Early Beginnings (1885)
Salem Church’s history began in 1885 when Rev. D. W. Schaeffer preached at
Louis Thiel’s home in Berne. A Sunday School was soon formed and later moved
to the Turner School House as it grew. By 1886, Rev. George Kern, guided by Rev.
Peter Alles, served as junior preacher. In 1889, under Rev. William Vogel, Salem
joined the Elkton circuit and formally organized with 20 charter members.
First Church Building (1891)
In 1891, Salem built its first frame church in Berne. As Pigeon grew around a key
railroad intersection, the building was relocated there in 1900. In 1902, Salem
organized as a separate congregation and, along with nearby Winsor, formed the
Pigeon Mission under Rev. Frederick Klump.
First Parsonage (1905-1906)
Between 1905 and 1906, during Rev. Noah Frye’s pastorate, a parsonage was built
on the lot south of the church, standing just left of the sanctuary in period photos.
Second Church Building (1909)
In 1909, under Rev. Charles Rodesiler’s first pastorate, Salem built a new brick
veneer church to accommodate its growing congregation. The original frame
building was relocated north to the present parking lot site, where it was
converted into a house that remained until 1973.
By 1929, Salem was a thriving church with a large children’s Sunday School program.
Fire and Rebuilding (1934-1935)
On Christmas Eve in 1934, Salem’s brick church was destroyed by fire. The
congregation quickly resolved to rebuild on the same site, and just nine months
later, on September 8, 1935, the new church building was dedicated.
First Denominational Merger (1946)
In 1946, during Rev. Lester A. Ruegsegger’s pastorate, Salem became part of the
newly formed Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB), created through the
merger of the Evangelical Church and the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.
Expansion (1960)
In March 1960, under Rev. Byron Chapman, Salem dedicated a new education
unit and expanded sanctuary to meet the needs of its growing congregation.
Bishop R. H. Mueller led the dedication, shaping the church building into the form
it largely retains today.
Postcard created of Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church circa 1960s
Second Denominational Merger (1968)
In 1968, during Rev. Raymond Roe’s pastorate, Salem became part of the United
Methodist Church through the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and the
Methodist Church.
New Parsonage (1972)
In 1972, under Rev. Sam Evans, a new parsonage was built on Clabuesch Street.
The old parsonage was then demolished, making room for expanded parking and
updated landscaping.
100th Anniversary Celebration (1985)
In 1985, Salem celebrated its centennial with a weekend of events, including a
reception for former pastors, a banquet with historical slides, a special Sunday
worship service, and a centennial float in Pigeon’s Farmers’ Festival Parade.
125th Anniversary Celebration (2010)
On July 11, 2010, Salem marked its 125th anniversary with the theme “Celebrating Our
Heritage of Christian Commitment and Growth.” The celebration featured a
special worship service with music, followed by a potluck and speeches by local dignitaries, UMC District Superintendent, and attended by several former pastors who served Salem – Calvin Long, Gloria Hayes, and Michael Sawicki
A New Beginning (2022)
On July 1, 2022, Salem Church officially disaffiliated from the United Methodist
Church due to theological differences rooted in interpretations of scripture and a
desire to align with conservative theological teaching. On that date, Salem joined
the Global Methodist Church.
Today
On Sunday mornings, sunlight pours through Salem’s stained-glass windows,
filling the sanctuary with warmth and beauty. Rooted in its rich heritage, the
church has entered the 21st century with vibrant programs for all ages and a
continued mission of compassion and Gospel outreach. The Salem family looks ahead with faith, trusting that the best is yet to come for the church God planted
in 1885.
