About 1834, the date of the beginning of the religious “class” that we now know as Salem; the fires of the Miami Indians were going out and there songs were to be heard no more. The Miami’s occupied about 52,000 acres in the NW corner of Boone County, Indiana until this time. An unbroken wilderness, no roads, no mills, deep tangled brush and vines and a good portion covered with water.

To this gloomy place around 1823-24 came a few hardy pioneers. Primarily from KY, PA and North Carolina. Names like Patrick Sullivan, John Byrd Harmon, William Zion, W.H. Crose, and others.

Named after Daniel Boone, the noted KY hunter; Boone County was organized in 1830 with only 622 residents. Roads, such as The Michigan Road, were laid out in 1830. The railroads were in operation. Growth was aggressive in Boone county… from 622 residents in 1830 to nearly 32,000 in 1880.

Eagle Village for many years was the voting place; and it was here, most of the business was done in “Eagle Creek Country” as it was known. This ended with the construction of the Indianapolis & Lafayette Road in 1852, when Zionsville sprang up one mile to the west.

THE COUNTY SEAT OF LEBANON… HOW IT CAME TO BE

According to the legislature of 1830, the Governor of the State appointed five commissioners to locate the county seat of Boone county. Three of the five met near the center of Boone in May 1931. They came upon a tall, dense forest of large trees with a dense growth of underbrush and saplings. After 2-3 days, they stood on a rise, made their decision and drove a stake where the courthouse now stands. That is all that was done to establish the location of what is now Lebanon. Not one resident yet existed in this place.

One problem though… they had to give this place a name. As the story is told in 1887, a Mr. A.M. French, the youngest of the five commissioners, gazed up at the tall trees and they reminded him of the tall cedars of Lebanon in sacred history. The name was fixed and Lebanon, Indiana it became.

1834-1849  PRE-CHURCH DAYS OF THE SALEM CONGREGATION OR “CLASS” AS IT WAS KNOWN

In 1834, in southwest Eagle Township, a group of people regularly met in their homes for spiritual devotions to form one of the oldest religious congregations in Indiana today.  Services, or “classes” were held in this manner until 1849 when the first Salem church was built on what used to be Salem Road, now South 800 East or as some of us know, Kissel Road. An old wagon track nearby ran roughly northeast and southwest.  A depression, which is all that is left of that early dirt road can still be seen in our cemetery.

Due to great faith, courage and determination of the pioneers of this time, they started one of the oldest, active congregations still in Boone County, Salem Methodist Church.

Several churches in this area had been established around 1834 – Pleasant Hill in 1832, which later became Trader’s Point of which only the cemetery currently remains. Jones Chapel and Bethel, as well as a church in Eagle Village, also started in 1832.  The Eagle Village church later moved to Zionsville.  Old Augusta was organized in 1833 and Ebenezer Christian Church in 1834, an origin to what is now Traders Point Christian Church.

Class leaders of the time played very active roles in the beginning of early churches including Salem.  Often self-appointed but not left on their own, classes were visited every month or two by Circuit Riders. The Circuit Riders were ordained Methodist Episcopal clergymen. Being ordained, he alone could perform such sacraments as communion, marriage and baptism.

I was usually young, literally living out of his saddlebags, traveling by horseback from meeting to meeting and never without his Bible or “Book of Discipline”. Congregations of the time were all served by these Circuit Riders, recognized by their long dark cloak, rounded black brim hats and long hair.

Historical archives show the first preacher in this area to be Rev. Asa Beck who served this group in 1834 and 1835. Historical commentary indicates Rev. Beck made the circuit every four weeks.  He generally was associated with a younger man, probably a student who also went around the circuit in four weeks, so services at each meeting place would be held every two weeks with the older preacher alternating with the younger one.  In between times, the group or Sunday School class would still meet and one of their own would lead them in spiritual devotions.

Early history tells us Circuit Riders could arrive on weekdays, not just Sunday.  When this occurred farmers were called in from working in the field for the service and then would return to their work at the end of the service.

For the first fifteen years, the small congregations met in various homes in the community. These were believed to be in the homes of Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Hall or Mrs. & Mrs. George Wood.  It is certain that these so-called ‘cottage’ meetings continued until the first church was built in 1849.

The land on which the church was to be built was acquired in 1834 from the government by George Wood, one of the pioneer members of this congregation.  Andrew Jackson was President at the time.

George Wood and his wife Elizabeth Wood, deeded the land for the church in 1849 to William Lemon, William Johnson and Jonathan T. Hall who were named as the first trustees. The ground for the cemetery was also given at the same time as the church site, part of it by George Wood and two additional parcels given later by a Thomas T. Wood, son of George Wood.

The deed, a quaint document with duplicate forms, was recorded on May 31, 1849, in Deed Book #9 by James McCann, the Boone County Recorder.  This recording, according to a notation on the deed, was ‘gratuitous.’   The consideration given in the deed was ten dollars ($10.00), but Mr. & Mrs. Wood generously waived the consideration and so the land was a gift.  Due to a fire in Lebanon where all documents were stored, the deed has a second recording dated June 3, 1857 in Record Book #3, page 270.

Quoting from the original deed, “This Indenture made the 13th of March in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty-nine (and recorded May 30, 1849 – 1st recording) between George Wood and Elizabeth Wood, his wife, of the County of Boone and State of Indiana of the one part and William Lemon, William Johnson and Jonathan L. Hall, Trustees, in part for the Methodist E Church of the County and State aforesaid.”

SALEM CHURCH OF 1849

The first church of which we have definite recorded information was indeed built in 1849, fifteen years after the organization of the “classes.”  The meetings had been going on and apparently growing, almost entirely without ownership of real or personal property of any kind.

The first building for Salem Church was placed on the shoulder of a knoll that dipped down to the banks of our nearby stream, Fishback Creek, which gave “freshness to the land, recreation for the boys, and refreshment to bird and beast and man”. Over the valley to the little hills in every direction, one had the ability to look at fertile farmlands, well-tended abundant crops and large droves of grazing cattle.  Orchards, here and there, bore their fruit and golden grains were in the fields as far as the eye can see.

There is an interesting record, probably by Jonathan L. Hall, of the donations of time and labor made toward the building.  From it we find that one day’s work rated from 25 cents to 50 cents, depending on whether the worker was a man or a boy. Samuel Cooper was the builder, and Hiram Harmon put on the rafters. Hiram was paid $1.00.  There is no record that Mr. Cooper was paid, or if so, how much.

The original building was 30 feet wide, 36 feet long, and 12 feet high.  There is a pencil sketch on cardboard drawn by Emory Shaw of this first building.

The building was somewhat different from most Methodist churches of that day.  Most were built with two front doors, one for the men and one for the women.  But the men and women of this church seemed from the beginning to be willing to use the same entrance.  However once inside they divided – women sat on one side and the men sat on the other side in gender segregated pews.  (An old saying from those days…they divided the sheep from the goats – always has been, is now and shall forever be.)

The central stove and the high straight-backed pews of the interior were common furnishings of the mid-1800s.  The pulpit was high with at least three steps leading up to it.

Since George Wood had migrated to Boone County from Salem, North Carolina and then from Salem, Indiana in Washington County, he requested that this church be named Salem. His request was granted with the church name recorded as Salem Methodist Episcopal Church.

By a sad coincidence, the first grave in the little cemetery in August 1849 was the five-year old daughter of the donors, George and Elizabeth Wood.  Later in the same month, a little five-year old boy, son of William Lemon, was buried in the second grave.  Mr. Lemon was one of the trustees of the church.  The first adult to be buried in Salem Cemetery was Mrs. Eliza McCabe, wife of Robert McCabe, in November 1849 at the age of 38 years.

Life on the farms of this community was somewhat isolated.  The majority of the people lived in comparatively quiet times, with their hard work centering around the home and their social and emotional life centering around the church.

As some may know, the town of Zionsville began as a promotion by railway speculator William Zion, who partnered with Boone County landowner Elijah Cross to build a railway station on Cross's land in Eagle Township. The town was chartered in 1852, and the first resident was John Miller, who built and lived in a boarding house. By the 1860 census, the population of Zionsville was counted at 364.

In this period, local businesses and houses of worship, specifically the local Methodist and Church of Christ parishes, relocated from nearby Eagle Village closer to bustling Zionsvile. Abraham Lincoln made a whistle-stop speech in Zionsville in 1861 when traveling to his inauguration.

Also, at this time, it gives cause to emphasize… over the last several years, with recent acts of terrorism both in the U.S. and worldwide, we have watched at home on our televisions the tragedies and atrocities of war from around the globe. While hard to imagine and comprehend, at the same time of the beginning of this peaceful little church, The American Civil War was raging as close as Kentucky, Tennesee and Georgia from 1861–1865.

Yes, these years were challenging, hard working, and fast changing. God was there then as He is now and evermore. With a fast growing local population, fertile farmlands providing many with prosperity, a new church was in need in this community and it came to be.

1885… Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is published.  The Washington Monument is dedicated in Washington, DC.  American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) incorporates.  The Statute of Liberty arrives in NYC aboard the French ship “Isere”.  A first gasoline pump is delivered to a gasoline dealer in Ft Wayne, Ind.  And Salem’s new church is built in Zionsville, IN.

The first Salem Church built in 1849 lasted almost half a century.  This original structure was sold to Larkin Beck for $30.00.  It was moved and used as a barn on the place owned by a J. E. Haller. When the old church of 1849 was moved away, “a beautiful edifice was to take its place which would be convenient and modern in its furnishings according to the demands of the times”.

This was in 1885. William Lemon, Tom Shaw and Pryor Brock constituted the Building Committee, and they were in charge. Ira Calvin and William McKinzie, carpenters from Zionsville, were hired to build the church.  While they were building the church, they lived at the home of Peter Bender nearby.  They worked on the church from dawn to dusk throughout the autumn.

William McKinzie later became a minister and was a presiding elder in 1905. An Article of Agreement was found which actually had two dates written on it – August, 1886 is at the top of the page, but it has a line drawn through it and underneath it has May, 1885.

It reads as follows:

“This agreement was between the Trustees of Salem Church of the first part and John Dyson of the second part witnessed that the party of the first part, meaning Salem Church, hath this day let out the job of building and completing the church to John Dyson and Nathan French for the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars, and the party of the second part meaning John Dyson and Nathan French doth agree or bind him or themselves to complete said church in the following manner:

FIRST- Cover said church with shingles to be made of walnut or poplar or both, and to be well put on – the work to be done in good workmanlike manner of good seasoned lumber.

SECOND- Furnish the lumber to make a sufficient number of pews for said church of the proper length and width which is to be made of good walnut lumber and not painted or of poplar lumber to be painted a lead color.  Note:  These same new pews are still being used in the church today by the choir and also in the Sanctuary Annex.

THIRD- Paint said church white, to be well painted – the doors and windows to be painted with three coats of paint inside and outside, all to be done in good order.

FOURTH- It goes on about building a pulpit to be seven feet in length with a column at each end to be made after the same form or manner of the pulpit at Pleasant Hill church and to be made of walnut lumber and to be done in good workmanlike manner.

FIFTH- To furnish two window shutters to each window to be put on the windows with bolts and screws of sufficient size. The aisle was to be in the center of the church, as it was in the first church of 1849, and there were also side aisles which ran under the stove pipes. The work is to be completed by the 25th day of December, 1884”.

This building of 1885 cost about $1,800.00 of which approximately 80% was subscribed in advance and the rest immediately preceding the dedication. In those days, money had to be subscribed in full before a church could be dedicated.

The church was dedicated on Sunday, November 21, 1885.  Sadly, it rained all day.  What a surprise in Indiana?    People coming from a distance were supposed to eat dinner at the homes of those living near the church, but many housewives who had prepared for dinner guests were disappointed as most of the guests decided to go home immediately after the morning service.

A Rev. John Cissel, presiding elder, was the guest of honor and preached the sermon.  This dedication was the first occasion on which there was a musical instrument installed in the church for normal use.

The old church of 1849 had a melodeon owned by Fred Lowe, a local singing teacher, who had conducted singing schools (lessons) in the building. Melodeons, also known as a cabinet organ or American organ were built from 1846 until the Civil War era. It had never been used for a church service because too many members of the congregation was opposed to an instrument in a church. In 1885 the Salem congregation agreed to allow an organ in the church, so an organ from leading manufacturer-  Wilcox & White, was purchased.

The “Gay ‘90s” were marked by social activities, often sponsored for the community by the church. Quilting bees and husking bees were very common.  Bees were to help families meet their needs for shelter, food, and clothing. Labor intensive tasks like house and barn raisings, corn husking, quilting and sewing made into social gatherings and parties made tasks easier They also eliminated the need to hire the work done when money was scarce. “In these challenging times of today maybe we should bring back the bee!”.

The maple sugar camp at William Lemon’s was the scene of big sugaring-off parties every spring- a fete celebrating the spring flow of sap from the maple trees.

The large, main religious event of the early years was the quarterly conference.  All of the churches in the circuit attended.  The meetings were held on Saturday and Sunday.  The presiding elder, predecessor of the modern district superintendent, preached Saturday morning and night.  On Sunday morning a “love feast” was held followed by the sacrament and sermon by the presiding elder.  Somewhere in the proceedings, a basket dinner was also held. 

1899-1900. What Did They Celebrate Back Then?

1899 got off to a cold start. Some of the lowest temperatures ever recorded in the continental U.S. were in February of 1899. From -39º in nearby Ohio to -61 in Montana. Even Tallahassee reached -2. The first lawn mower was patented. Gideon Society was established to place bibles in hotels. The first automobile fatality occurred. Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900. US Steel corporation organizes and the U.S. Post Office issues its first books of postage stamps.

The “Sunday School” at Salem came into full growth before 1900.  It had existed but had been a secondary activity of the church.  Much of the credit for the work of growing this important ministry went to Mary Lemon when she suggested that the children each bring a penny each Sunday to help with the expenses.  After long and earnest debates, this was formally accepted and on one exciting Sunday morning, “Sunday School” officially began.  The money was used to buy Sunday School quarterlies as far as the money would go.  The rest of the children used their own Bibles.

The first missionary society was organized in 1900 by Mrs. Ira Calvin, who was the first president.  Charter members were:  Lillie Crose, Emma Green, Rebecca Harmon, Effie Moore, Anna Bender, Annie Marsh, Emaline Lemon, and Sara Burgin.

The Salem Church building of 1885 served the congregation until 1914 when at that time, it had long been the opinion of the people who were interested that some improvements should be made to the church property as a whole.  The building was out-of-date and did not meet the social as well as the spiritual needs of the people.

The congregation was large, the community was growing, and the Sunday School was prospering.  It appeared that the present site was a most desirable location.  The Salem Cemetery was already located there, and the character of the grounds made it most desirable for the church to stay in this area. A new part of the cemetery was opened as William Butler Crose, or Billy as he was known, and his wife Lillie Crose had given additional land for the cemetery.  Sugar trees were also planted by the road at Salem.

Many Eagle Township pioneers – heads of the leading families in the church – rested there in Salem Cemetery.  This subject was presented to the congregation and final action was taken in the appointing of a Building Committee composed of William B. Crose, Edward B. Bender, and Peter E. Moore. They were in charge. Trustees at that time were Emory L Shaw, Elza Marsh, and Oliver Green.

It was decided to move the existing building to the top of the knoll, just east of the present location with a basement needing to be dug on that spot.  There exists an old photograph from 1914 showing workmen lifting the 1885 Salem Church building and moving it just east of its former location.

John Venard was to be the builder of the new renovated church, and Frank Gregory to do the cement work.  The work was undertaken and resulted to be a great church for this rural community all the way to present times. The remodeled church of 1914 was not finished like the blueprint since the entrance to the existing building was a door in the center of the north wall.  This was changed to having the entrance door installed on the west side as suggested by Emory Shaw. The bell tower was built in 1914 when the new entrance was constructed. The original bell from 1914 is still used today.

The aisle in this new, remodeled church was to remain in the center as it was in the first church.  There were side aisles which ran under the stove pipes.  The building had been heated with stoves in the center of the east and west walls.  It also had two chimneys.

Mainly because there were no classrooms or recreation rooms, it was decided to enlarge and remodel the church building for greater usefulness.  As the main auditorium or sanctuary was only 32’ x 54’, an addition extending the west wall with a 20’ x 30’ classroom, a 10 x 20’ nursery room, and a 12’ x 12’ vestibule (Narthex) was to be built.  The first church bell would be added to the steeple of the building and a furnace would be added in the basement.

The round “Dove” window, representing the Holy Spirit bringing his love down to us, was installed in the south wall (as it is today up behind me) and the north wall had one to match it. New pews were purchased at this time…so the pews that are in our sanctuary today are indeed the pews from 1914!!!  (These pews were repaired and refinished in 2008.)

The total remodeling cost in 1914 was $5,474 of which William B. Crose and his wife, Lillie, gave $2,250.  Russell Marsh, a young man just starting a new business, gave $100.  These were the only donations of which there is public knowledge since the rest is sealed in the Cornerstone of Salem Church.

A large audience witnessed the impressive ceremonies of the cornerstone laying at 4:00 pm, Sunday afternoon, June 21, 1914.  Ralph P. Bundy, in an eloquent address, illustrated the material value of a church to a community - how all other property increased because of its existence.  Professor Stonecipher spoke of the intellectual and moral value of the church – take the church out of a community and you take out everything else worthwhile.  It fosters morality, intelligence, and philanthropy.  Mr. John M. Mills told of the struggles of Methodism for better moral conditions.

Prior to the cornerstone ceremony, an address was delivered by Raphael P. Bundy on “The Church as an Asset.”  T. H. Stonecipher, Superintendent of the Zionsville School, also delivered an address on “The Church as an Intellectual Asset.”  John M. Mills spoke on the spiritual side of the church, and a history of the congregation was read by E. B. Bender.

A copper box, given by H. E. Hill of Zionsville, was placed in the Cornerstone with documents that were available.  Salem has a list of those Cornerstone items on file.

The remodeled Salem Church building was completed and the day of dedication was planned with great care.  It was a beautiful day without a cloud in the sky – the fall air gave zest and goodwill to all. That day was September 13, 1914. The Rev. E. C. Wareing, associate editor of the “Western Christian Advocate,” delivered the dedication sermon and was followed by Rev. U. G. Leazenby, the District Superintendent who had charge of finance. In an afternoon session there was a formal dedication, by Salem pastor Rev. Allen P. Delong, assisted by others. The basement dining room was used for the first time with a basket dinner on this occasion.

Also on this great day, William B. and Lillie A. Crose presented a piano to Salem Church.  Several members of the congregation made donations to be used for new stained glass windows which replaced the plain glass windows previously on the east and west walls of the building.

These are the windows you see today by donors Samuel Larkin and Elzira Beck, Peter H. and Margaret A. Bender, Newton and Juda Alice Carter, Charles F. and Mary Foreman, James Ellis and Sarah Alma Holler, Mary Lemon, William N. Lemon, John S. and Sarah A. Shaw, James and Adelaide Threewits, W.F.M.S. (Women’s Foreign Missionary Society), Men’s Bible Study and The Salem Sunday School. The beautiful window on the north wall of the sanctuary (behind you) depicting Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, was donated by Willam B. and Lillie A. Crose. And with the conclusion of this dedication, and this wonderful remodel of 1914- Salem Church went forth with their spiritual and social works as they still do today.

Early in the 1930s the kennels of Trader’s Point Hunt Club moved into the neighborhood. Salem Church was asked to open the hunting season on Thanksgiving Day with the annual ceremony of “The Blessing of the Hounds.”  The church agreed to participate and this ritual continued for several years.  A collection was taken up each year, and much re-decorating and/or improvements (such as a new roof, new electric lights, etc.) were accomplished through the generosity of the Trader’s Point Hunt Club members.

Around this time Mrs. Scott Harmon presented a new “Notice Board’ (or directory) in honor of her husband.  This was installed near the front entrance steps of the church and remains there today.

A one-week celebration of 100 years of active service by Salem Church (then known as Salem Methodist Episcopal Church) was held in October 18-23, 1934.  This “little white church on this winding country road” has long been one of the most attractive in the area for a long, long time.

A history of this friendly country church was compiled by Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Bender. The Centennial Observance was presided over by Rev. Earl Heimburger, the Pastor of Salem. Old-time meetings were re-enacted with Homecoming Day held on Sunday, October 28, 1934.

Music was provided during these services by the Salem Church Choir and Zionsville Choir; an old time singing school conducted by Baker Huckstep, a long-time singing master in the community.

Homecoming Day was observed on Sunday, with services in the forenoon, afternoon, and evening, and a basket dinner was held at the noon hour.  Special invitations were extended to former members, prior pastors of Salem Church and anyone who lived in the community previous to this time. And such was the times of the 100th anniversary of Salem Methodist Episcopel Church.

1934… The FDIC had just been established. Bob and Dolores Hope were united in marriage. The first Masters golf tournament began in Augusta, Georgia… and Bonnie and Clyde were on the loose.

The world needed God on its side then. It needs Him more and more each day. Our next segment will cover even more changes in this church and community from 1935-1984. Those were quiet years weren’t they, with World War II, the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s?

Two things ever-present in all of time- God and change.

1935… Just another year in time. Mary Pickford weds Douglas Fairbanks. Amelia Earhart flies from Honolulu to Oakland, CA (non-stop of course). Nylon is invented. Oh---We have to include a company Coopers, sells the first men’s briefs! The board game Monopoly was first sold. And sandstorms ravage the Great Plains now known as the Dustbowl.

In the 1920s and 30s much effort was growing nationally for unification between branches of Methodism. 1939 saw the merger of the Methodist Episcopal, the Methodist Episcopal South, (with few churches in Indiana), and the Methodist Protestant Churches . These were now unified and renamed into the larger Methodist Church organization.

The Great Depression of the 1930s brought difficulties for all. Church memberships and finances suffered but most congregations survived and became reinvigorated after World War II.

While the exact date of the beginning is unknown, Salem had a program called “Harvest Home” celebrated at Thanksgiving time each year. At times when there was not enough money to pay the minister one could hear the cackle of hen or sound of a duck or goose from the basement downstairs on Thanksgiving eve. These were offered as well as corn, potatoes, pumpkins, flour, sugar and such… all in an amount the congregation knew he needed.

Even with all the turmoil of the 1930s, these were busy times for Salem. Activities ranged from ice cream socials to serving meals at farm sales.  Cakes were brought by the church ladies to go with the ice cream.  A piece of cake with or without ice cream was expensive! … five or ten cents!

Salem still enjoys a busy calendar year with its Ice Cream Social in July, Annual Chicken Noodle Supper, other wonderful holiday events and the Chili Supper in February.

In the 1950s, four Sunday school rooms and an office were added to the basement, as well as restrooms. At the same time, it was decided to modernize the kitchen facilities. There are many of us here today who remember running around those new Sunday school rooms back then.

Another event of the 50s was Zionsville, who on August 9, 1952, celebrated its centennial anniversary. So yes, Salem’s origin of 1834 preceded the town of Zionsville’s in 1852.

In 1955, an organ was presented to Salem Church by Mr. and Mrs. Olin Walker.  This added so much to our Worship Services and is still the one played today by our one and only Marie Urick. Marie won’t fess up to the exact number of years she has played. She started playing that organ  when she was 18 years old and well… she just never quit. Her years of filling this church with music is only matched by her mother- Maude Atkins, who led our singing along with my mother Mary Jean Ottinger for many, many years. Between Marie, Maude and Mary Jean, they have filled this sanctuary with song for over 45 years. Mary Jean and Maude were committed to music in this church. If it was only the two of them, or one, … there will be music at Salem on Sunday morning. On one Sunday several years ago, a service was held without a song during the entire morning worship service. That happened once and was to be no more. It was proved how important music is to God’s ministry to the soul.

There are too many to mention who have given generously in time, talent, money and labor to this little country church on the hill.

In 1966, the Sanctuary was remodeled, especially remembering Ms. Dolly Burgin, her sister Icy Burgin, and Lillie Arbogast whose bequest prompted this work.  The ceiling was lowered and new florescent ceiling lights that you see above were installed. I submit it won’t be long before we again, see the original ceiling above those acoustic panels and fixtures like we used to have.

Moving ahead…The years of the 60’s and 70’s are known all too well. Years of growth and controversy… in business, politics, culture, the church, the world… and Eagle Township. Zionsville was changing, growing, humming along with both the health of the farm community and urban sprawl of Indianapolis.

But 1968 brought again one of the most important changes, …and renaming,… in Methodism. The Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethren Church united nationally into the United Methodist Church. Hence, the name changed once more--- Salem United Methodist Church.

Changes,  changes…. part of life… especially then. Beside organizational and name changes in the church were clergy from a variety of undergraduate programs and seminary graduates with differing Protestant traditions. New diversity offered a seemingly endless variety of liturgies and local doctrines for UMC congregations. Sometimes the pastor had church leadership. Other times leadership percolated up from the laity. With many not schooled in Wesleyan or Christian doctrines, many congregations were left confused.

Salem has rolled through the changing landscape with the best of them. For some, service means overseas missions. For others its taking care of our own across the street, the hungry, the poor, or to the elderly, or New Orleans, AIDS victims, or the all important pastoral visiting, one-on-one, upfront and personal in serious times of need.

And an informal style of worship grew…. Women began to wear slacks. Men (and women) wore jeans. Some preferred traditional hymns, others more contemporary styles of music. “I can still remember my grandfather, Carl Ottinger, who used to say “If I dress up for the banker, I’ll dress up for the Lord. He was not in attendance without a suit and tie”.

As times rolled on… in the 70s, … and in 1984, the year of Salem’s Sesquicentennial (or 150th) Celebration; these day were not without turbulent, emotional and interesting tests of change.

All was going smoothly in 1984 until the congregation learned our minister, Pastor David Campbell, was being transferred to Avon in June.  Since no ministers were available for Salem Church, the Conference was considering selling our church building and moving the  members to Zionsville United Methodist Church which had a much newer, larger sanctuary and was only four miles away in the village of Zionsville.

Salem members sternly resisted the change, so District Superintendent Sam Phillips sent his son, Robert, who had just graduated from college to ‘fill in’ during the summer before he left for Law School.  Miraculously, Pastor James Hertel, who was leading a group of ministers to the Holy Land, answered Salem’s call for a full time minister. Rev. Hertel, a recently retired minister with extensive knowledge of the Bible, the Holy Land, Greek and Hebrew Translation, university studies and radio evangelist, disliked “so called retirement’ and was drawn to this pretty little church in the country.

Just as our 175th year celebration, the congregation was excited about the 150th year anniversary events planned for September 1984. Rev. James Hertel Sr. was our new confirmed pastor. A book on Salem’s History was published, titled an “Old Fashioned Sunday in June” commemorating the major church remodel and placement of the Cornerstone at Salem’s Sanctuary seventy years earlier in 1914. Everyone would dress in 1800’s attire, participated in a pitch-in dinner followed by the official Sesquicentennial Program re-dedicating Salem Church.

Rev. Hertel enthusiastically continued to save souls for another thirteen years at Salem Church, ensuring continuity of our small congregation. He felt that keeping Salem’s church building in good repair and expanding the congregation (average Sunday attendance was 40 people) was mandatory to maintaining its existence. During his era (1984-1997), plexiglass covers were wisely placed to protect the beautiful stained glass windows you see today; a nursery downstairs was established, furnished and overseen by Ruth Wilson and Diane Ward; the UMYF was restarted under the efforts of Judy and Jim Washburn, Donna Ricketts, Dick Wheeler and Virginia Crose. Also in 1987, new carpet was installed, pew cushions added and other amenities where needed.

Pastor Hertel continued “Fellowship Time with Goodies’ before Sunday Services which Robert Phillips had initiated during his short but important time of transition in 1984.  This continues today as invaluable time to meet and greet before Sunday service. Rev. Hertel also initiated the Children’s Sermon during the weekly Sunday Service.  I believe I represent you all in emphasizing the fun and importance of this to our weekly Sunday service. This is currently led by Paula Overman. Thank you Paula!

Yes, in 1984 like the prior 100 years; Salem was ready to set sail for whatever came its way next.

In 1984 Clara Peller first asks, "Where's the Beef?" A 6 year old in Texas receives 1st heart and liver transplant. Madonna is introduced on American Bandstand. Apple unveils the Macintosh during the Superbowl. And Rev. Hertel was on a tear…

1985

Dow Jones closes at 1297.92 (record high) after topping 1300 earlier. See- things aren’t so bad after all.  Lets see… What else was happening in 1985? Mickey Mouse went to China. Bobby Knight threw a chair. Leaded gas is discontinued by order of the EPA. The first Internet domain name is registered (symbolics.com). April 23rd- New Coke replaces old Coke. July 10th- Old Coke comes back.

Such is the life and times, the ups and downs of 1985… not unlike today. Time always marches on… on its terms… with a mind of its own.

Rev. James Hertel Sr., introduced earlier as joining Salem as pastor in 1984, enthusiastically continued to advise, guide and counsel the souls of this community for thirteen years, ensuring continuity of a small congregation, but a congregation filled with love and vitality for this small and very meaningful place on earth. Pastor Hertel felt that keeping Salem’s church building in good repair, and a focus to expand the congregation was mandatory to maintain its existence. The average Sunday attendance back then was around 40.

During his era, from 1984 to 1997, plexiglas covers were placed on the outside of these beautifully stained glass windows around you today; a nursery was established downstairs in 1986, overseen by Ruth Wilson and Diane Ward who recognized the importance to nurture and provide for young families in the church, the “UMYF”, or United Methodist Youth Fellowship was restarted in 1987 under the efforts of Jim and Judy Washburn, Donna Ricketts, Dick Wheeler and Virginia Crose.

1987

In 1987, new carpet was installed in the sanctuary and pew cushions were added.  Pastor Hertel continued “Fellowship Time with Goodies’ before Sunday morning services which Rev. Robert Phillips had initiated during his short, but very helpful time in that transitory summer of ‘84.

And last but not least, Rev. Hertel also initiated the Children’s Sermon during the Sunday morning service.  “The children are the future” he emphasized and “teaching them early of God’s unconditional love should hold no equal in our priorities”. The Youth Ministry here at Salem is active and vibrant today, and is currently directed by Paula Overman. Thank you Paula!

1988

Judy and Jim Washburn helped initiate Salem’s Strawberry and Ice Cream Booth in 1988 at Zionsville’s Country Market Art Fair, held each May.  These proceeds helped fund Salem’s building and repair projects of which lately have been many.

The 1990s saw the beginning of Salem’s first monthly newsletter, later named “Salem Scribbles”.  The first editor was Cathy Siebert, followed by Janel Isaacs.  Kathy Mehlhop then took the reins from Janel.  After 6 years, Kathy asked for help and got it from Mary Ann Feeley.  When Mary Ann wanted to step down, Martha Randel then took over as the editor with Kathy helping with final edits and distribution. This newsletter continues today, hard copy or email, full of timely information of all the happenings of Salem with the professional skills of Martha Randel & Kathy Mehlhop. 1991 found the establishment of Salem’s College Fund to help our youth’s tuition bills.  Previously this was funded in part by the annual Ice Cream Social each July.

1994

In 1994, Robert Bender, Sr. oversaw the rebuilding of the entrance to Salem with a new covered porch, stairs and landing.  1996 brought the establishment of Salem’s Food Pantry under the direction of Dave Spencer.

1996

1996 proved to be a banner year when Pastor Hertel raised over $25,000 in 25 minutes one Sunday morning to help fund Salem’s planned projects-- including a new parking lot on the north side of Salem, sidewalks making the downstairs Fellowship Hall handicapped accessable, a total kitchen renovation (with the help of the UMW and men), beautiful new kitchen cabinets built by Bob Overman, the remodeling of Fellowship Hall, three new gas furnaces and five air-conditioning units.  A total of $37,726 was spent on these projects. This was not just what was needed then, but a commitment that this historic church is here to stay.

1997

1997 brought a sorrowful note with Pastor Hertel’s unexpected retirement after suffering from a stroke in early spring.  Pastor Hertel, after much careful consideration helped recruit a minister whom he admired and respected, Rev. Wayne Patton, to take over the pulpit. And so it came to be, in November of 1997, Salem bid farewell to another beloved minister of thirteen years…Rev. James Hertel.

1998

Pastor Wayne Patton certainly kept the momentum at Salem rolling.  In 1998, new furnishings were acquired for the Fellowship Hall, the parking lot was expanded south towards the Salem Cemetery, and an alarm system was installed due to the unfortunate incidents of church arsons in Boone County at that time.

1999

1999 brought improvements to make Salem more handicapped accessible and enjoyable to all.  A chairlift was installed, making both the upper and lower levels available to all members. A new sound system was installed, new hymnals and Bibles were purchased including some with enlarged print for the first time.

2000

Unfortunately the new Millennium brought illness to our pastoral leadership again.  For health concerns Pastor Patton believed it was in everyone’s best interest to retire and a minister from Indianapolis, Rev. Bonnie Plybon graciously assisted, again a transition time at Salem’s pulpit.  During the year 2000 that Rev. Plybon was here, the office was remodeled and Rev. Plybon initiated the Discipleship Bible Study Series which eventually led to the current Adult Bible Study Class held each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. following the regular church service.

2001

It was known that Bonnie Plybon’s heart was helping the unfortunate for the inner city. Rev. Plybon left Salem in 2001 from which another new light entered our chapel and that being Rev. Phil Lewis, also a “sort of” retired minister, who came to ‘fill in’ temporarily for two or three Sundays (so he thought)… He stayed for four wonderful years! Under his leadership, the Baptismal Dove stained glass window which had been removed, was returned to Salem by Tami Weber, restored and replaced to its original position over the alter with the support of Robert Bender, Sr. and Chalmer Crose.

2002

We probably don’t need to include but 2002 brought ‘Critter Control’ to Salem, removing over 1,200 bats (so they say) from the bell tower.  Ever hear the term- “Bats in your belfry?” Not to fear, they’re gone… we think.

2003

Much needed repairs were made to roofs, eaves and the belfry.  Paving of Salem’s parking lots were complete.  New front doors and a new epoxy floor in the kitchen and Fellowship Hall were accomplished in 2003.

2005

In 2005, another permanent retirement occurred with Rev. Phil Lewis.  Rev. Patton returned again to Salem with the assistance of his friend, Rev. James E. Miller. Rev. Patton had his final Salem Church farewell in June 2008.  Salem held a lovely event honoring his many wonderful years in ministry as well as his time at Salem Church.  Happily, he still returns as a visitor, (we’ve seen him sneak in at times), and is a substitute speaker when needed.

2007

In 2007, Scott and Natalie Kruger started the first website for Salem UMC.  Since then Dominic Lizama brought his computer and web design talent to the web site.  It is now maintained by Kathy Mehlhop, Natalie Kruger, Martha Randel & Tim Ottinger--the Communications committee.

2008

Pastor Jim Miller took over the reins July 1, 2008 and has continued Salem’s vitality and growth.  He said it had been 40 years since at the pulpit but we find that hard to believe. His Sunday messages are meaningful and aptly from the times we live. If there is someone ill or in need of a visit, more often than not- by the time Rev. Miller is called he has already been to see the friend in need.

In 2008, under Mary Jean Ottinger’s direction, Salem’s 90-year old pews were wonderfully refurbished.  A humidifier system was installed to maintain the health of these refurnished pews. Additional recent projects have been many- a larger meeting/conference room downstairs; new carpeting in classrooms, the stairs and Annex, new lighting, new cabinetry in the vestibule and choir room, and refurbished flooring in the Annex, and new painting of the Altar area and Sanctuary, not to mention much new woodwork beautifully matching the old with the new.

Pastor Miller continues our Christmas Eve Services (which were begun by Rev. Patton in 2006), and Pastor Miller initiated Maundy Thursday Services in 2007.  Both of these evening events are beautiful, richly significant and greatly appreciated by the congregation.

Our congregation is small compared with others, but we are obviously very proud of the heritage of our friendly little country church. It is still under research if we are indeed the oldest continuously active church in Boone County. Our average Sunday worship attendance today is about 75, and many of those attendees are ancestors to those who started this little country church in “cabin” homes so many years ago…  with a uncompromising faith, courage and determination to make it work.

2011

In 2011 the members and congregation of Salem have provided vital ministries to our community and to county organizations such as The Caring Center in Lebanon, Fletcher Place, the Indiana United Methodist's Children's Home, Love INC of Boone County, School on Wheels, The Shalom Community of South Lebanon and many more.

2016

In 2016, Kathy and Martha brought together a new photo directory. This directory is given to new members of the church to help them acquaint themselves with Salem.

2017

On March 26, 2017, Salem said farewell to Rev. & Mrs. Miller with a Cubs themed retirement sendoff. Two weeks prior, Governor and Mrs. Eric Holcomb presented Rev. Miller with his second Sagamore of the Wabash. Rev. Miller is now working on his first book.

2020

Due to Covid 19 we were unable to offer the Ice Cream Social or the Chicken Noodle Dinner in 2020.

During the time that we have been out of the church, the Trustees began the process of preserving the beautiful stained glass windows.  New siding, a new handicapped accessible ramp, new front steps and new ADA compliant doors have also been contracted since May 2020.  Plans are in the works to also remodel the restrooms to also be ADA compliant.

2021

Pastor Regina (Gina) Kirkland was assigned to Salem as the emeritus minister until June 30, 2021. She is also continuing the tradition of Maundy Thursday service.

Pastor Perry Montgomery was assigned to Salem as the senior pastor until December 1, 2021.

Recent growth has focused in the area of families with young children. We love children and it shows.

For infants and toddlers we offer a staffed nursery to afford parents or guardians the opportunity to refresh your soul in our sanctuary attending our adult oriented worship service. The nursery has toys aplenty for young creative minds and equipped for personal infant care needs.

Children are our future. They play an active role singing songs early the worship service and learning God's love during "Children's Time", a long time Salem ritual of a brief lesson in front of the congregation which is meaningful, heartfelt and often brings laughter with the honest responses those little ones come up with!

We offer Sunday School to those of elementary school age as well as a Youth Class for those from middle school through high school ages during the worship service upstairs.

Throughout the year there are many opportunities for our youth to get involved with local ministries, service projects, mission work, camp outs and just good clean fun. Again, this year our Missions Fund sponsored those who wanted the opportunity to go to UMC Youth Camps this summer! It is often stated that many a meaningful Christian life and lifetime friendship sprouted from a church youth camp opportunity.