Early Church History

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In the years 1788 and 1789 Bishop Francis Asbury, the great Methodist Circuit Rider, came to Kingston Parish in what was then Gloucester County. He visited the home of Armistead Billups and introduced Methodism. A group of followers soon organized and began services in private homes. This group was named Billups and in the 1820’s constructed a building about two miles from the present Salem Church. The first church was called Billups Meeting House.

Gloucester and Mathews were on the same circuit in the early years. The churches survived even though visits of the Circuit Riders were infrequent. In 1843 the church acquired a new site, constructed a new church and changed its name to Salem. It was a one room structure which is a part of the present sanctuary.

Church History

Less than forty years later the building was again inadequate. Under the leadership of the pastor, the Rev. D. G. C. Butts, the sanctuary was extended and the wings were added in 1892. More land was acquired at this time to increase the size of the grounds.

The educational section of the building was added in 1929. Miss Lillie Williams willed a sum of money to Salem for a steeple and bell. In 1967 the steeple and electric chimes were completed.

The fellowship hall and kitchen were built in 1971. The vestibule was added to the front the church in 1979.

Additional land was donated by Mrs. Inez Morgan on one side and land to the rear of church donated by the Evans family has made it possible for Salem to have a spacious parking area.
On October 21, 2007, a New Fellowship Hall was dedicated.

In August of 2025 Salem became a part of the Global Methodist Church. The membership of Salem today is approximately three hundred.
 

About Global Methodist Church

The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
In our worship, we desire to surrender to and be fully devoted to one God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are passionate about what is important to God.
Jesus calls those who follow Him to love God wholeheartedly and love their neighbors as themselves. Our desire is to demonstrate to the world the extravagant love of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
We have been entrusted with a lifesaving and transforming message that we must share with others. Our witness is bold, compelling and fearless. Our mission advances when individuals become disciples of Jesus Christ and join God’s mission to make more disciples.