New Salem International Ministries

On May 5th 1998, Salem Missionary Baptist Church was started in the living room of Rev. Troy Bragg, his wife, Calvin and Renee Elder, and a few faithful followers. The ministry later branched out to the Ramada Inn on highway 53 and stayed there for two months before moving to 4006 Murchison Road. After months of difficult times, situations, and some misunderstandings, the ministry reached an agreement and began seeking a new leader. In December 1998, Rev. Eddie Lee Hightower met with a few of the church officials and upon agreement, he would lead the church under these few stipulations: Noon Day Prayer, Tuesday Church Fast Day, Wednesday Night Bible Study, Sunday School, and Sunday Morning Worship. With 11 members, 6 adults, and 5 children we began a mission that seemed impossible.
In the past 12 years, we have faced defaults, judgments, liquidations, and church splits, however, by the grace of God, we experienced great success. God has permitted us to have a full congregation at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. We have purchased the church, the land next to the church, 3 trailer parks, several houses and duplexes, ¾ of Bowden Road, 12.5 acres on Bragg Blvd, a 501 C3 non-profit status, and a name change in October of 2002 to New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Philippians 3:13-14 says, brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. And upon the confession of Peter, Jesus said, “upon this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” So join in with us as we lift up holy hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord.