The First 38 Years

     The late Rev. J.H. Mastin, then pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, organized the New Salem Baptist Church. The exact date of the organization and the name of the first pastor are unknown. It is known, however, that the date was at least the year prior to the tour of the first pastor of record who took over in 1923.

     It was a cold day in November 1923 that a man named Louis Hillman stated inquired about a Rev. Charles Hamilton Walker. Rev. Walker answered the call at which time Mr. Hillman stated that he was a Deacon of a little organized church where the pastor had become discouraged at slow growth and left. He stated, " I heard about you, and have come to ask you to please come and be our Pastor, and help us to get started again". Rev walker died with the firm belief this was his Macedonian call and, with undaunted faith in God accepted the call. They met for a month in the home of Deacon Hillman. Mrs. Hattie G. Walker, his wife, was the first to join, increasing the roll to four. The four brings to mind the scriptural promise "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

      As the four members worked as busy bees, and the membership began to increase, they, in one year, had to secure larger quarters. They moved into a storefront at Leland and Chene. God continued to bless and the church grew, they purchased the building at 3740 Dubois at Illinois.  Where the building stood on the corner. They added to the little church new pews and a baptistery.

     For 28 years, it was Rev. Walker's desire to erect and edifice on the corner of Illinois and Dubois streets. However, after many years of striving, it was his fate for his health to fail, making him unable to carry the plans any further. In April 1960, he went on home to rest from his labors. He left behind his helpmate, who struggled along with him in this long tour of service, who worked with the senior missionary society until 1991 when the Lord called her home.

THE NEXT 2 YEARS 1960-62

     During the period of Rev. Walker’s illness, the Rev. Wells, an assistant minister, carried on faithfully. Upon the death of the Pastor, Membership was lost without their spiritual leader and, as sheep without a shepherd, they began to wander. Rev. R. Wendell Harris became pastor and Rev. Wells left and organized True Fellowship Baptist Church. During this period the church was split many ways. You see, the devil has a way sometimes that seems right. He was able to disturb the minds of the people, thus making this period of leadership and following proved unfruitful. Rev. A.W. Wright also assisted at New Salem during this period.

THE 22 YEARS THAT FOLLOWED

     In 1962, when the church was at its lowest ebb, they called Rev. Nathan W. Caldwell to be the Pastor of the New Salem flock. He was a native Detroiter. Being born and reared in the inner city, he had first hand knowledge of problems confronting the people and this community. He had established the Youth Vocational Guidance League as well as a poverty program of sorts before it was vogue to do so. He came to New Salem prepare with much wisdom, vigor, and vision, to be used by God. When he came to New Salem the church had about 35 members left, and were raising about $35.00 a Sunday. Many had become discouraged, given up, and had walked away. But somehow, by the Grace of God, the church managed to stay on that corner in spite of its ups and downs.

     It is comforting to know that God always has a Joshua waiting in the wings to bring His Children out of the Wilderness. God richly blessed the Church with a membership roll over 500, which included a few truly dedicated and faithful workers for God. He started a weekly Radio Missionary Outreach, with no commercial support called: A " Faith Broadcast" which has gone out for the inspiration of the sick, and shut-in, the saved and the unsaved, for 29 years. This "LIVE" ministry has enriched many lives; assuring listeners that " IF YOU CONSIDER GOD, GOD WILL CONSIDER YOU." Under his leadership we brought a new piano and organ - and he donated a Leslie speaker, drums, and public address systems. He had a definite interest in Youth and Civic affairs. He organized the New Salem Boy Scout Troop and Pack No. 686. He served on many boards and committees around the city; yet, he always found time to share in a new need and to work on new worthwhile causes.

     When Pastor Caldwell came to New Salem he found a discouraged people whom, after forty years had amassed a building fund of approximately $800.00. Thank God for those who still held on to their dream for a new building on this corner. Pastor Caldwell, being a man of vision, immediately established a program and set the members working. He encouraged the people to buy up the adjacent property in the area and to continue working toward the goal. The old building was condemned but he was able to stay the demolition hand until we were able to build. In 1967, the first day of the 67 riots, was our initial groundbreaking ceremony. In July 1971, we completed the first phase of our building plan - the New Salem Cultural Educational Building, which is air- conditioned and worth well over $250,000. The other phases of the plan not realized in his lifetime was the main sanctuary and the low to middle income housing. In 1972, we paused to celebrate our Golden Anniversary that culminated with a Banquet at the Beautiful Latin Quarters. Many achievements were accomplished in the 22 years; too numerous to name here. Pastor Caldwell continued to accept a minute salary of $250.00 per week in order to meet the $1000.00 a month note and to make strides to pay off the church in 12 years.

     The time went by fast and before we knew it the balloon payment was due. He got a six month extension and set a date of June 30, 1984 to pay the Church note off. He set forth an aggressive program and paid it off in four months. He invited many of his friends which included Mayor Young, the morning speaker; his friends from Nassau, Bahamas, etc., who all came for this great celebration. He had to have the total church refurnished and painted white and trimmed in red. The Board could not understand his urgency, but little did they know how close the end of his ministry was at hand. But, almost one month after the mortgage was burned the end came. It was on Sunday Morning, July 15, 1984, that he went on home to be with the Lord.

NEXT YEAR

     Deacon L.C. Howell, the boards, and the Ministerial Staff carried on.

THE FOLLOWING 4 YEARS

     In May 1985, the Church called Rev. J. A. Williams to be Pastor. He then served until January 1990.

THE NEXT YEARS

     Being without a Pastor, again, the Church was carried on by the late Deacon L.C. Howell along with the boards and Ministerial Staff. Visiting ministers were brought in each Sunday. A selection Committee was put in place - resumes requested from potential candidates - interviews held - a selection made based on the promises of the candidate, and brought to the Church in November 1990, the church approved the recommendation of the selection Committee.

THE NEXT 7 YEARS

     On the Second Sunday in November 1990, Rev. Ocie Tabb, III, became Pastor of New Salem Baptist Church. One of his first acts was to, beautify our current edifice. The beautification Project included the purchase of comfortable pews, new choir stands, new communion and pulpit furniture, vertical blinds, etc. we were still climbing toward reaching our goal of a new Church Building on the property owned by New Salem adjacent to this building. In February 1997, Rev. Tabb left with many New Salem members and formed the New Beginnings Baptist Church.

THE NEXT YEAR

     Deacon J.W. Williams and the joint boards of the church along with the faithful membership carried on for the next year.

THE PRESENT

     The church called the Rev. Kevin H. Johnson, on November 01, 1998. To become the new leader of the New Salem flock. Since he has been pastor, Pastor Johnson has instituted the youth tutorial program on Tuesday nights in the fellowship hall. Also our Wednesday night bible study has increased since Pastor Johnson has been our leader, teacher, and dynamic youthful preacher. Under Pastor Johnson's leadership the church is computer equipped for the 21^st century. Pastor Johnson has a vision to build a new worship center next door on the church property. With much prayer and faith in the Lord, we are moving into higher heights, knowing that God's plan for us has yet to be unveiled.