The oldest church of any Protestant denomination west of the Trinity River and north of the old San Antonio Road is the Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church, located in Ellis County.

Rev. Finis E. King, who was the potent factor in the organization of this church, came to Texas from Missouri in the year 1846. He was a son of Rev. Samuel King, one of the founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. At the time of his coming to Texas he was a licentiate under the care of Lexington Presbytery. As he was not yet ordained, and hence not authorized to organize churches, he sent to Paris, Texas, for Rev. J. C. Provine, who came and officiated in the organization of the Shiloh church on July 5, 1847.
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In a Memorial and Biographical History of Ellis County, published in 1892, it is said of Rev. F. E. King, "He has justly been called the pioneer of Ellis County, in religious matters."

He was pastor of the Shiloh church from its organization until his death, which occurred in September, 1859. Under his ministry the membership of the Shiloh church was built up to approximately 250. He also organized a number of other congregations in Ellis and adjoining counties, thus laying the foundation for Red Oak Presbytery, which was formed by the Brazos synod in 1855 and was for many years a stronghold of Cumberland Presbyterianism in Texas, having in its membership some of the ablest ministers in the state. Rev. F. E. King attended the General Assembly in 1858 as the first commissioner from this presbytery.

[Source: History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Texas: Centennial Volume. By Thomas H. Campbell. Nashville, Tenn.: Cumberland Presbyterian Publishing House, 1936, pages 69-72.]

Rev. F. E. King, the son of Rev. Samuel King, was in the fall of 1847 on petition of the Shiloh [Ellis County, Texas] church at a meeting held at Gonzalles ordained to the whole work of the ministry.

F. E. King was a man of average size physically of robust build, of more than ordinary intellect; a man of decision, energy, and vim; of a mild, conservative, and affable, disposition and a warm and lively affection; of little education in a technical sense, but by no means an ignorant man.

Being a close observer of men and things as well as a reader of books and especially the Bible, he was what would be called an able practical preacher, as well as an effective one. Which was evidence of by the crowds that attended upon his ministry, the undivided attention given to his preaching and the large numbers that were persuaded to embrace the gospel and further evidence by the numerous congregations organized in this and adjoining counties. Rev. King was pastor of Shiloh church from its organization on July 25, 1847 until September 1859 when after a pastorate of 12 years he fell a victim to the fearful epidemic of flux that ravished this neighborhood.

He was lamented by all who knew him not only by the members of his own church but of other churches; and so true is this that it seemed that a dark cloud veiled the heavens and shut out the light of day. Under Rev. King's ministration the Shiloh Church increased in numbers and reached 250 members at the time of his death.

Twice yearly in protracted meeting hundreds and thousands professed Christ and joined other churches. This being the first and oldest church organized in this county and it became noted and people came from great distances camping on the ground and having services day and night without intermission. Rev. King lies in the Shiloh Cemetery.

[Source: unknown]