Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1889. Our 125^th anniversary was celebrated in September of 2014. The congregation was first known as “German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul’s Congregation.” The congregation was first formed by traveling missionaries gathering people to hear the Word of God and receive the Sacraments. These traveling missionaries were sent out by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Though it’s roots are from a German background that served primarily German speaking immigrants settling in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As English became the language of the nation and the area, English officially was adopted in 1922 in worship and instructions. The name of the congregation was changed also to its current name, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church. Salem comes from the Hebrew word for peace.

For many years Salem was located at 502 S. 12^th St. and the intersection of 4^th Ave. South. They broke ground for a new facility at 615 S. 30^th St. on September 9^th, 1980. This is where we are currently located. Our current facility is much larger than the old facility and all areas of the building are handicap accessible.