The history of New Salem Presbyterian church goes back to the time of our Nation's birth. The first President of the United States was in office, busy making important decisions about things taking place for the first time in a new government, and appointing men to fill offices that had never before existed. A small handful of Scotch-irish Presbyterians found their way here to what is now known as Ohioville from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. They had left family and friends and all the comforts of home behind. Fond memories of the Salem Church in Westmoreland of which they were members probably led them to call this church by the name, New Salem, which is of Old Testament origin.One of the early church members recorded of the land, "Nothing is wanted but cultivation to make this a delightful country". At a meeting of the Presbytery of Ohio on October 25, 1796, the Reverends John McMillin and Thomas Marquis were appointed to supply on the northwest of River Ohio on the second and third Sabbaths of October, 1796. The next October, supplications were made to fill the pulpits at New Salem and Mt. Pleasant Churches. The service in October 1796 was held in a tent not far from the Caughey burying ground. This is located at the left of the driveway leading to the Barney Davis farm on Windover Drive about 1/2 mile from where the present church building now sits. Services were held in a tent during the summer months and in the members homes in the winter. A rough log church was built not far from where the present building now stands shortly after the New Salem Church was established. In the year 1822 the rough log church was torn down and replaced by a church build of hewed logs. The present building was erected in 1850 and re-modeled in 1893. In 1957 the church was physically moved in direction to face west and and set upon a basement. This was done not only to add room to the church, but because route 168 was being widened and the church building would have been too close to the road. New Salem Church was registered as a Historical Landmark with Beaver County on August 30, 1992. New Salem congregation celebrated their 200th anniversary in September 1997 with past members and ministers in attendance for two worship services and picnic. A time capsule was started with memorabilia from the past years. With our Lord's blessing New Salem will continue to grow and minister to the community for many years.
