Salem
African Methodist Church
Conway SC

            It is believed that a group of settlers from Eddie Lake, Eldorado Ferry and Port Harrelson formed the first place of religious worship near Port Harrelson in 1787, known as Bush Tent.  According to documentation, that place of worship was built on the property where Salem AME Church now sets.

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            We were in existence from 1787 to the present. We were established as AME in 1868. Our first settled clergyman was Rev. Abram Gore who served from 1868-1872. Based on a SC Historical Records Survey, the first building was destroyed by the wind storm of 1883; but was rebuilt in 1906 under the leadership of: Rev. O. Robinson, Pastor; Rev. Santianna Fletcher, Presiding Elder; and Rev. Levi J. Coppin, Presiding Bishop. Three of the original stewards were; Mr. William McCray, Mr. Joe McCray, and Mr. Jim Williams. Three of the original Trustees were; Mr. Fred Frazier, Mr. Joe McCray, and Mr. Amos Graham, Sr.

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            On September 24, 1928, the property on which Salem AME Church now sets was purchased from Mr. D.V. Richardson for $250.00 by the following Trustees: Mr. James Ackerman, Mr. Canada Moore, Mr. Joe Davis, Mr. Amos Graham, Sr., Mr. Joe McCray, Mr. Harry Duncan, Sr., Mr. Issac Alston, Mr. Dick Brown and Mr. Mr. Lee Graham. These were men of vision and foresight with strong faith in God. These men stepped out on Faith at a time when there was not only an economic struggle, but when they were also being denied their civil rights.

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            Salem AME was renovated during the years of 1944 – 1949, by Mr. Harry Duncan, Sr., Mr. Wade Alston Ford, and Mr. Samuel Phillips. At this time, bricks were added to improve the church’s appearance.

           

Under the leadership of Rev. L. R. Stevenson, the present edifice was first renovated in 1958.

           

Under the direction of Rev. J.C. Evans, an organ was purchased; and Mrs. Sybil Scott served as the first church musician. The structure was again renovated in 1991; which included the reconfiguring of the altar rail.

           

The first church parsonage was built in 1805. It was sold to Mrs. Lizzie McCray. The second parsonage was built in 1907. It served as home for Rev. Turpin, Rev. Jake Lewis, Rev. Hodge, Rev. Burr, and Rev. Riggins. It was also a shelter for some families in the community.

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In the early 1970’s, the building was torn down to make way for a new parsonage. The last was destroyed by fire on October 22, 1991.

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          The most recent renovation to the current structure took place between 2007 and 2008, under the leadership of Rev. Johnathan Greene, Sr.; reconstructing the front entrance, and adding two additional restrooms. 

Under Reverend Donnie McBride’s leadership, the fellowship hall was dedicated in the name of former pastor, Rev. Bennie L. Greene; who served at Salem church and the community for 17 years.

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          During the years to follow, Salem would acquire four pieces of property. Two pieces were given to Salem under the leadership of Rev. H.L. Temoney. The others were obtained under the supervision of Rev. Felix Jordan. One property was given, the other was purchased.

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            Some of Salem’s first Stewards and Trustees were: Brothers Joe McCray, Fred Frazier, Amos Graham, Sr., Lee Graham, Lewis Moore, Sr., William McCray, Jim Williams, James Ackerman, James Williams, Canada Moore, Joe Davis, Issac McCray, Marion McCray, Thurman Williams, Foster McCray, Vetus McCray, Wash Moore, Capers Hunt, Sr., Thomas Burroughs, Collins Hunt, Olden Frazier, Walter McCall, Lewis Mason and Henry Glover.

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          Other Stewards and Trustees who have stood the test of time include James Scott, John W. Bellamy, James Mishoe, James L. McCall, Capers Hunt, Jr., Harry Duncan, Willie Sindab, Sr., Willie Sindab, Jr., Rudolph Washington, James R. Frazier, James Burroughs, Willie Alston, Sr., Herman McCray and Lee Moore.  Our record shows Sis. Peggy Johnson and our deceased Sis. Margaret Alston was among the first female Trustees.

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            Some of the first Missionaries were: Sisters Martha Graham, Beulah Mishoe, Mahalia Frazier, May Wright, Elizabeth Polite, Annie B. Alston, Anna Glover, Annie Ethel Glover, Halyette Hewitt, Dennie Graham, Josephine Duncan, Susie Toone, Rachel Burroughs, Kitsie Tucker, Lizzie Moore, Hattie Phillips, Sarah Sherman, Lizzie McCray, Cootie Pickett, Ola Murray, Laura Huggins, Martha McCray, Mary Frazier, Mary Brown, Louisa McKeithan, Leola McCray, Fannie Marshall, Mary Duncan, Freda Doctor, Minnie Giles, Francella Moore, Clara McCall, Sarah Doctor, Ida Butler, Belle Pino, Ruby Chadmon, Rachel Irwin, Georgia McCray, Maggie Phillips, Lou Bell Mason, Gracie Williams, Elizabeth Williams, Janie Johnson, Maggie Chadmon, and Etta Burroughs.

 

          Other women of mission and purpose who have endured and led the way for current generations include: Georgia Graham, Ella Frazier McCray, Rainey Phillips, Jennie Doctor, Ella Hemingway, Ruth Duncan, Margaret Alston, Ella Burroughs, Maggie Alston, Annie Hunt, Laura Moore,Carrie Bellamy, Syble Scott, Geraldine McCray, Flora Frazier, Louise Bellamy, Ella M. McCray Edith Claridy, Cleo Frazier, Jane Hunt, Eva Moore, Alma Sindab and Mary Ann Richardson.

 

          Salem’s Missionary Pioneers, also include: Mary Butler, Wilhelmenia Hunt, Lila Brown, Mary Hunt, Willie D. Whaley, Lou Ella White and Sis. Louise Mckeithen Floyd, our Church Mother (100yrs old). 

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            Salem has always had dedicated members who would go the last mile in seeing that the sick was taken care of, provided food for the hungry, clothed the naked and assisted in whatever way needed. This church was at one time the only one in the community, thus the community worshipped together. In addition to being a place of worship, the history and structure of Salem AME Church has served as a building light to humanity. It has served as a school; a meeting place for civic groups, political gatherings; a voting precinct; and as a medical center.

 

            The history of Salem AME Church has been one of constant progression. From its beginning, there was good leadership; with strong and faithful officers and members. They encompassed vision, foresight and unselfish service that provided a backbone for a church that has far surpassed the 150 members it had in its earlier days.

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            Salem AME Church members have distinguished themselves locally, statewide, nationwide, and worldwide in many areas. Some participated in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, Vietnam War, and, recently, the Iraqi War. Salem has developed: Educators, Ministers, Nurses, Doctors, Social Workers, Vocational Consultants, Policemen and Correction Officers, Judicial Workers and many other professions. For this, Salem AMEC salutes you and may God continue to bless you as you strive and grow.

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            Under the leadership of previous pastor, Rev. James B. Leonard, Salem developed a mind to work. Seeing no ‘giants’ in the land – just opportunity; there was a resurgence of committal within the Salem church family.

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            Our current pastor, Reverend Eric Robinson, is no stranger to the AME way. He has a vision to take Salem to the next level structurally, economically, and technologically.

 

This vision is undergirded by faith, and commitment to the spiritual, moral, and educational growth of the entire Salem AME church family.