Black history resources in Cleveland. Shiloh is described as the oldest black Baptist congregation in the city, formed in 1849. The building's changing ownership reflects social shifts in the neighborhood, and it is noted for its significant classical architecture.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 82001371, listed December 17, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 5500 Scovill Ave., Cleveland |
|---|---|
| County | Cuyahoga County |
| Listed | December 17, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82001371 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1906; 1924 |
| Architect / builder | Harry Cone |
| Architectural style | Neo-Classic / Classic Revival |
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Religion |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Interior and exterior condition are listed as good; currently used as a church. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.49126, -81.65141 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Religious properties are listed for their architectural or historical significance, not their religious use. Listing is honorary and does not restrict the congregation's use of the building. The federal rehabilitation credit is generally unavailable unless part of the building is income-producing; some state programmes and preservation grants do cover religious buildings. Federal funding or permits trigger Section 106 review.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 82001371.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7496716
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.