Salem Reformed Church (Doylestown, PA)

Collection

Identifier: Church RG 795

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Salem Reformed Church collection consists of six boxes containing: - Annual Reports, 1930 -2012 - Awards, certificates - Bulletins, 2011 - 2013 - Charter - Attendance, 1983 - 1997 - Church Records: Baptisms, 1861 - 1934; Rev. Simon Sipple's baptismal register, 1906 - 1910; Confirmation classes, 1897 - 2013; Membership, Communicants, Baptisms, Deaths, Collections of Benevolence, 1864 - 1876; Deaths, 1888 - 1921; Rev. Simon Sipple's register of burials, 1908 - 1910; Directories, 1861 - 2008 - Church Records (transcriptions, includes index): Baptisms, 1861 - 1935; Confirmations, 1890 - 1917; Marriages, 1897 - 1922; Deaths, 1888 - 1921; Membership; Transfers, 1878 - 1910 - Congregational Meetings, 1896 - 2011 - Constitution and By-Laws - Finances: Budgets, 1896, 1990 - 2012; Salem Foundation, 1988 - 1999; Special funds, 1985 - 2012 - History: - Notes, Written Histories, Published Records - Anniversaries, 1900 - 1947 - 125th Anniversary, 1986 - 150th Anniversary, 2011 - Schellenberger Estate/Freeman Hall, Doylestown Seminary, Home for the Aged and Infirm Deaf, 1901 - 1926 - Dedication Services, 1929; 2012 - "The Bible in Tile: The Story of the Mercer Biblical Tile in the Sanctuary of Salem Church" by Rev. Gerald W. Dieter and Lt. Col. John Cummins, 1957; Excerpts from the papers of Henry C. Mercer - News clippings, 1890 - 2012 - Memorials - Newsletters: "Salem Life," 1977 - 2011 - Pastors: Rev. William Yearick (1860 - 1868); Rev. Levi Conrad Sheip (1868 - 1897), includes parochial report; Rev. Simon Sipple (1908 - 1910); Rev. Levi Hetrick (1911 - 1919), Army Chaplain WWI; Rev. Charles Frederick Freeman (1919 - 1952); Rev. Gerald W. Dieter (1953 - 1965); Rev. Paul H. Byer (1966 - 1977); Rev. Robert G. Hunsicker (1974 - 1980); Rev. Gary Hauze (1985 - 1989); Rev. Clifford Lawrence (1990 - 1998); Rev. Timothy Dugan (2000 - 2006); Rev. William A. Middleton (2009 - 2012); Rev. Tyson Lee Frey (2012 - 2013); Associate Rev. Lois A Wilson (2011 - 2013) - Photographs: Interior, Mercer tiles, Stained glass windows; Exterior, parsonage, Mission to South Africa, Church Members, Elevator Project, Activities. - Programs and Activities: Hanging of the Greens; Pancake Breakfast; Plays, scripts; Rumage Sales; Sedar Meal; Steak Dinners;Strawberry Festivals - Committees: - Consistory: Manual; Minutes, 1864 - 1908; Minutes and Correspondence, 1951 - 1979; Minutes, 1979 - 2007 (1985 incomplete) - Christian Education: Minutes, 1987 - 2003 - Communications and Public Relations: Computer Task Force Sub-Committee, Minutes - Evangelism: Stewardship Campaign - Fellowship: Shepherding; Goals; Minutes - Finance - Leadership - Library - Music: Choir; Hand Bells - Property: Building; Maintenance - Search: Personnel policies; Church profile - Social Action, 1957 - 2011 - Spiritual Council - World Missions: Zimbabwe Partnership, 1992 -1997 - Auxiliary Organizations: Faith at Five; Fifty Year Club; King's Daughters and Sons: Constitution and By-Laws, Cook Book, Minutes, 1950 - 1955; Men's Fellowship; Prime Timers; Salem Quilters, Salem Crafters: Cook Books, 1983, 2006; Salem Smarts; Sunday School: Attendance Records, 1862 - 1866; Vacation Bible School; Women of Salem, includes: Alice B. Freeman Guild, Fellowship Circle, Willing Workers' Bible Class, and Young Women's Missionary Society; Youth Camp, 1989 - 2012 - Membership cards, A - Z - Slides: "Freeman Hall, 125th Anniversary" - Cassette Tape, "Bible in Tiles"

Dates

Creation: 1861 - 2013

Biographical / Historical

In May 1861, 20 people began to organize services in Doylestown, PA in English and German in the Lutheran Church, the public school building, and the Masonic Hall. The first Salem Church building was built in 1865 for $5,000.00 and seated 200 people. Pews were rented to raise money: $35.00 for center; $15.00 for sides; $6.00 for less desirable. This unpopular decision was changed to $4.00 per member. In 1897, a new church was dedicated, designed by architect Oscar Martin, a member of Salem. The lot, building, bell, and all furnishings cost $13,596.60. All but $3,000.00 was paid from sale of the old church, as well as church collections and savings account. Cujo and Jo --freed slaves given 310 acres of land in Doylestown by former owner: Jeremiah Langhorne In 1899, an organ was purchased. In 1902, a baptismal font was purchased. In 1928, Rev. Freeman asked Dr. Mercer for a contribution to the church. He presented titles for the back of the altar valued at $900.00 at that time, but the church had to pay for the installation. In 1958, Freeman Hall was purchased to be used for Sunday School. The house was built by Schellenberger on land that had been used as an encampment by General Washington during the Revolutionary War. In the 1950's, George Shelly from Salem, along with a group of men from the area, accompanied a PA heifer to war-torn Europe to assist in its reconstruction. The group was sponsored by Heifer International, a fledgling organization dedicated to easing the massive destruction of WWII. The church remains active as of 2016.

Extent

1 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Related Materials

Church Records: Baptisms, 1861-1935; Confirmations, 1900-1917; Marriages, 1897-1922; Deaths, 1888-1921; Transfers, 1878-1910. SEE ALSO: Microfilm #104 Artifacts: Artifact Box 078