Salem Baptist Church

A brief history of Salem Baptist Church (written by members of the church):

In the latter part of 1866 and early 1867, a group of forward thinking, spiritually inclined people began thinking of the possibility of organizing themselves into a church body. In 1867, Susan Franklin Johnson, Kitty Lee, T. J. Shore, J. W. Randolph, and Martin Dandrage met with the Council of Recognition at the Old Coffee Place at 406 East Park Street, Champaign, Illinois. The Council was composed of selected members of First Baptist Church of Champaign, Illinois, First Baptist Church of Urbana, Illinois, and Bethel Church of Mahomet, Illinois. The purpose of the Council was to consider the newly organized church, its Articles of Faith, its Covenant, the circumstances of its organization and to recognize it as a Baptist church. The church was to be called Second Baptist.

The official witnesses of the church organization were Sarah Bromwell, Anna Randolph and David Johnson. The original membership, in addition to the organizers, were Sister Hopkins, Phebie Rivers, Ana Randolph and David Johnson; all candidates for baptism.

Other members to join later were Fannie Strong and her granddaughter, R. A. Johnson, Mary Mitchell, Anthony Johnson, Lester Johnson, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Washington, Rose Bromwell Morgan, Henrietta Bromwell, Edward Lee, Morgan Alexander, Atrice Lee, Hardy Bromwell, Louis Bromwell, Ella Randolph, Henry Randolph, Callie Randolph, and Mildred Randolph Graves.

The first pastor to serve Second Baptist Church was Rev. William Washington who was followed by Rev. Riesnor and Rev. J. H. Bell. During their pastorates, the membership purchased a lot on East Park Street, Champaign, and erected their first church in 1869. The building burned and the members were then forced to rent a place to worship.

Between the years 1869 and 1886, Reverends Teal, Gray and Turner served as pastors. It was during this period that the church purchased a lot on East Clark Street in Champaign and erected a church. Rev. S. L. Harris pastored the church from 1889 to 1891. He was succeeded by Rev. B. H. West.

In 1893, the Wood River District met with the church and Second Baptist joined the Wood River District Association. Since Second Baptist was too small to accommodate the delegation, the services were held in a rented hall above Swanell Drug Store located at Main and Hickory Streets. A large number of converts were received during this period. The church organized a choir under the direction of Ms. Amy Coffeen, a hired musician.

In 1895, Rev. Helm was called to pastor. The church grew spiritually and numerically during this period. The Sunday School was active in studying weekly lessons and Bible training. After the completion of a remodeling program and the installation of a baptismal pool, the church observed its first major dedication service. Rev. Stedman, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Champaign preached the dedication sermon in a very solemn and beautiful ceremony. Rev. Helm resigned and was succeeded by Rev. Brown in 1897.

In 1901, Rev. Crushon accepted the pastorate. In 1902, Rev. Nichols accepted the charge to serve as a pastor. It was under this administration that the ground work and plans were laid for the purchase and clearing of the lot at 500 East Park Street, Champaign, for the erection of our present church.

The next several year’s development is of great significance to this publication for it was during this period that the original church was erected. Many present day members can recall the features of the original structure before the mid-1950’s remodeling program.

After Rev. Nichols, the new pastor, Rev. Edwards, a minister recently out of the Methodist Conference, who was unfamiliar with the Baptist doctrine and laws. He was often referred to as a very fine and competent man. It was under his leadership that the church’s name was changed to Salem Baptist Church.

In 1908, the cornerstone was laid and the first communion set was purchased. The Board of Officers were: Deacons – Dave Johnson, George Roy, Anthony Johnson and B. E. Payne; Trustees – Peter Hawkins, Lois Brown and Job Harris. Those who served as pastors between 1911 and 1916 were Rev. J. M. Owens, Rev. Bachelor and Rev. Clanton.

Between 1917 and 1925, the church was pastored by Rev. Hall and Rev. R. A. Hayden, both serving comparatively extended terms. From 1911 through 1925, some of the officers were: Deacons – B. E. Payne, George Roy, W. H. Chandler, Bob Smith, W. H. Patterson, Dabney Jones, Uriah Moreland, James Caldwell, Richard Hall and Howard Foree.

Rev. Hayden left Salem and organized the Pilgrim Baptist Church on North Fourth Street in Champaign. Then in 1925 Rev. Dabney Jones succeeded Rev. Hayden as pastor of Salem and during his pastorate, the front entrance was changed from the southwest side to the south side. During his nine years of service, a $16,000 indebtedness was paid.

In the latter part of 1933, Rev. J. J. Olive, president of the State Convention of Illinois, was called. A heart attack and death interrupted a very enthusiastic pastorate in August of 1937.

In April of 1938, Rev. A. S. Webb was called to succeed Rev. Olive. During his administration, a heating plant was installed and many members were added. Rev. Webb ordained Brothers Campbell and Johnson. He also started a parsonage fund which needed approximately $700. Deacons under his administration were: Joe Garland (Chairman), Uriah Moreland, W. H. Chandler, Albert McKinley, William Ricks, David Sayles, Ed Benton and Harrison Pierce. Rev. Webb was named Pastor Emeritus in 1956.

In 1948, Rev. R. A. Lillard, a fine intellectual and spiritual minister was called to Salem. The church was without a parsonage. After renting an apartment for a short time, Rev. and Mrs. Lillard set out to purchase a parsonage.

Members of the committee for selecting the parsonage were Trustees Charlie Brown, Alvin Foxwell and Theotto Bowles; Deacons were David Sayles and Harrison Pierce. Brother Pierce made inquiries about the house at 304 North Third Street, Champaign, and presented the matter to the Official Board. Brother Charlie Brown contacted the owner and after the legal matters were settled, Trustees Brown, Bowles and Foxwell signed the contract. The purchase price was $8500. When Rev. Lillard resigned sixteen months later, a balance of $2300 was owed on the parsonage. Deacons at that time were B. E. Payne (Chairman), Joe Garland, Albert McKinley, Harrison Pierce, David Sayles, Ed Benton, George Bigham, Percy Gordon, L. T. Tinsley, William Ricks, Eugene Caldwell, John Brown and George Peacock. Trustees were: David Sayles (Chairman), Alvin Foxwell, Theotto Bowles, Charlie Brown and Harrison Pierce.

In 1949, Rev. Lillard, directed by the Spirit of God, recommended the Rev. William Howe Donaldson to Salem Baptist Church. On June 20, 1949, Rev. Donaldson was called from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to pastor Salem Baptist Church. He accepted the call and on the first Sunday in August, 1949, moved here and started his strenuous task.

Rev. William Howe Donaldson baptized into the church approximately 100 persons, and an equal number was taken into the church by Christian experience. A mortgage burning service was held in September 1950 and Rev. Donaldson invited the Rev. Lillard to preach for the special service, inasmuch as Rev. Lillard had started buying the parsonage. Deacon B. E. Payne and Mildred Gray, the two oldest members of the church were also honored during this ceremony. Sister Gray held the paper and Deacon Payne struck the match. In July 1951, Rev. Donaldson established Boy Scout Troop #11, Blaine Ramsey was the first Scout Master, James O. Wilson was the second and Otis M. Scott was the third.

Rev. Donaldson strongly believed that fellowship was a tool to have the membership bind closer together. The first Laymen’s dinner was held on February 23, 1951. For several years the Laymen purchased, cooked and served food for breakfast on Easter Sunday mornings after the Sunrise Service. In addition, Rev. Donaldson organized the Young Matrons Missionary Society on April 16, 1952. He was also responsible for the success attained through the operation of our missionary departments on the Circle Plan that worked under the General Missionary Department.

On January 13, 1952, Rev. Donaldson ordained as Deacons Otis M. Scott, Roscoe Tinsley and James O. Wilson. Rev. J. A. G. Jordon, Pastor of the Galilee Baptist Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, was the guest speaker. Later on in the 1950’s, Rev. Donaldson ordained Eugene Caldwell, George Peacock and Harrison Pierce as Deacons.

On July 1, 1953, Rev. Donaldson resigned and accepted the pastorate at Zion Baptist Church, Peoria, Illinois. Rev. John A. Anderson was called to pastor at Salem in 1953. During his administration, the Willing Workers Club was organized with Elizabeth Foxwell as President. The Willing Workers sponsored a drive and purchased a $4100 organ. Rev. Anderson also organized the Junior and Red Circle Girls and on December 10, 1953, the Brotherhood was organized with Clarence Taylor as President.

Rev. Anderson resigned in December of 1955 to return to his home in Lafayette, Indiana.

In April 1956, Rev. Eugene H. Williams was called to Salem Baptist Church. On May 27, 1957, the church officially voted to build an education annex and a $25,000 loan from the First Federal Loan and Savings Association was granted.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held July 28, 1957. The addition was started in August 1957 and completed in February 1958. The annex consisted of ten new classrooms, two new restrooms, a baptismal pool, a pastor’s office, a modern kitchen, a banquet room, three storage closets, new light fixtures, 100 steel folding chairs, a new heating system, and two new entrances.

Rev. Williams resigned in June 1961 to accept the pastorate of the Antioch Baptist Church, Waterloo, Iowa. Rev. Albert Rowan, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, and a graduate of Michigan State University and Western Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, was called to pastor Salem Baptist Church on August 29, 1961, after resigning from the historical Zion Baptist Church, Springfield, Illinois. Salem made considerable progress under the leadership of Rev. Rowan. Some of the accomplishments: liquidation of the $12,404 indebtedness on the educational annex, 450 new chairs for the Sunday School and new floors were installed in the educational annex. The sanctuary and dining areas were redecorated and the outside of the church was painted. New robes were acquired for the Gospel Chorus and the Junior Choir. New tables for the Sunday School, new hymnals and a piano were also purchased.

The following auxiliaries were organized under Rev. Rowan’s leadership: Junior Choir, Board of Christian Education, Men and Boy’s Chorus, Cub Scout #100, Mildred Webb Missionary Circle, Red Circle and the Women’s Missionary Fellowship. The annual “Senior Citizens Day” (December 9, 1962) was also instituted. Youth Day services began early in 1962. Over 175 new members were added to the church under his pastorate. Two former pastors were invited to participate in the mortgage burning ceremony on June 30, 1963. Rev. Eugene Williams spoke at the morning service and Rev. W. H. Donaldson spoke at the afternoon service. Rev. Rowan resigned from Salem in 1964 to accept the pastorate at Bethany Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

The congregation of Salem Baptist Church voted November 27, 1964, to issue a call to Rev. A. B. Moore of Muskogee, Oklahoma, as its new pastor. Rev. Moore accepted the call November 19, 1964. During his pastorate at Salem, Rev. Moore rearranged the pulpit. He resigned in 1968. Under his pastorship the Reverend Morris Clark, Sr. was ordained.

After an absence of 15/ years, on December 20, 1968, Rev. Donaldson returned to Salem. He resigned from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in East Moline, Illinois, to complete the work at Salem that the Lord had ordained him to finish.

On April 4, 1969, Helen Johnson asked permission to use the facilities of Salem for a six-week Montessori School. Salem agreed to donate the use of the facilities. The children at the school ranged in age from 2’/• to 5. After Mrs. Johnson’s death, the name of the school was changed to the Helen E. Johnson Salem Pre-School. The school was in operation until February 1980. Betty J. Hassell served as Administrative Director with a staff of five Montessori teachers and 10 member Board of directors until closing.

The dedication ceremony for the new parsonage at 1712 South Prospect, Champaign, was held on December 7, 1969. Ottowa Scott was Chairman of the service.

On June 5, 1970, Salem and Mt. Olive Baptist Church began a joint Crusade for Christ. The purpose of the crusade was to reach families who did not know Christ, as well as families who did have a church home. A religious survey was conducted, commencing at First Street and encompassing an area bounded by Wright, Bradley and Lincoln Avenues. The starting point was Salem Baptist Church. A special prayer service was held each Monday evening at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

In 1976, Salem Baptist Church was designated as a historical site by the Champaign County Bi-centennial Commission for being one of the oldest continuing institutions in Champaign County. A marker was placed on the front lawn of the church.

On December 5, 1980, Rev. Donaldson’s letter of resignation was read to the church. It was to become effective in sixty days after acceptance. Rev. Donaldson was asked to delay his resignation for a few months and he consented to do so.

His pastorate at Salem Baptist Church ended April 16, 1981, after completing fifty years as a pastor. Salem was blessed to have many of Rev. Donaldson’s former parishioners and friends take part in the day-long celebration. Rev. Donaldson’s morning sermon “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” was very inspirational. Salem voted unanimously to name Rev. W. Howe Donaldson “Pastor Emeritus” on February 27, 1981.

On August 28, 1981, Salem voted unanimously to call Rev. Claude E. Shelby, Sr., to serve as pastor. He accepted the call September 11, 1981. Rev. Shelby came to Salem from Bridgeton Missionary Baptist Church of St. Louis County, Robertson, Missouri, where he served for 15 years. Since coming to Salem, Rev. Shelby’s spiritual leadership has manifested itself in many ways. He took in over 100 new members and baptized a new candidate nearly every first Sunday his first year as pastor.

Rev. Shelby started a New Member Class and a Sunday School Staff Training Class on March 14, 1982, both of which he is the teacher. He has participated in the Evangelistic Crusades to Trinidad since 1969 and has been Director since 1972. Hundreds of souls have been won to Christ during these crusades, as well as the establishment of new Baptist works. A building is being erected in Trinidad and a plaque bearing his name will be enshrined.

Rev. Shelby has worked closely with Empty Tomb and the Bread for Jesus Projects. Money was raised to send to Brazil as a result of Rev. Shelby and Brother Robert Lewis making cabinets for Empty Tomb to give support to the Bread for Jesus Project.

On December 2, 1983, the church adopted a 3-5 year building plan (beginning in 1984) for building a new sanctuary. The plan was unanimously adopted by the Board and the membership.

The Pastor knew the church would have to acquire more land in order to build a new structure and he asked the Board to start seeking property for the church to buy. Negotiations were begun with the owner of the property at 504 East Park Street, Champaign and on October 17, 1985, the final settlement on the property was made whereby Salem assumed the balance of the mortgage.

On October 21, 1985, Salem started negotiations for the property at 505 East Church Street, Champaign. The property was purchased on November 1, 1985. This property needed some major repairs. Mr. Richard Johnson, a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, offered to rewire the property if Salem would purchase the materials. The church accepted his offer. Other work was done by members of the church.

On December 8, 1986, Brother Eldridge Walker was put on trial for deaconship. He was elevated to the position on January 11, 1987.

Rev. Claude E. Shelby, Sr. also instituted Operation Excellence, a tutoring program designated to help youth who needed help in improving their grades and those with excellent grades do even better. Pastor Shelby served as the first director, and drove the church’s van to pick up students. Pastor Shelby served as Director for over a year. In 1987, Dr. William Hoff served as Director, followed by McClendon Pollard-Bell, Melissa Bolden, Paul Huggins and Jeanette Osler.

On October 11, 1987, Salem celebrated “Lydia Wilson Day” for her many years of service with the Pulpit Committee which was later changed to the Flower Guild.

On April 24, 1988, Michael Carter preached his trial sermon. His sermon was entitled “If Ye Would Have Only Listened.” Text was based on the scripture found in Luke 16:19-31. He was issued his license to preach by Pastor Shelby.

A pulpit parament, purchased by Sisters Fannie Freeman, Joann Ellis and Mrs. Edna Earl Benton in memory of Sister Ida Mae Bostic Warren, was presented to Salem Church on February 8, 1990.

Pastor Emeritus Donaldson and Sister Esther Donaldson continued to serve at Salem until they moved to Harbor City, California. . Pastor Emeritus Donaldson preached his last sermon at Salem on Sunday, May 20, 1990, at the morning worship service. His sermon was entitled, “A Days Work – God Provides.”

Under the guidance of Pastor Shelby, a Youth Summer Science Enrichment Program, sponsored by the Youth Department and Coordinators Derrick R. Dean, Rev. Jewel Kelly, Sr. and Robert Lewis. The science program was instituted to give youth simple hands-on experiments; visits to laboratories, museums and other places where science is being taught and lectured from guests who work with science everyday. The first session held June 23, 1990, consisted of some exciting demonstrations of the wonders of science by Derrick Dean.

Pastor Shelby, Mr. Ron Canada of the Church Company and members of Salem met periodically to update the progress on the building plans The foundation was completed in October 1991. Walker & Sons of Indianapolis, Indiana, poured all the other concrete Mar. 1992.

The men of Salem along with some of the women, friends, Empty Tomb. Curtis Road Church, Bro. Edward Owens Pilgrim Baptist Church, and many other faithful volunteered their services doing whatever they could to help defray expenses.

Salem had to acquire more property in order to build the 13,866 square foot facility, and served as its own general contractor. Asides from the main sanctuary, there is also an all-purpose room that doubles as a Chapel, 2 classrooms, chair room, Pastor’s study, Sunday School Superintendent’s room, Kitchen, finance room, Conference room, Usher’s room, Church Secretary’s office, ladies bath room with lounge, men’s bath room, nursery with a bathroom for tots and a sound room. The facility is spacious and beautiful.

We were successful in completing this new edifice under the leadership of Pastor Claude E. Shelby, Sr. and the dedication of the new church was August 22, 1993. A cornerstone ceremony was held August 28, 1994. Several items were placed in the capsule during the service. The Masonic Lodge conducted the ceremony. Salem is blessed to have a Pastor who has many skills.

Wend Enger Gibson painted a “Jordan River “ scene on the back wall of the baptistry depicting the baptism of Jesus using Pastor Shelby, Todd Taylor and Betty Hassell as her models. The painting was unveiled December 21, 1999.

January 1999 Sisters Elaine Owens, Elease Milton, and Brother Eddie Adair were elected to serve on the Trustee Ministry December 16, 2000, Salem voted to add Sister Geraldine Peeples and Rev. Morris Clark in addition to Sisters Dorothy Carter and Mildred Trent.

Some of Salem’s other memorable accomplishments under Pastor Shelby:

• Reverend Wendell Bonner, Reverend Michael Wilson and Reverend Michael Carter were ordained September 15, 1994.
• Brother George Peeples was ordained as a deacon in
• Brother Reginald Buckley was issued a license to Preach on January 28, 1996 and
• Brother Jasper Osler was granted a license to preach March 29,
• Brother Anthony Turner was ordained as a deacon January 10,
• Brother Ernest Lockett was set aside for a trial deacon March 13, 1999 and ordained January 23,

August 16, 2009 – Salem celebrated its 143’^d Church Anniversary – “Where There Is Unity, There Is Strength”. It was during this celebration Salem burned the Mortgage for the new sanctuary. Rev. Craig Smith of Freedom Church of Chicago was the guest speaker. Sis. Audrey Keaton Mock, was the general chairperson.

The choir held their Annual Choir Day October 21, 2001. They love to sing and will go to other churches in town or out of town when the Pastor is invited to preach and on other occasions.

On October 30, 2013, The Salem Church took a tremendous hit in our church and especially the music department and the community with the loss of our beloved Clarence Todd Taylor, who served faithfully and willingly as Minister of Music at Salem since 1985. We grieved the loss of a well trained and talented individual who loved the Church. Our music department really suffered a great loss.

Most importantly under the leadership of Pastor Shelby, over 400 disciples have been added to our church membership.

Salem continues to celebrate Annual days. Serving their members and community and have done a lot to improve the physical structure but the most important emphasis has been on “Winning Souls To Christ”. Pastor Shelby continues to have training workshops and revivals to give the members an opportunity to grow.

Salem Baptist Church has stood as a beacon light on the corner of Fifth and Park Streets now for 158 years, inviting whosoever will, let them come. She has seen good times and not so good times, but GOD has continued to SHOWER BLESSINGS on her and we thank God for all these years of blessings. We celebrate a Church, its foundation and mission. “Each One, Reach One” (Talk It! Live It! Pray It!). When the PRAISES go up, the BLESSINGS come down.

Pastor Claude E. Shelby, Sr., announced his upcoming retirement as Pastor of Salem Baptist Church, November 21, 2021 serving 41 ?z years. A retirement dinner was given in his honor on March 12, 2022 and was well attended by numerous out of the state pastors, local pastors, members and other guest. Pastor Shelby preached his last sermon as Pastor of Salem Baptist Church, March 13, 2022. It was voted unanimously to name Rev. Claude E. Shelby Sr., Pastor emeritus of the Salem Baptist Church..

On January 30, 2024, the Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Wilson accepted the call to be the next preacher of Salem Baptist Church. He preached his first sermon February 11, 2024. On May 5, 2024, Pastor Dr. Jerry L. Wilson baptized 20 Lincoln Challenge Cadets and one parent. Salem looks forward to continuing it great history and legacy.

SOURCES:

“Church Dedication,” Champaign County Gazette, October 11, 1871, pg. 4

Champaign County Gazette, May 20, 1874