SALEM

 In or about the year 1880, or about fifteen years after the ending of the Civil War, Salem C.M.E. Church was established as an offspring of the Union Hill Church of Jackson, Tennessee.  Salem as we know it today had its first location approximately one-half mile from its present site. Bro. Henry Darnell, a lifetime resident of the community felt a need for a church home in this community to serve the spiritual needs of all of the people.

​

Prayer meetings were held in an old log cabin schoolhouse, where several families joined in with Bro. Darnell and thus the birth of Salem.

​

In the year of our Lord 1903, land was purchased and the first structure was erected.  The membership worshiped there until it was completely destroyed by fire in February of 1958. 

​

With hard work, sacrifice, perseverance and prayer, a new structure was completed and worship service was held there in March of 1959. 

​

As Salem continued to grow, so did its physical presence.  A dining area was added and dedicated in June of 1983.  In the year 2000, the sanctuary was renovated, a baptismal pool installed and an educational building constructed, which was named after Bishop E. Lynn Brown, who always referred to Salem as “the center of the universe”.

​

For more than a century, Salem has been the recipient of unlimited blessings.   We are grateful for the leadership and spiritual guidance of all who have made invaluable contributions affecting this history, and we the recipients of this great heritage are vastly rich because of them.  We have been served by 51 Pastors, 20 Presiding Elders, and 16 Bishops.  We are grateful for how God has blessed Salem, and we thank all of our leaders for their service.

​

We ask that you pray with us for our continued success.