Services began in homes in the Shiloh community, two miles east of this site. In 1887, worshipers organized Shiloh Methodist Church with the Rev. Mr. Allen as pastor. After Tioga was founded, the congregation moved there and erected the original building on this site in 1893. Additional rooms and facilities were later added to the central structure. The church served Tioga faithfully, and one of its members, Olan R. Van Zandt, was a representative and then a senator in the Texas Legislature for 16 years, 1926-1942.