# Church History The church at Homeworth and Salem, three and one half miles northwest of Homeworth, Stark County, are the only surviving products of the early work inColumbiana County. The first meetings were held in homes in 1851 and 1846 when a log church was built. It stood across the road from where the church building now stands. About 1850, Bishop Long had an appointment to preach in this church at a quarterly meeting occasion. Upon his arrival, he learned that the church had been destroyed by fire. In spite of many difficulties, a frame church was erected and dedicated by Bishop Long on November 9, 1851. The dedication was protracted two weeks, and the Bishop tarried to help in the revival series; fifteen conversions resulted. In 1869 J. D. Domer referred to Salem as an old and large society. Its outgrown frame building was now being replaced with a brick structure, on the same ground where our present building is. It was dedicated December 12, 1869. With the need of more room and better facilities, the combined congregation undertook to excavate for a basement and replace the old iron stove with a new furnace. While this was in operation, a rainy season set in, causing the east wall to collapse and the entire building to be replaced. The cornerstone of a new Salem Church was laid September 10, 1939, with H.V. Summers, superintendent of the Eastern District, in charge. The new building is a deep red brick with white sandstone trimming and slate roof. It was erected under the pastorate of Dean R. DeVeny. The dedication took place on February 25, 1940. The new building served the congregation adequately for a number of years. Eventually, it was seen that more room and new facilities were needed. In a deep sense of dedication and sacrifice, the congregation decided to build a new addition and add new facilities, including classrooms, rest rooms, fellowship hall, new kitchen and nursery. The dedication took place on June 11, 1978, with Rev. Richard Lee Burns officiating. Finding that the parsonage in Freeburg was no longer adequate, a Building Committee was organized and met on March 31, 1980. Work began on the new parsonage on May 26, 1980. The new parsonage was completed and the pastor and his family moved in, in August 1980. A Consecration Service was held on Sunday, September 21, 1980, with District Superintendent Richard Lee Burns. May our church continue to serve our community and touch lives of those who come in contact with her, for The Glory of God.