We welcome you to Marion Salem Global Methodist Church. We have a long history of serving this family-centered, rural community. What started as a one room church has expanded its ministry to many rooms and pockets of service around the world. Some outreach projects are big and some are small. Our members volunteer locally at various ministries and also nurture a deep and personal relationship in ministry with an orphanage in Haiti.

We believe the Bible is the Word of God and it is for our instruction and encouragement. The solid nature of this church is because of the many Bible Studies within and outside of the church that people attend. Some might think we are a traditional church. We do hold the beliefs that have long been held by the saints throughout the ages. But we are not stuck in the past. The foundation of the Word, empowered by the Spirit, and filled with His grace has led our people in growing a vibrant relational ministry in the present with a vision for the future.

We enjoy a balance of generations in our congregation. We draw from our immediate community, local towns, and areas beyond.

History Details
In 1830 the Salem Class was organized in the home of Henry Miller. This became the regular place of revivals and preaching services for many years. The original Salem Church was built by this class in 1851, a half-mile south of the present church.

After a fire, which destroyed the building in the winter of 1867, a new church was completed on teh present site during the summer of 1868. The church became part of the Marin Circuit of the Evangelical Church. It was dedicated by Rev. William Yost and Bishop R. Yeakel on Oct. 25, 1868, and then remodeled in 1884. A wing was added in 1903.

In 1951 the church was significantly remodeled. The building was dedicated by Bishop Fred Dennis on November 11, 1951. The parsonage was built on land purchased from William Croft and dedicated on April 5, 1953.

At a congregational meeting held February 2, 1969, the name of our church was changed to The Marin Salem United Methodist Church, a merger of the Evangelical United Brethern Church and the Methodist Church. Marion Salem became part of the Mount Vernon District, East Ohio Conference.

As a new educational wing was added to the north side of the church and a consecration service was held on October 18, 1970 with Dr. Daniel Corl, former District Superintendent, speaking at the ceremony.

In 2023 our congregational members voted to join the Global Methodist Church (GMC) which is passionately committed to worshipping and praising the Triune God—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

In 1979 Marion Salem received a large bequest from Carlton and Louise Brookens. We voted to build a new sanctuary to the north of the Education Unit. Groundbreaking was January 27, 1980 with Mount Vernon District Superintendent Rev. Ken Bibbee and Pastor Jim Van Meter conducting the service. A final celebration was held in the old sanctuary August 31, 1980. The congregation worshipped in the Educational Hall during the building of the new sanctuary. On October 18, 1981, Bishop James S. Thomas came to preach and oversee the dedication of the new building.

On Sunday morning, November 5, 2000 a fire destroyed the Educational Unit of the church and damaged the sanctuary. The church moved to Claridon Elementary School for over two years while the rebuilding was in progress.

In May of 2002, Rev. Jack Dearth, Mount Vernon District Superintendent, and Rev. Jeff Grant broke ground for a new educational unit and repair of the damaged sanctuary. On Easter Sunday, May 5, 2003, the new building was consecrated to the glory of God.

In 2023 our congregational members voted to join the Global Methodist Church (GMC) which is passionately committed to worshipping and praising the Triune God—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The members of Marion Salem Global Methodist Church are eager to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to all the world. And we are joyfully dedicated to making disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

May our history continue to be rich in God’s love.