THE FIRST CHURCH

The Salem UM Church in Selbyville was organized in 1790 in the home of David James Murray, who lived on a farm in Polly’s Branch. Soon 28 people were converted at a basket meeting in the grove at Sandy Branch. A chapel was built near here, but there no records about this first building can be found. It served the purpose of the new "Methodist Society" as it was then called. Salem was the fourth Methodist Church in Sussex County.

THE SECOND CHURCH

The second church building was erected in 1812 at the site of Sandy Branch. It was about 18 x 20 feet with a fireplace for heat and lightwood torches were used at night for lights. The original church’s interior was made of pine slabs with rough sticks for legs. Besides being a church the building was also used later for public school purposes. In November, 1833, Milbern Murray and his wife Rebecca for $1.00 each, deeded the Salem Meeting House for "use by members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States as well as a school house."

THE THIRD CHURCH

In the 1840's a new pattern of church activity was brought to Delaware from the western frontier-camp meetings. A camp meeting was held where the Red Men’s Cemetery is presently located. Stimulated by the fever of revival, a new church was constructed near the former one, on the property of Zeno Long. Long and his wife Rebecca deeded the property site to the trustees "beginning at the intersection of State Road with the Unity Grove Swamp Road on the north side thereof." May 3, 1849. The building, 30 by 40 feet, cost about $1,500. The church was lighted by tallow candles in brass candlesticks. The church had a balcony for negroes. Prior to 1935, when the building was destroyed by fire, I. Curtis Long used it as a barn. The first production of a play in this area "Queen Esther" was held in this building. A large stage was made for its presentation and many locals participated in it. It was also a familiar sight at nights to see ladies walking home after services smoking their clay pipes which were lighted from the tallow candles.

THE FOURTH CHURCH

At the same time the town of Selbyville had sprung up and in 1883 the site of the church was changed. In 1884, a new building was erected at a cost of abut $7,000. Chandeliers holding kerosene lamps were used in the new building. In 1911, the building was moved to the opposite end of the lot on Dukes Street. Later it was used as a school for the younger grades. This old Salem Church, which had been moved to this plot to make room for the present stone edifice, was destroyed by fire in October of 1922

THE FIFTH CHURCH

The present Salem Church was built in 1911 & 1912 and cost $15,000. It was dedicated on July 14, 1912 with a parsonage.

EDUCATIONAL BUILDING

During the pastorate of The Rev. W. Vaughn Moore, (1931-33) the dream of more adequate housing for the church activities was born. A committee was formed and authorized to investigate and "follow every line possible" to this end. Plans were drawn for an educational building at an estimated cost of $40,000.

The first funds made available for this future project were received under the pastorate of the Rev. James Ennis (1941-43). At the beginning of 1944, when Rev. Charles Jarvis was pastor, a survey committee was established and authorized to study the housing needs for the church and community program. During the study period, the finance committee received in subscription and cash $42,925. On October 8, 1945, upon adoption of the survey committee report, the Official Board authorized the appointment of a Building Committee. On May 11, 1947, the official Board approved the report of the committee and authorized the construction of the building at an estimated cost of $180,000, of this amount $90,000 was in the bank.

Ground was broken on June 10, 1947 and it was opened on Sunday, November 21, 1948. On this day and the proceeding Sunday $90,000 of additional funds was raised in cash making it possible to pay all bills pertaining to the construction and furnishings of the new addition named Salem Educationsl and Recreational building.

The recreational room was known as social hall until 1988, when it was changed to "Salem Center" and it has served us well ever since.