Old Salem Church (Salem Baptist Church)

Old Salem Church sits along a lonely dirt road in Moniteau County.  It is a typical small, one room, frame building church like many that used to dot the Missouri countryside.  

This church was organized on July 14, 1843.  Charter members were: Nathan Cooper, James Martin, Reuben Jobe, Logan Jobe, John Scott, Dedrick Yows, Joseph Henry, Bartholamew Jobe, Lydia Yows, Esther Sailing, Mary Suster, Katharine Martin, Mrs. Reuben Jobe (Mary), Mrs. Logan Jobe (Mary), Mrs. Bartholamew Job (Mary), Nancy Sailing, and Mathilda Scott. The first building was of log construction.  

"Record books show the families of Reuben Jobe, Polly Beard and John W Beard deeded land for the purpose of building a church. Membership was seventeen. McCajah Duncan was pastor. The church building served as the first meeting place of the County Court after Moniteau became a county in 1845.

"In January 1879, the members voted to build a new church on a track of land donated by Anderson Hodge. This land is northeast of California on what is now Hwy 87. A frame building 30X44X14 feet was constructed at a cost of $861.98. The church was dedicated in 1879.

"On November 6, 1969, the building was destroyed by a fire of unknown origin. The building was ninety years old at the time of destruction. On November 12, the members voted to rebuild on the same site. Additional rooms were added in 1984 and a new sanctuary, baptistry, pastor's study and church library were added in 1988." ~ From the History of Moniteau County, Volume 2, published in 2000

I am not sure when the current church building was built, but it sits well preserved. It overlooks the cemetery across the street.