The settlement of this section of the country north of the Ohio River began after 1795, and was made possible by the victories of General Anthony Wayne over the Indians.
The first settlers were Christian people. The first preaching of the gospel to them was by Reverends John McMillin and Thomas Marquis. They were appointed by the Presbytery of Ohio at Chartier's Church, near Canonsburg at a meeting on October 25, 1796. Reverends John McMiIlin and Thomas Marquis were to supply "on the Northwest of the River Ohio on the second and third Sabbaths of October, 1796." The next October, the Presbytery of Ohio met at the same place and "supplications" were made for supplies by Mount Pleasant and New Salem Churches, and Reverend Patterson was appointed to supply one Sabbath at each place. In April 1799, a call was presented to Reverend Thomas E. Hughes to serve both churches.
The first service was held in a tent not far from the Caughey burying ground, which today is located on Windover Drive. Logs were cut later on, and a rough log church was built not far from where the present building stands. In the year 1882, the rough log church was torn down and replaced by a church built of hewed logs. In the year 1850, the present building was erected, and it was remodeled in 1893. The grounds where the church now stands were given by George Foulks; later Andrew Glass gave a portion of the grove, including the church spring.
The name Salem is of Old Testament origin, but it is probable that it was given to this church because a number of its first members came from the Salem church in Westmoreland County, and, wishing to name this new church for the one to which they formerly belonged, they called it "New Salem." The earliest membership record is of the year 1804, when there were 41 members.
In 1862 the church charter was recorded at the Beaver County Court House, Beaver, Pennsylvania.
In 1902, the parsonage was built. This consisted of eight rooms, stable, outbuildings and a water supply. The original subscription (price) to build was $945.00. In 1903, the church was roofed and a new fence was built around the church. In 1908, gasoline lamps were bought for the church. In 1914, a telephone was placed in the parsonage.
In 1916, a furnace was installed in the church. Previously, there were two large potbellied stoves used for heat, and it is recorded that the preacher often wore his overcoat when preaching.
In 1920, the By-Laws were amended to permit women to be eligible as trustees, and in 1937, electricity was placed in the church. In 1957, the church was turned in the direction to face SR 168, and a basement was built which the church was set upon. Another remodeling of the church took place in the 1960's.
In 1993, the first woman minister was installed, the Reverend Raselyn K. Johnson, who we are blessed with as our minister today.
Each minister has contributed to their best ability to the spiritual development of the congregation of New Salem Church, and as a result, the church has continued for 200 years. Our church can't be measured solely by the influence of its pastors, but also by congregations who have been with many different pastors and helped the church stay active in the community. Because of their devotion, New Salem Church is now a Historical Landmark registered with Beaver County. Several times over the years, the congregation has wondered if they would have enough money or people to continue to keep the doors open. Each time this has occurred, New Salem has been blessed, and now we have reached the 200th year of continued service for our Lord. We have so many blessings that we can be proud of, from the hard work and dedication, to the gospel of Jesus Christ that the former congregations have left for us. We, as a church family, should strive to continue for the same quality of faith we have inherited so our future generations will have a continued heritage passed on to them. We would like to thank each of you for your own contributions that have helped make this year, 1997, a truly wonderful memory for all of us. We are privileged and proud to be part of this historical event.
1796-1799 Rev. Patterson
1799-1807 Rev. Thomas Hughes
1813-1814 Rev. Ezekiel Glasgow
Supply Rev. Satterfield
Supply Rev. Valandingham
1820-1860 Rev. William Reed
1861-1863 Rev. George Johnson
1864-1865 Rev. Albert Dilworth
1866-1867 Rev. D. L. Dickey
1869-1871 Rev. Alexander McGaughey
Supply Rev. John R. Dundas
1875-1876 Rev. William Kane
Supply Rev. James Patterson
Supply Rev. Albert Dilworth
1901-1903 Rev. Robert H. Allen
1904-1908 Rev. J. Byers Brice
1909-1916 Rev. H. M. Hosack
Supply Rev. Alexander Gibson
1917-1920 Rev. Charles R. Steffey
1920-1922 Rev. Earnest Mechlin
1923-1925 Rev. William Cowieson
1927-1930 Rev. Shannon
1931-1938 Rev. A. G. Montgomery
1938 Rev. Francis Stewart
1939-1942 Rev. Robert Knapp
1943-1951 Rev. D. Porter Williams
1951-1954 Student Supplies
1954-1958 Rev. Lucas Gnle
1958-1960 Student Supplies
1961-1964 Rev. John Shearer
1964-1969 Student Supplies -
1969-1971 Rev. Richard McCune
1971-1973 Student Supplies
1974-1979 Rev. Ronald W. Moslener
1980-1986 Rev. George 0. Rogers
1986-1990 Rev. Richard Klein
1990-1991 Rev. George Carson
1991-1993 Rev. William Lightbody
1993- Rev. Raselyn K. Johnson