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Salem Presbyterian Church |
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The First Church in the [Delaware] township, was Presbyterian, and during the early days of its existence, was known as Upper Salem. It was organized in 1800. The first sermon in the congregation was preached on the banks of the Shenango, near where Greenville now stands. Mr. [Samuel] Tait preached the first Sabbath, and Mr. Stockton the next. After this preaching was enjoyed at a tent near the site of the present Salem Church. At the organization, J. Stinson, Robert Mann, and Samuel Williamson, were the first ruling elders. Mr. Tait was ordained as the first pastor, November 19, 1800, in connection with Cool Spring. This arrangement continued until June, when Mr. Tait was released, giving half his time to Mercer. In June 1813, Mr. Tait relinquished Cool Spring, and gave a portion of this time to Salem, until the year 1826, when he gave the whole of his time to Mercer. On the 13th of October, 1828, Rev. James Alexander was ordained and installed as the pastor of Salem, in connection with Greenville and Big Bend. He was released from this charge, June 15th, 1834. On the 12th of April, 1836, Rev. James G. Wilson was ordained and installed as pastor, in connection with Greenville. He was released in 1851. Rev. James H. Callen supplied the church a short time; also Rev. T. P. Johnson, until 1857. In 1858, Rev. James Coulter supplied it, and in 1859 Rev. David Grier. It has since been supplied by Rev. John W. McCune. The present church is the third building. The first was of logs, and situated a little below the present site. Samuel Caldwell, Sr., was a |
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very active and prominent member, being, at different times, treasurer, and a member of the session. It was customary to pay the early preachers in grain and other produce, and Mr. Caldwell states that his father used to collect it, and send him to carry it, on horse-back, to Mr. Tait, who resided near Mercer. History of Mercer County, 1877, page 27 |
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Formerly
Upper Salem Presbyterian Church
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