Salem Baptist Church

OUR HISTORY

 

  Rev. H. W. Long (1945-1966)

 

  Salem Baptist Church was organized under the leadership of the late Rev. H. W. Long on August 12, 1945, at the home of Mrs. Marie P. Hill on Chestnut Street in Darlington, SC.  All meetins were held in Mrs. Hill's home until Rev. Booker, the pastor of Palmetto Baptist, Darlington, SC and his members permitted Salem to hold their church services there every first and third Sunday.

  In 1947, Rev. Long and his members were successful in building Salem Baptist Church at the rear end of their property off of South Main and Kirven Streets.  Deacons were G.P. Kelly, Jr. - Chairman, H.P. Parson, and J. W. Wingate, Trustees were S. E. Kelly - Chairman, A. W. Stanley, and I Blackmon.  Rev. Long passed in 1966.

 

Rev. Charlie J. Young (1967-1983)
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  Rev. Charlie J. Young became the second pastor of Salem in December 1967.  Rev. Young along with the faithful members carried out the wish of Rev. Long; the erection of the "New" Salem Baptist Church.  The "New" churhc was built on the designated plot, facing South Main Street.  It was completed June 3, 1973.  The cross behind the pulpit was made and donated by Bro. Nathaniel Wilds, one of our dedicated trustees.

 At that time, our Deacons were G. P. Kelly - Chairman, Feddie W. Poole, and Joseph Fields.  The Trustees were Hammond Bacote - Chairman, Eddie Gilmore, Nathaniel Wilds, and Alzonzo Taylor.  The Church Clerk was Marcella Wingate.  Deaconesses were Harry L. Kelly, Rosa L. Poole, and Emma R. Fields.  Rev. Young resigned in May 1983.

 

​Rev. Melvin Mack (1983-2005)

 

  Rev. Melvin Mack became our third pastor in August of 1983.  Under Rev. Mack's leadership the church first Policy Manual and by-law's were created in June 1994.  Other things accomplished by Rev. Mack were: a handicap ramp and lanai was added to the front of the church, new carpet and lighting fixtures were changed.  Vacation Bible School, Willing Workers, Pastor's Aid, and Praise Dance Team were organized.