In a large bowl place warm water and sprinkle with yeast. Let yeast proof for 10 minutes. While the yeast proofs, place flour, sugar, salt and shortening into a bowl and rub the shortening into the mixture. Add milk and mix to combine.

Once the yeast and water mixture begins to look somewhat foamy, add dry ingredients and knead on a floured surface to form a stiff dough. Knead dough for 7 minutes until smooth.

Place the dough in a large clean bowl and cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled.

Punch down the dough and divided into halves. Shape into 2 loaves and place into 2 9x5 inch greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees while the loaves rise.

Place bread in preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and continue to bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and remove from the baking pan and place a cooling rack. Brush the top with butter.