First Christian Church Fact Sheet

The Christian Church in Salem was started in the home of John A. and Susannah Williams.

The Williams started the Christian Church of Salem in their home at 530 S. Broadway (NE corner of S. Broadway and Mitchell). Mr. Williams traveled on horseback to all parts of southern Illinois preaching the gospel. He established many churches among which were the churches at Sailor Springs, Mulberry Grove, Centralia, and Salem, Illinois.

First Christian Church was established on Tuesday, December 18, 1866.

Also in 1866: Civil War ends, Alfred Nobel invented dynamite, Charles Elmer Hires invents root beer, Standard Publishing Co. was founded by Isaac Errett, and Alexander Campbell passed away.

Clark Braden, FCC minister (1903-1904), was one of the outstanding preachers of his time.

He held over 6000 lectures and debates, and wrote several books on subjects pertaining to the scriptures. He served as president for three Illinois colleges.

One of the largest events in Southern Illinois in 1907 was the funeral of John A. Williams.

Held at the Christian Church on Broadway and Elm, people from a wide area came to pay their respects.

FCC minister who was honored by the National New Church organization with a National Life Time Achievement award for extraordinary service to the church:

J. Edwin Smith was the third recipient of this national award. He was honored for his participation in starting over 34 churches while working with Northeastern Ohio Association of Helpers (NOAH). His wife Bonnie was also recognized.

FCC’s second location was on the corner of E. Rogers and N. Washington.

It was purchased from the Reformed Presbyterian Church for the amount of $300. The house currently stands at 308 N. College.

People who came to the Lord at the Christian Church in Salem were baptized in the town creek or Rainey Lake.

Rainey Lake is the lake at the Salem Country Club.

The church moved to the corner of S. Broadway and E. Elm in 1879.

The property was purchased for $285. The first building at that location was built for $2,500. The second building, which still exists, was built in 1906 at a cost of $25,000.

The pipe organ at the Broadway and Elm location was donated by Andrew Carnegie.

On March 18, 1906 philanthropist Andrew Carnegie presented the church with a $1,000 pipe organ with the condition that the church would match the gift.

The first service held at the new building on W. Boone was a funeral.

Sadly, Elder Leonard Daniels passed away March 14, 1972. His funeral was the first service held in the new building. Mr. Daniels started the first DVBS and established the Church Builders Bible Class. The first worship service was held on March 26, 1972.

The original building on W. Boone, built by Goodman Church Builders of Joplin, MO, cost $401,000 (furnished).

The land was purchased for $36,000. Bonds were sold which were retired 11 years later on March 27, 1983.

The longest tenure for an FCC minister is 17 years.

Phil Martin (August, 1992 to present)

There have been a total of 24 Timothy’s and full-time Christian servants from FCC.

Gary Barnes, Jason Brandon, Steve Cone, Mike Courson, Russell Courson, Carla Crane, David Daniels, Richard Daniels, Cherish (Brandon) Edwards, Gary Farthing, Gordie Fox, John Gaston, Jared Henke, Garry Jones, Phil Martin, Diane Martin, Ron Payne, Micah Puricelli, Steve Puricelli, Jordan Schultz, Chris Tanner, Jr., Harold Tarter, Jamie Williams, Jacob Wurster

These historical facts are known today thanks to the diligent work of Elder Charles Roberts (deceased).