History

In October, 1954, the congregation began construction of a new

church building on the present site located at 314 James Road

in southeast Madison County, Alabama.  Through the toils of the

member's labor and love, the building was completed in 1955. 

Under the leadership of Pastor Rev. Norman Mitchell, a new

sanctuary was erected in 1963, and, in 1967, a new educational

building was completed.  Rev. Mitchell led the church from 1958

until October, 1974.

In January, 1975, Rev. Richard Anderson answered the call to guide

the church.  Then, on June 15, 1986, ground breaking services were

held for a new sanctuary.  This sanctuary was completed and the

first services held on March 8, 1987. 

In 1998, the church was blessed with the completion of a new

educational wing dedicated to our children and youth.  The growth

of our facilities has been matched by the increase of new members. 

From 1997-2000  an outreach program called "200 X 2000" resulted

in 120 additions to the church - with the highlight being the 65 salvation

decisions!  In 2002, an outreach program called "GROW" was

established and has been a very effective outreach tool for New Salem.

 

In 2004, New Salem purchased one point zero eight acres of land

immediately to the north of the present holdings. The purchase of this

land has opened doors for more parking and the planning of

a future Christian Life Center. Architects have completed a Master Plan of Growth

for New Salem. This Master Plan includes five phases of growth including

a Christian Life Center, renovation of the present Fellowship Hall into

an Administrative Wing and a new Sanctuary if growth continues.

This Master Plan should carry New Salem well into the future if the Lord tarries.

  

In October, 2010, New Salem had their 57th Annual Homecoming in our new Christian Life Center.

 

"Our new building is not overlaid with gold - although you might think so when we look at the total cost.

 

Our building does have a large, useful kitchen area with 2 large cooler, a new icemaker, 2 stoves, 2 "microwave"

 

overns and plenteous cabinet space and office space and large rest rooms and a beauitful enty foyer.  And

 

our new building has a wondrous, wide open area of more than 6,000 feet to play, and eat and fellowship like

 

we have never been able to do before.  Oh! Praise be to the living God for His goodness to us!" quoted by

 

Rev. Richard Anderson.

 

On October, 14, 2011, Our beloved pastor Rev. Richard Anderson was promoted to Glory.

 

Rev. Richard Anderson came to New Salem in 1975 and served for more than 35 years; he will be deeply missed.  He and Ms. Betty

 

and their family have touched so many lives down through the years, and Bro Richard las led many, many souls to a saving knowledge

 

of Jesus Christ.  In fact, in his years as our "under Sheppard", more than 470 people have been baptized into the fellowship

 

of New Salem.

 

New Salem has gone through four majoy facilities improvements under Bro Richard's leadership, along with countless revivals, homecomings and

 

special workship services.  Plus, there is no way to number the many weddings and funerals over which Bro Richard presided.

 

We can simply thank God for the time we enjoy Bro Richard's presence and leardship, and try to press on toward the calling that the Lord

 

has for New Salem.  We can do that which Bro Richard so often called us to do. "Tie a knot in the rope, and hang on."

 

Let's all hang together as we seek God's will for our church, and as we remember and pray for Ms. Betty and all the family.