In the year of our Lord, 1880, a few brave Christians began a journey of building a church, which would come to be called the Salem Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. This journey was led by devoted and determined Christians to include: Deacons Wiley Petteway, Wiley Perry, William Wimberly, Vester Rawls, John World, Roland Hines and Major Hinton; along with Sisters: Della Hargrove, Minnie Whitehead, Chanie Hines, Lucinda Bullock, Pidy Dancy, Martha Wimberly, Catherine Bellamy and Mary Dunn.
 

The original Salem Chapel was made of tree limbs and twigs. Members felt the wind and the rain but never ceased to join together to lift up the name of Jesus.  Later, they were blessed to be able to move into a plank building. As time moved on, the church that started out as tree limbs and twigs eventually ended up being a beautiful brick church full of love and the spirit of God. Under the Leadership of our late Pastor, Reverend Jonah Walston, Jr., this beautiful sanctuary that we currently worship in today was built. Our previous church was transformed into the Salem Chapel Fellowship Hall.

 

There have been several pastors since the beginning. Each came with a lesson to be taught and left with a lesson learned: That God and His Word will stand when all else fails.

 

Our Past & Former Pastors at Salem Chapel were:

 

Rev. George Staton (Founding Pastor)

Rev. Joe Rawls

Rev. Berry Powell

Rev. Act Tillery

Rev. Ruben Clark

Rev. J.C. Scott

Rev. James Walston (Served Two Terms)

Rev. D. L. Lockett

Rev. Beatrice Creech

Rev. H. H. Lacy

Rev. Hue Walston

Rev. Johnny Johnson

Rev. Jonah Walston, Jr.

 

On October 29th, 2022, the Rev. J. Russell Harris was elected as the 14th Pastor of Salem Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. 
 

Our late Pastors and families will always have a memorable bond with the Salem Chapel Missionary Baptist Church family. Over the years, many of our members have been called from labor to reward. They have left with memories we will forever cherish in our hearts. Their works will never be forgotten. We dare not forget and reflect on where we came from in order that we may have a true appreciation of where we are today.
 

Today, Salem Chapel Missionary Baptist Church is prospering as our membership and dedication to Christ continues to grow. Today, we celebrate 143 years of growth, progress and ministry. While we do not forget the legacy left by our ancestors, putting God first and loving each other is the secret to our many successes. While many remember that we are the “Church that sits on the hill”, we seek to be remembered as a true “house of God”…and, a true house of love… #Theplaceofnewbeginnings