Memorial Fund to Benefit Shiloh Baptist Church

A fund has been established in the memory of Cleta Hines, a beloved and longtime member of Shiloh Baptist Church, to enable much needed renovations and repairs to the church's historic building. The fund, called the Cleta Hines Restoration Fund, was begun with a donation from the Rapport family. A message from Seth Rapport announcing the fund and making an appeal for contributions reads in part:

On September 11, 2018, Cleta Hines passed away at the age of 83. Cleta was a long-time resident of Hudson and a devoted member of the Shiloh Baptist Church at 14 Warren Street. She will be so missed. . . .

Cleta loved the Shiloh Baptist Church. When her vision failed she nevertheless "read" before the congregation by memorizing ahead her passages. She directed the Church kitchen crew, often herself spending hours cleaning chickens for church suppers. In later years when her declining health required that she relocate near family in Schenectady, she called Hudson friends on Sundays to learn about the Reverend's weekly sermon. She loved the Church and the community loved her back.

Founded in 1915, the Shiloh Baptist Church has served the Hudson area for decades as a religious, social and community center. Its work is broad and personal and its impact far reaching. Since 1967, its home has been the historic building at 14 Warren Street--originally built in 1913 as the Synagogue for the local Jewish community. Literally from bricks and mortar, a great spiritual tradition has arisen.

The Rapport family over a lifetime has had a special connection to Cleta. In honor of her memory and in collaboration with the Church we have established a new fund with a "kick-start" contribution, which we would like to call "The Cleta Hines Restoration Fund," the aim of which will be to make the desperately needed renovations and repairs to the building. We hope that by preserving the building, we help keep Shiloh strong and preserve the memory and passion of Cleta, one of its most remarkable citizens. . . .

Photo: Prison Public Memory

Contributions to the fund can be made by check, payable to Shiloh Baptist Church, with "Cleta Hines Restoration Fund" entered in the Memo line, and mailed to the church at 14 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534.
COPYRIGHT 2018 CAROLE OSTERINK