Salem First United Methodist Church facts for kids
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First Methodist Episcopal Church of Salem
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| Location | 600 State Street Salem, Oregon |
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| Built | 1871–1878 |
| Architect | Cass Chapman Wilbur F. Boothby |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83002162 |
| Added to NRHP | May 9, 1983 |
Salem First United Methodist Church is an old and important church in Salem, Oregon. It is a Methodist church, which is a type of Christian church. This church is so special that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added to this list in 1983 under its first name, First Methodist Episcopal Church of Salem.
This church is the oldest Methodist church west of the Rocky Mountains. It is also known as a United Methodist Heritage Landmark. This means it is a very important place in the history of the Methodist church. The building itself is a great example of Gothic Revival style. This is a type of architecture that looks like old European churches. It also has one of the few tall spires left standing in Oregon.
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History of the Church Building
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Salem started in 1841. This was when the Methodist Mission moved its main office to Salem. Jason Lee, a famous missionary, was one of the 13 first members of the church. David Leslie was the first pastor, or church leader.
At first, the church met in a room at the Oregon Institute. After about 10 years, more people joined the church. In 1853, they built a small wooden building. This building was at the corner of Church and State streets. By 1870, the church needed a bigger space. So, they started building the church you see today at the same spot.
Building the Current Church
The new church was made of brick and built in the Gothic Revival style. It was finished in 1878. This was a big achievement, especially because there was a national economic downturn at the time. Cass Chapman, an architect from Chicago, drew the plans for the church. The plans were made a bit smaller to save money. A local architect named Wilbur F. Boothby watched over the building work.
Over the years, parts were added to the church. Additions in 1935 and 1967 were designed to match the original Gothic style. The tall wooden spire, which is 185 feet high, was replaced in 1984. This spire makes the church the tallest building in Salem.
Inside the Church
The main worship area, called the sanctuary, was updated in 1953. A large pipe organ was added. A round stained-glass window, called a rose window, was also put in. New altar, pulpit, and pews were installed. More changes were made inside in 1981 and 1988. In 2000, the organ got all its pipes, making its sound complete.
Community Outreach
In 1992, First United bought the old Elks building next to the church. They renamed it MICAH. MICAH stands for Methodist Inner-city Community Activities House. This building now has a youth center. It also holds the United Methodist Archives for the Oregon-Idaho Conference. This is where important historical records are kept. The building also has space for church services and groups that help the community.
More to Explore
- Methodist Episcopal Church
