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Salem Historical Church
28547 220th St, Paynesville MN 56362
Coming Events
Salem Fest: August 9, 2026
Salem Christmas: Dec 12, 2026
Check Facebook for more info. https://www.facebook.com/Salemhistoricalchurch
Our Strategic Planning Committee is beginning its work, and we’re looking for folks who want to help shape Salem’s future. If you feel called to be part of that effort, let us know — your voice matters. If you feel connected to the history of Salem and want to help care for the church and cemetery, we’d love to have you involved. Whether you can give time, ideas, or simply encouragement, every bit of support helps keep this place thriving for future generations.

Early on Easter Sunday morning, 2026, we gathered inside to celebrate our risen Lord.
HE is risen! HE is risen indeed!

On January 3, 1998, the name was officially changed to 'The Salem Historical Church & Cemetery Association, Inc'. The non-profit corporation has IRS 501(c)(3) status. Donations made to the Salem Church are tax deductible.

In 1997 after a 30 year absence, a Christmas program was held at Salem Church. Two new furnaces were installed and now an old-fashioned Christmas program can again be held each year. People bring gifts of food for the local food shelf and enjoy creating new traditions with their families.


Salem Church is visible to all for miles around. This photo was taken from the top of the Wegner's silo just a mile to the north.
Salem Church was closed to regular Sunday worship services in 1968. The church is available for weddings, funeral services & other events with approval from the Salem board of directors.

The folks in this hot air balloon had a great view of Salem one fine September day.
Check out the three videos below full of Salem history. The Salem Christmas video was created in December of 2020 to take the place of our annual Christmas program during the pandemic. The next video is about Lowell Gess and his work to fight Ebola in Sierre Leone. The third one was produced by Appleton Public TV Channel 10 in 1997. It features Bill Holm, an author and public speaker as well as some of our own Salem people. We hope you enjoy watching these!
All Videos
All Videos


Salem Christmas 2020

A Call to Action
