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History: |
A spark of faith was initialed in the hearts of a few faithful brothers who called a prayer meeting, from which there emerged a great spiritual awakening, which became the foundation of the Salem Chapel Baptist Church. The history is one that tells of the struggles that the members endured to assure us of this rich legacy that we safeguard with every fiber of our being. We must never retire from defending �The Heritage� and to serve until the night comes and the dawn of Heaven�s eternal day breaks upon our souls. The Beginning Salem Chapel Church�s first log cabin church was organized after the death of President Abraham Lincoln. The church body was organized through the efforts of Rev. Solomon Ellis and Brother Bill Smith, Brother Bill Miller, Brother Alf Outlaw, Sister Eunice Smith, Brother Ward Smith, and others, after the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation that freed our fore parents. For about forty years, the church had been organized under the original FWB Denomination. In 1908, the church became affiliated with the United American FWB Denomination with Rev. William Farrior as Pastor. He served for four years, assisted by his officers, Deacon Luther Miller, Deacon Martin Miller, Deacon Hubert Branch and Deacon Gaston Branch, Sr. These officers were the financial backing of the beginning of the future church. In 1945, a new stone church was constructed under Rev. Earl Hardy. The church was constructed and dedicated in 1947. The Leaders A number of pastors/ministers lead Salem forward which included: The late Moderator E.M. Hill, served four years; Rev. E.L. Johnson, served four years; Moderator R. Becton, served two years; Rev. J.D. Lawson, served seven years; Rev. B.C. Bryant, served fourteen years; Rev. E.L. Hardy, served seventeen years; Rev. Clifton Jones, served four years; Rev. Peter Hood, served two years; Rev. F.D.R. Williams, served one year; Rev. George Moore, served two years; and Rev. W.H. Mitchell, who served the remainder of Rev. Moore�s term after his death; Rev. Stephen Jones (1970-1987) served seventeen years. Rev. Stephen Jones resigned from Old Salem to minister at New Salem Church in 1987; Rev. Matthew Best(1988-1994) served six years; Rev. F.D.R. Williams, served as interim minister three months; District Elder W.S. Nicholson served as interim minister from November 1995 through July 12, 1996 and elected pastor, July 13, 1996. Supporting Workers The past and present officers worked harmoniously with the pastors/ministers which includes the following members: Brother General Outlaw, who served as clerk from 1908 until 1930; Sister Nora Berry, clerk and Sister Novella Branch served as recording secretary from 1968 until 1976. Brother Raymond Stanley served as a Trustee, Brother Holly Smith served as Usher Board Chairman. Brother J.C. Kennon, Steward, Brother Luther Bryant, and Mother Thelma Kennon and served as Sunday School Teacher, and Brother Samuel Kornegay served Sunday of Superintendent and Trustee Chairman. Sister Clementine Jones served finance secretary and Mother Ava J. Smith as recording secretary and Mother Ella Stanley also served as recording secretary. Mother Ella Stanley serves as finance secretary and Mother Johnni Blackwell, serves as church clerk. The New Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall On September 7, 1970 through 1987 Rev. Stephen Jones, Vice-Bishop served as pastor. In June, 1976 Deacon John Stanley, trustee chairman, along with Deacon Harvey Smith and the members put plans in action to re-build Salem Chapel under the leadership of Rev. Stephen Jones. The new sanctuary was 80 X 44 foot structure with additional rooms including Pastor Study, Finance Room and Choir Room, etc. On Sunday, May 22, 1977, the new brick church structure was dedicated with members and guest of the late Dr. W.L. Jones and Warren Chapel FWB Church of Pitt County. On April 23, 1978 the Cornerstone Service was laid with a special service with Tyre Lodge no. 60 of Warsaw, N. C.; Dr. W.L. Jones officiated along with by Salem members, Kings Chapel Church congregation, Trenton and community Christian friends. The mortgage was paid-off in 1985. The Salem Chapel members desired a fellowship hall after Rev. Matthews Best was elected as pastor. The initial structure of the fellowship hall began during the leadership of Rev. Matthews Best and was completed after District Elder W.S. Nicholson was elected as pastor. Today�s Leadership and Mission Statement After being elected, District Elder W. S. Nicholson took a serious grip of unity and leadership. The focus of Salem Chapel members were to unified with harmony. The church body focused on obtainable goals to be taken into the twenty first century for growth of the church for many generations to be spiritually blessed. Salem Chapel FWB's material blessings are: The sanctuary interior and fellowship hall received a complete makeover. The church body accomplished the following projects: The pew covered and cushions, new carpet, painted interior of sanctuary, church steeple, glass entrance doors, Bibles, Bar-B-Q Grill and dwelling, landscape grounds, new sanctuary roof, spiritual pictures, chandelier lights, new keyboard with speakers, fax, copier, answering service and computers for education room etc. There are many auxiliaries and committees added to build unity within the church body and church community. The Salem members and congregation remains to work closely with Kings Chapel Church and Trenton and Smith Chapel of Pink Hill, North Carolina. Historical information written by: Mrs. Ella Stanley, Finance Clerk & Mrs. Johnni Blackwell-Fennell, Church Secretary. |