William H. Schilling, New Zion Pastor, St. Helena Parish, La.
File submitted by Bonnie Bridges McMillan
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Many thanks goes to Bonnie Bridges McMillan, author of "New
Zion Baptist Church, 1869-1994" from which this file was taken.

WILLIAM H. SCHILLING
1883 - 1884 AND 1886 - 1887

     William H. Schilling was born in Washington Parish (now Tan-
gipahoa Parish), Louisiana, July 9, 1836.  He was reared on the
farm and followed this occupation mainly all his life.  His edu-
cational advantages were limited, being such as the country
schools afforded.  He was married March 10, 1864, to Miss Euseba
Fortinberry, who yet lives, and who has patiently endured the
trials incident to the preacher and his family.  Several children
were born to them, all of whom are grown.

     After the Civil War he came into possession of the old home,
where he tenderly cared for and supported his aged parents dur-
ing the remainder of their lives.  He professed faith in Christ 
and joined the Beulah Baptist church in 1868, remaining a member
here until death.  He was licensed to preach by this church April
16, 1871, and ordained July 21, 1872, the ordaining council being
composed of Elders C.F. Crawford and H.Z. Jenkins.  He never
moved from the community in which he was born and raised, and
his ministerial work was with churches in the surrounding country,
some of them being from fifteen to twenty miles away.  And the
continued prosperity of these churches was proof of the efficien-
cy of his work.  He rode much on horseback, filling his monthly
appointments with promptness and regularity.  He also traveled
for several years as a local missionary, enduring the hardships
and privations common to such work.  Like many preachers of his 
day, he served for small compensation, supplementing, as best he
could, the support of his family with his own labor on the farm.

     Mr. Schilling was a man of strong convictions, a clear faith
and much earnestness.  He was much loved by his churches and en-
joyed their fullest confidence and esteem.  He was also greatly
in demand for funeral services, preaching during his life at
eighty-seven different cemeteries.  His last sermon was delivered
one week before his death, his text being John, 3:17.  On the
29th of March, 1902, he was called to leave the walks of men,
having fought the good fight and kept the faith.  Interment fol-
lowed in the old family cemetery, with Masonic honors.

"Abstract History of the Mississippi Baptist Association"
Author: T.C. Schilling