This history appeared in Morton Montgomery's 1908 edition of The History of Berks County, p. 987
Surnames: BEITELMAN, SHALTER, MIESSE, LEINBACH, DANNER, YUNDT, SNYDER, HERBEIN, IAEGER, BROWNMILLER, MOYER
Shalter's (Salem) Reformed and Lutheran Union Church- Highly located in the northern section of Upper Alsace township, in the midst of a beautiful agricultural district, stands this neat house of worship. As early as 1790 Dietrich Beitelman set apart a small tract of land at this place for burial purposes. His body rests here. On his tombstone is the inscription, "Dietrich Beitelman, Born June 15, 1709, Died Feb. 16, 1793, aged 83 years, 8 months."
The name Salter's Church is given because Mr. Benjamin Shalter was the most liberal contributor toward its erection. He donated the ground and the sum of $500 in money which made the building possible. In 1860 the edifice was erected of rough stone, which constitutes the substantial walls. The corner-stone was laid on April 9th and the dedication was held Oct. 24th. In 1907 the church was entirely renovated. The outside was painted, the inside woodwork was painted and the walls were nicely papered. There are galleries on three sides. Back of the pulpit is a beautiful life-size oil painting of Christ as the Good Shepherd, bearing a lamb in his arms.
The cemetery contains about four acres of ground, is well kept, and contains numerous fine tombstones and monuments, some of marble and some of granite.
The Reformed congregation has had for its pastors: Rev. Isaac Miesse, 1860-64; Rev. Aaron S. Leinbach, D. D., 1864-95; Rev. John A. Danner, 1897-1904; Rev. Thomas M. Yundt, 1904-05; Rev. Elam J. Snyder, 1906-08; On July 5, 1908, Rev. Mabry L. Herbein was unanimously elected and serves ever since.
The Lutheran congregation was served by Rev. Thomas T. Iaeger from 1860 to his death, in 1888. Rev. E. S. Brownmiller, D. D., 1889-1906.
Each congregation numbers about 150 members. Prof. Henry M. Moyer is the organist. Services are conducted in German as well as in English.
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