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The History of Salem United Methodist Church - Lamartine

1857: Lamartine Methodist Church was organized by the Presiding Elder of the Fond du Lac District. Worship was held in homes and the schoolhouse.

1859: The first church was built at a cost of $700.

1867: The church added a front vestibule, closets and an upstairs room, which was used as a dining room, all at the considerable cost of $1,600. Oyster suppers were cooked on heating stoves for many years.

1881: A new parsonage was built directly behind the church replacing the building erected when the church was built.

1903: A system of pressure-gasoline lighting was installed in the sanctuary and vestibule, replacing the old kerosene lamps. The entire church was redecorated and the stained glass windows were installed.

1918: The wood steeple was blown down during a windstorm. The base was preserved and used for speakers for carillon bells.

1920: The church was wired for electricity for $75.00. Money came from sale of the horse sheds, which were no longer needed.

1946: The church was raised and a full basement was put in.

1949: A Hammond electric organ was installed and dedicated.

1953: New oak floors, 14 oak pews and 2 choir pews were installed.

1957: A special service was held to commemorate 100 years as a congregation in the Methodist Church.

1977: A celebration of the 120th year of the Church was held.

2003: Lamartine United Methodist Church, in its 146th year as a congregation merged with Salem United Methodist Church and will now be known as Salem UMC of Lamartine.

2007: Salem United Methodist Church of Lamartine celebrated its 150th Anniversary of Methodist Ministry in Lamartine on Sunday, June 24.
 

 The History of Salem United Methodist Church - Fond du Lac

1854: Salem United Methodist Church began as a mission on the Lomira Wisconsin Circuit of the Evangelical Association when a circuit rider preacher asked to extend his circuit into the city of Fond du Lac. All members of the Association were of German origin so only German-speaking people were sought. A 'Class' was formed and prayer meetings were held in homes.

1864: A conference committee was chosen to find a church for this 'Society' and report at the next conference session.

1865: The 'Society' purchased the church from the Methodists. On September 5 this congregation was incorporated into the mother church as ‘The Fond du Lac Church of the Evangelical Association of North America’.

1901: A new brick structure was built on the site. 

1912: Church name was changed to 'Salem's Church of the Evangelical Association'. In 1922 it changed again, to 'Salem Evangelical Church'.

1913: First of 55 annual Sunday School Banquets was held.

1920: Church extensively remodeled with two new entrances, office, dining room and kitchen.

1939: Salem entertained Conference for the fourth time.

1951: Purchased J.B. Atkinson Home as site for new church. Became known as ‘Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church’ after merger with United Brethren denomination.

1952: Cornerstone laid for present church.

1964: Note burning ceremony was held. Church debt was retired in eleven years from dedication. An aluminum steeple was erected.

1965: Salem celebrated its Centennial.

1968: Church name was changed to Salem United Methodist Church following the merger of the Methodists and the Evangelical United Brethren.

1980: When the old brick church was demolished, Salem recovered the 1901 cornerstone. It is now part of the new rear entrance at our present church.

1988: Fellowship Hall was remodeled with addition of movable partitions to form five meeting/class rooms.

1989: Salem celebrated its 125th Anniversary since Incorporation.

1999: The ‘Handicap Access Project’, last of four major improvements to the church; Organ, Sanctuary Roof, Sanctuary tile and carpeting, was completed providing access to the church from the parking area at the rear of the church.

2003: Salem UMC and Lamartine UMC were merged, effective January 1.