Salem Lutheran Church
founded 1869
In 1869 a local Lutheran pastor, the Rev. Weissinger, began to conduct services for a group of about 20 Lutheran families which had settled in and about Chandlerville. Later in 1869 the Rev. J. Bergen of a Lutheran congregation in Jacksonville succeeded Pastor Weisinger in the ministry of the Word among these believers. Sometime in 1870 under Rev. Bergen's leadership Salem Lutheran was officially formed. Initially services were held in rented spaces but in October of 1870 a parcel of land was purchased from Dr. Charles Chandler, founder of Chandlerville for $160. Soon afterward a church building was erected. However, this building was quickly outgrown and in 1895 the current sanctuary was completed.
In 1874 the members of Salem decided to affiliate themselves with the newly formed Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Previous to this they were associated with the Illinois Synod. Previous to joining a delegation was sent to St. Louis headed by the well educated John Eichenauer, Senior. They were granted an interview with none other than Dr. C. F. W. Walther. Needless to say they were well satisfied with the teachings of the Missouri Synod and upon return the congregation joined their confession.
In 1949 a new parish hall and Sunday School room was added to the back of the sanctuary. In 1943 the Ladies Aid Society began a fund to purchase a new organ and with the help of members of the church a new organ was purchased in 1947 and continues to serve the church faithfully to this day. In 1994 in celebration of our 125th Anniversary the church and 100th Anniversary of our church building the sanctuary was renovated and in 2012 a new heating a airconditioning system was installed.
founded 1869
In 1869 a local Lutheran pastor, the Rev. Weissinger, began to conduct services for a group of about 20 Lutheran families which had settled in and about Chandlerville. Later in 1869 the Rev. J. Bergen of a Lutheran congregation in Jacksonville succeeded Pastor Weisinger in the ministry of the Word among these believers. Sometime in 1870 under Rev. Bergen's leadership Salem Lutheran was officially formed. Initially services were held in rented spaces but in October of 1870 a parcel of land was purchased from Dr. Charles Chandler, founder of Chandlerville for $160. Soon afterward a church building was erected. However, this building was quickly outgrown and in 1895 the current sanctuary was completed.
In 1874 the members of Salem decided to affiliate themselves with the newly formed Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Previous to this they were associated with the Illinois Synod. Previous to joining a delegation was sent to St. Louis headed by the well educated John Eichenauer, Senior. They were granted an interview with none other than Dr. C. F. W. Walther. Needless to say they were well satisfied with the teachings of the Missouri Synod and upon return the congregation joined their confession.
In 1949 a new parish hall and Sunday School room was added to the back of the sanctuary. In 1943 the Ladies Aid Society began a fund to purchase a new organ and with the help of members of the church a new organ was purchased in 1947 and continues to serve the church faithfully to this day. In 1994 in celebration of our 125th Anniversary the church and 100th Anniversary of our church building the sanctuary was renovated and in 2012 a new heating a airconditioning system was installed.