Our roots of faith at Salem United Methodist Church run deep.  The forefathers of Salem knew the importance of Faith in the Lord, and the importance in moving forward not only for themselves but for future generations.  They were pioneers who endured many hardships, but they arrived at Salem with their Bibles and Faith. 

With their faith in Jesus Christ, a prayerful perseverance and strong sacrificial commitment to the kingdom of God, the first steps were taken to establish Salem United Methodist Church.  First, it was family groups worshiping in the home of William Scott.  In the late 1837, the Salem Campground and Church were established as the Scott’s Campground.  In the late 1830’s, a step in faith was taken and the first church building was constructed.  However, it was not until 1867 when it was decided to hold and establish a permanent campground and church at Salem.  The campground was an important religious part of the community, and also a time of fellowship.  The Campground Arbor has experienced many physical changes as has the spiritual lives of those attending camp meetings.

The first church building was a log cabin that was blown away by a tornado in the 1800’s.  Another step in faith was taken by rebuilding  the church.  This one was destroyed by a fire in 1909/1910.  Again the faith of our fathers took the steps to rebuild.  This building was constructed between 1909-1919.  The present campground arbor stood beside the church until the 1950’s when it was moved down the hill to its present location.  The programs and membership grew.  Another step in faith was taken with the construction of present children’s wing and fellowship hall in the late 1950s.  Our present sanctuary was added in 1966.  Since 1966, we have constructed adult Sunday school classrooms and added to our sanctuary and fellowship hall.