Old Salem Community Church was founded in 1786 and dedicated to God. It has also been called "Salem - House of Peace." Originally the church was merely a tent. Then, in 1799 the tent was replaced by a large log building. The log building was 70 feet by 40 feet and capable of holding 600-800 people. Old Salem was the only church in Derry Township at that time.In 1832 this log building was renovated
, plastered and weather boarded to withstand the weather and it cost $617. In order to renovate the church the pews were sold at auction to the highest bidder and annual rent was to be paid for use of the pew and to pay to support the pastor. At this time three large wood stoves were put in to keep it warm during the cold months. In 1848, a boy during the kindling of one, filled the stoves with shavings. A strong wind caught the shavings and they started to blaze catching the roof on fire. Unfortunately it did not take long to set the structure ablaze and the church burned down. The congregation was saddened at their loss but quickly got to work. They set to build a new church and this one was made of brick. It was 45 feet by 55 feet and cost them $1900. The congregation became smaller at this point with the emigration to other community churches that were now forming. In 1963 the church was restored and redecorated after a tornado struck in April causing extensive damage. Glenn Kepple set to work on a campaign to raise the funds to restore the church. These women worked tremendously hard to get donations and to achieve the help to restore the church. The first service held after restoration was on Sunday August 25th, 1963 at 2:30 pm by Mr. William Love of the Church of The Open Door. More work was to be done. Mr. Glenn Kepple and his son graded and built a new driveway, the church organ was repaired by Mrs. Margaret Giffen, the DiSalvo family donated a piano, and many more of the community helped to restore, repair and revitalize Old Salem. Thanks to the hardworking people in the community regular church services started up again and continue at 2:30 pm every Sunday afternoon. In 1986 the church celebrated its bicentennial-200 years of worship services despite the many challenges it faced over the years. Then in 1986 Isabel Green worked hard to discover many interesting details of the church and wrote a short book on its history. Old Salem Community Church is a site included in the Derry Area Historical Society as well. Our church continues to hold services every Sunday at 2:30 pm. Anyone and everyone are welcome to join us for service. We are pleased to welcome all.
