Our Beliefs

We believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was *buried; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  We believe in the Holy Spirit, the **holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 

* or "He descended into hell"
** "universal"

Note: This is the Traditional version of the Apostles' Creed as currently printed in the United Methodist Hymnal.

Our History

In 1875, Arnold Taft organized a Sunday school, which met at a schoolhouse that he had built at Taft's Landing. Rev. L. L. Nash was invited to hold revival services at Taft's schoolhouse that same year.  The crowd was so large that the building could not accommodate them! A "bush shelter" was built across the road from Winfield Tucker's home and Salem Methodist Church was organized.

In 1880, a church building, given by the Jarvis Memorial Methodist congregation, was disassembled and moved by raft down the river from Greenville to Taft's Landing and it was then carried by mule and carriage to the Simpson area.

A new wood frame church was built in 1914 at our present location on land given by William E. Tucker.  Key leaders in the church during those years were Rev. Daniel Lane, W. E. Tucker and J. C. Galloway.

By 1951 this building was in need of replacement.  With help from Reverend C. G. Nickens and Reverend N.B. Hill, money was raise to build a new church, which was dedicated in 1956.  In 1958, Salem was appointed its first full time pastor, Reverend Alton Lancaster.

By the late 1980's a fellowship and education building was needed.  Under the leadership of Reverend C. B. Owens, the building was built in 1989 and dedicated in 1992.  Worship services were held in the fellowship hall as extensive renovations were made to the sanctuary building. 

The recent repair and remodeling of the Paramore Building reflects the continued commitment of the people of Salem UMC to serve the Body of Christ.