A Legacy of Faith, Justice and Community

From a home on Division Street in Jenkintown to a multi-campus ministry serving communities across Montgomery County and Philadelphia, Salem Baptist Church has spent more than 140 years worshiping God, strengthening families, and uplifting the community.

Across three distinct eras, Salem has grown from a small gathering of believers into a historic regional institution rooted in faith, education, justice, and service.

I. The Founding Era (1884–1940s)

Salem Baptist Church was founded in 1884 in the home of Henry and Jane Porter on Division Street in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.

Under the leadership of Rev. J. D. Brooks, Salem’s founding pastor, a small group of African American believers organized what would become the first Black Baptist congregation in Montgomery County.

The church was established with the support of its mother church, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia.

Soon after its founding, Salem constructed its first church building on Summit Avenue in Jenkintown, purchasing the land for $1,800. The new sanctuary provided a permanent home for the growing congregation and became a spiritual center for African American families in the region.

In its early decades, Salem established ministries that would shape church life for generations:

1940s — The Salem Library

During the 1940s, Pastor Rev. William J. Lucas established Salem’s Library as a resource for both the congregation and the surrounding community.

The library developed a distinguished collection of books on Black life, history, and achievement, addressing the lack of access to literature about African American history and culture in many local institutions at the time.

II. The Expansion Era (1950s–1990s)

Under the leadership of Rev. Robert Johnson Smith, Salem entered a period of significant growth and institutional development.

1972 — SALBA Housing Initiative

In 1972, Salem established SALBA (Salem Baptist Apartments), constructing a 17‑unit affordable housing facility adjacent to Jenkintown Schools. The project reflected Salem’s commitment to housing stability and community development.

Civil Rights Era Influence

Salem became a platform for national voices advocating justice and equality. Leaders who spoke from Salem’s pulpit included:

III. The Transformation Era (2017–Present)

2017 — A New Chapter

After more than a century in Jenkintown, Salem entered a historic new chapter. The church sold its historic sanctuary, which was redeveloped as affordable senior housing, and purchased the former St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Abington.

2018 — Worship Beyond Walls

Salem relocated to its Woodland Road campus in Abington Township. While construction of the sanctuary continued, the congregation worshiped for five months in the church gymnasium, welcoming many new members.

During this season, Salem also held worship services in football fields, parks, and outdoor spaces—demonstrating that church is defined by the community of faith rather than a single building. The campus became known as Salem Woodland.

April 14, 2019 — Palm Sunday Triumphal Entrance

On Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019, Salem celebrated its Triumphal Entrance into the newly completed sanctuary. Every seat was filled in the 1,400-seat sanctuary.

2020 — Leadership During the Pandemic

When COVID‑19 emerged, Salem became one of the first churches in the nation to pause in‑person worship, prioritizing the safety of its members and surrounding communities.

During this period, Salem member Dr. Ala Stanford and pastor Rev. Marshall Paul Hughes Mitchell helped convene physicians, pastors, and community leaders across Philadelphia and Montgomery County to expand access to COVID testing in underserved communities.

These efforts helped tens of thousands of residents receive testing and critical health information during the early months of the pandemic.

2021 — Salem Easton

Salem purchased Living Word Lutheran Church in Roslyn and established a second campus, Salem Easton. The campus became home to Salem Adult Citizens and hosted multiple congregations in shared ministry.

2024 — Raise Up

Salem launched Raise Up, a reimagined model of children’s Christian education. Within its first year, the ministry grew to more than 140 students supported by a team of teachers and assistants.

The Legacy Continues

Today Salem Baptist Church serves the region through two campuses:

From a living room on Division Street to a sanctuary filled with worshippers more than a century later, Salem’s story continues to unfold.