Salem United Church of Christ, Sardis Ohio

It was said that the pioneers built their churches near God and so could be said of the Salem United Church of Christ located 5 miles west of Sardis on SR 255.
In December 1992, the church was officially included in the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1891 by families of Swiss-German descent, the church remains relatively unchanged. The Salem Church and its Gothic Revival architecture is one of the few remaining structures of the original Morton Settlement. The old section of the cemetery has many gravestones inscribed in German dating back to the mid 1800’s. The new section, purchased in 1913, shows how many Swiss-German names became “Americanized” in the 20th century. The last service was conducted by Rev. Earl Koehler in 1961. There is only one surviving church member, Betty Gaulding, who resides on SR 255 near the Salem Church.
In the late 1970’s community interest sparked many locals to gather annually to plan the preservation of the church and its history. Every second Sunday in June an organizational meeting is held for this purpose. Additionally, a Homecoming covered dish dinner is held the third Sunday in August each year for people near and far to gather and celebrate community spirit.
Interest in the church from generation to generation continues. In recent years, many of the young people who attended the annual homecoming as children have returned to the Salem Church to exchange their wedding vows. Nestled high in the rolling hills of Monroe County, the church offers an ideal setting of rustic country charm. Most recently, Brittany Stalder of South Point, Ohio, travelled to the Salem Church in spring of this year to be married in the church of many of her ancestors.
Although the church is no longer active, it is open to the public. Jim Miller and local residents have occasionally held bible study during summer months.