History of Salem Church:
Five years before Salem Church came into existence, Bishop John Seybert, the first bishop of the Evangelical church had occasion to pass through the village of Springtown. He stopped at the home of Mr. Henry Funk, where a preaching place was found. Rev. Solomon Altemos and Re. Jacob Reigel became the first preachers. They preached in the local schoolhouse in 1837 and also visited in the home of Mr. Jacob Kooker. Rev. Hummel, a missionary preached here several times as well. The work increased in the small village, the challenge continues, and people were converted.
In the year 1841, Salem was part of the Lehigh "Circuit". Rev. Michael Maize was the pastor, and god honored his preaching and Christian work continued. The first official congregation was organized in the home of Mr. Joseph Clemens, near the old tannery. The first church was built in 1842. Years later, the old edifice did not meet the needs of the congregation and was razed. Our present church was built in 1868.
In 1942, while Rev. Francis Fletcher was pastor, the church had an extensive improvement program. During the pastorate of Rev. Denton Spencer, the church received an inheritance from the Gehman estate, and this, along with other memorials and contributions, was used for the present renovations.
Up until 1968, Salem Church was a member of the Eastern Conference, and was known as Salem Evangelical United Brethren church. On April 21, 1968, we became Salem United Methodist Church.
Salem for many years was part of a circuit sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. In June of 1997, they became a single part time appointment, separating themselves from the Hellertown Circuit.
During the next two years the church worked at moving into a full time ministry. god's hand was upon Salem and in August 1999 they became a full time appointment.
We are thankful that God has opened our eyes to many new ministries these past few years and we look with excitement and enthusiasm as to where God will lead us next!
