Salem
Evangelical Lutheran Church began life in New Ephrata, Pennsylvania on
February 13, 1852. Members of the Lutheran and German Reformed Friedens
Church resolved to erect a Union Church on Apple Street to serve both
congregations and were known as Friedens Union Church. The facility was
used by both congregations, but on alternating Sundays.
As time
passed and both churches grew, the single facility became too small. A
Board of Appraisers evaluated the property and an offer of $600.00 was
made by the Reformed congregation and accepted by the Lutheran
congregation to purchase the existing property. Ground was purchased on
Main Street for a new Lutheran Church and excavation began in late
November 1901. The new facility was dedicated September 7, 1902.
For
many years, a minister served more than one parish. Over the years the
same minister served Emmanuel, Jerusalem, White Oak (Penryn), Manheim,
Muddy Creek and Swamp as well as Salem, a group of seven churches. A
later grouping of parishes was Salem, Swamp, St. John’s and Mellingers.
These groupings changed as membership and other needs changed. In 1963
Salem became a one church parish and remains so today.In 1913, it was
decided to preach in German every six weeks instead of every 4 weeks.
1913 also saw the church wired for electricity. The fixtures were
updated in 1934 and 1938 saw the regular use of bulletins. The
educational annex was added in 1958. This included adding indoor
plumbing. Educational facilities were again enlarged in 1974 with the
addition of a classroom and study for the pastor.
Salem added
a second Sunday worship service for the summer of 1986 and again for
the summer of 1987. The decision was made to continue with two services
on a regular basis in September 1987.
In 1993 a 2-story addition
that included classrooms, Church Office, Pastor’s Study, Nursery, Alter
Care Room, Kitchen and Fellowship Hall was added.The congregation began
celebrating the Lord’s Supper weekly at both Sunday Services in
December 2000. We also dedicated an improved and expanded sound system
in the fall of 2000. 2002 saw the Celebration of 150 years of Salem
Evangelical Lutheran Church with commemorative services and many other
special events. For
additional information, please contact the Church Office:
717-733-6646 office@salemephrata.org
or e-mail the
Pastor
Home
