History

History of the Salem Cass United Methodist Church

The first church was organized around 1853. A small plot of ground was purchased from Jacob Shafer for the price of $5 on which a frame building was erected. At that time, Salem was on the Gilboa Circuit. The pastor was probably the Rev. John T. Bowers. 

This frame building served until 1880 when the present brick sanctuary was erected. The old building was moved to the Arcadia-Mortimer Road north of the church where it served as a store. In 1883, a Post Office was established in this building known as Wineland. It was discontinued a few years later. The building was moved two more times and once served as a Grange Hall. It now stands at the Section Line south of the present church in a state of disrepair. 

More ground was needed for the erection of the brick building. This was purchased in 1880 from Andrew Shafer, son of Jacob Shafer. The price was seventy-five dollars. Salem was then on the Arcadia charge. The dedication service was held June 20, 1880. The pastor was probably the Rev. David Gray. 

Some improvements were made to this building over the years, including a vestibule in 1903 and a basement in 1915. An inside stairway was constructed in 1934, which added greatly to the convenience of the members. 

A painting on canvas, "Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane," enhanced the wall behind the pulpit for many years. It has since been framed by the Rev. Russell Hawk, using wood from one of the original pews. It now hangs on the south wall of the sanctuary. 

In later years, an inlaid linoleum type of floor covering was purchased to cover the entire sanctuary and entryway. 

Among the first memorial gifts to the church were a cross, candlesticks, altar cloths and a baptismal font. The first communion table is now in the fellowship room (currently it is in the Narthex) and was purchased by the Women's Society. 

The idea of an Educational Unit was the outgrowth of a churchwide study, "High Hours of Methodism", in which the project of "The Lord's Acre" was promoted. The cornerstone for this addition was laid October 12, 1958, with Dr. W. Arthur Milne, Superintendent of the Toledo District, in charge of the event, assisted by the church pastor, the Rev. Millard B. Knowles. 

The work continued through the efforts of members and friends until its completion in the fall of 1963 during the pastorate of the Rev. Dwight Hayes. The addition lies to the south of the old edifice and provides several classrooms, a fellowship room, a nursery, restrooms, furnace room, and a new tower and entryway. Volunteer labor performed most of the work. The ladies contributed by preparing meals for the laborers nearly every Saturday.  The Educational Unit was dedicated November 24,1963, with the Toledo District Superintendent, Dr. Donald Cryer, as the Speaker. The pastor at that time was the Rev. Dwight Hayes. The only former pastor to attend this service was the Rev. and Mrs. R. B. Coleman. 

On April 15, 1957, an organ fund was started by a friend of the church in memory of her husband. A Conn organ was purchased in April of 1966. The dedication service was held the following month, May 29, with the Rev. Charles E. Wintringham as the speaker, assisted by the Rev. Russell Foote. 

In June of 1967, the Arcadia Methodist Church decided they wished to become a station, so we were left without a pastor. However, we were able to secure Charles Lloyd Baird, who served as our minister for five years. 

Shortly thereafter, the Methodist and the Evangelical United Brethren Conferences decided to merge, so we became the Salem United Methodist Church. Since there was another Salem Church on the E.U.B. Circuit in Jackson Township, we reluctantly changed our name to Salem Cass United Methodist Church (due to being located in Cass Township) on August 19, 1968. 

New hymnals were purchased this same year. 

In the year 1969, an enclosure was built above the furnace room, which provided a fire escape, a choir entrance into the sanctuary, and also made space for a kitchenette, which was a project of the Women's Society. 

Having completed and furnished the Educational Unit, we thought it necessary to redecorate the sanctuary. This was planned and completed in 1969 and 1970. It consisted of painting the walls, refinishing the woodwork and doing some paneling. A cross and flame added to the worship setting. New pews and other furniture of a light wood finish were added. 

In November of 1970, wall-to-wall carpeting was installed in the sanctuary, choir room and entryway. 

December 4, 1973, a strip of ground lying to the south of the church and consisting of approximately 30 feet in width was purchased from Glen D. Stahl at a cost of $357.14. This ground included the septic system and some of the parking lot used by the church. 

In April of 1974, organ pipes were installed in memory of a member who had served as one of our organists. 

The next project was carpeting the nursery, restrooms, and the stairway to the nursery. In early 1974, the dining room in the basement was paneled and new lights installed. 

On May 19, 1974, we held a service dedicating the many memorials and gifts that had been presented to the church. The District Superintendent, the Rev. Paul E. Stuckey, was the speaker. 

On May 22, 1974, we were saddened by the sudden death of our beloved pastor, the Rev. Clayton Strawser. A beautiful stained glass window was installed in his memory. 

In August of 1974, the original church bell was erected on the front lawn, which brought back memories of yesteryear. 

The most recent improvement was the repainting of the walls and ceiling of the sanctuary in February of 1976. This greatly enhanced the beauty of our place of worship. 

It is interesting to note that Mrs. Robert (Ethel) Beeson and Mr. Lewis Brinkman have each been members of the Salem Church for sixty-nine years, having joined in 1907. 

Historians: 

Mrs. Kenneth (Pearle) Philpott, Chm. 

Mrs. Blond (Dorotha) Amos 

Mrs. Herbert (Evalyn) Hill 

HISTORY OF THE SALEM CASS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1977 THROUGH 2004

Additional stained glass windows were added to the sanctuary in 1975 and 1983, made possible through memorial gifts. In 1977 a piano for the sanctuary was purchased from Groman's Music. 

In 1979 the fellowship room and nursery were carpeted as well as painted and the upstairs classrooms were painted. 

A new roof was put on the church in 1980 and the outside area was enhanced with the installation of a security light along with the planting of several trees. A choir robe cabinet was built in the fellowship room to provide needed storage. 

Tables were purchased in 1982 for the basement through a gift from the Live Wire Class along with other donations and ceiling fans were installed in the sanctuary. 

Installation of an outside lighted sign was done in 1983 which provided an area to announce special events. Dedication of the above memorials and gifts was made during worship on October 9, 1983, by Dr. Roland V. Hudson. 

In 1984 the sanctuary received a new coat of paint as well as the nursery and kitchen area. A kitchen sink and cabinets were added to improve the efficiency of the kitchen. 

Four new furnaces were purchased in 1987 and in 1988 new lights were hung in the sanctuary providing more light and beauty. The sanctuary, entrance area, kitchen and dining room were painted in 1989 and masonry repair work was done to the exterior of the building in 1990. 

In honor of Earth Day, May 1990, eight trees were planted around the church as memorials and gifts. 

In 1989 the United Methodist Church published new hymnals and after a fundraising campaign, we replaced our previous hymnals with new ones. A hymnal dedication service was held April 7, 1991, by pastor, Dr. Robert G. Scully. 

The year 1992 was a busy year with replacing the roof, paving the parking area, changing the furnaces over from fuel oil to natural gas, building a storage closet in the north upstairs classroom, and through memorials, adding an eternal flame in the sanctuary, and redecoration of the nursery with new cribs and a glider rocker. The nursery project was continued in 1993 with the addition of a slide toy, carpeting, lights, fans, curtains and vertical blinds. 

A new table was given in 1994 for the back of the sanctuary and a vanity and sinks were installed in the restrooms. New altar cloths were given and purchase was made of a copy machine and sound system. 

In 1995 personal listening devices were added to the sound system and a new sidewalk leading to the front door was installed. 

As there was need for a new organ, a fund was started in 1993, and in January of 1996 we were able to purchase a Galanti Classic church organ. Also added to the sanctuary that same year were ceiling fans, air conditioning, a sound system cabinet and new candlelighters for the acolytes. 

Improvements in 1997 were enlarging the parking lot by adding spaces to the east of the church and getting replacement windows for the classrooms and fellowship room. A white marker board for the fellowship room was given by the UMYF and twenty-five blue choir robes and four acolyte robes were purchased through a memorial. 

A three-octave set of Schulmerich handbells was purchased in 1998 through donations and memorials. A TV/VCR for use in the classrooms was added along with a communion set. 

The next year a memorial closet was built in the nursery. Also, a rear sidewalk was installed and a CD player added to the sound system. 

As there was need for more parking, Glen and Wanda Stahl agreed to sell us more land. The purchase of 2.862 acres at a cost of $21,450.00 was made in December of 2000. This allowed us to extend our parking area to the east. 

In 1996 a fund had been started to make our church handicap accessible. Several different ideas were considered such as putting a ramp on the north side of the building or an elevator to reach all floors. Also, our attendance had continued to grow and we were in need of more space in the sanctuary. A building committee was formed in 1999. 

An architect was hired to draw up plans and at a church conference on Monday, May 14, 2001, the congregation voted to move forward with the building project.  It seemed the time was right in 2003 to proceed with construction. Our Bible study group had been studying Nehemiah and the words in Nehemiah 2: 18, "Let us rise up and build", took on special meaning. The interest rate on bank loans was at an all-time low. God seemed to be bringing people together in our church with talents necessary to carry out an extensive building project. The purchase of the additional land made space available and people were generously contributing to our building fund giving us the needed money to begin. 

After much discussion and planning, the congregation voted to approve the Building Committee's recommendation of reversing and expanding the sanctuary, adding a balcony, a new entrance area with a wheelchair lift, new multi-purpose room, new kitchen, new handicap accessible restrooms, covered "drop-off' area and enlarged parking area. In preparation for the expansion, a new well was drilled in 2002 and new septic system installed in 2003. 

Garlock Brothers Construction Company, Findlay, Ohio, was hired to do the construction and ground was broken July 7, 2003. The reversal of the sanctuary was done by members of the congregation. Wood trim and kitchen cabinets were made and donated by church members. Additional blond pews were purchased from another church that no longer had need for them. 

The west memorial windows were bricked in and a "cross and flame" were added as new memorials. The glass from the windows was moved to the front entrance and mezzanine windows. Through all of the construction, we were able to continue to hold services in the sanctuary and never missed a Sunday. 

To raise money for the building project, fundraisers included chicken barbecues, pizza sales, potato luncheons, garage sales and the sale of grocery certificates. Also, an amount was placed in the budget to cover the cost of weekly loan payments. 

Of special interest was the collection of change by the children who, each Sunday, placed their money in a special basket at the altar during the children's sermon. 

A highlight of our money-raising efforts was the awarding of a $20,000.00 grant from the West Ohio Methodist Conference. This was received after applying for it the two previous years and being turned down. 

We were able to secure a bank loan of $323,408.87 at a rate of 5.4% to finance the project. In order to get the loan, we needed to be incorporated. This was done July 10, 2003, and at that time our name was officially made Salem Cass United Methodist Church. The total cost of the building project was around $750,000.00. 

An important part in our "step of faith" were the prayers of our minister, Rev. Benjamin W. Lowell who, every time he drove by the church, would pull into the parking lot and pray for our church and for guidance in our building project. Also, before the carpet was laid in the sanctuary, children, youth and adults wrote scripture verses on the sub-flooring, indicating that we have a spiritual foundation and are "standing on the word of God." 

On December 28, 2003, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the church. A special program was held commemorating the occasion which included a historical skit written by our church historian, Darlene Lewis. The men grew beards and members dressed in clothes of the 1853 era. 

Several additions received at this time through memorials were new sanctuary carpeting, carpet in the multi-purpose room, chandelier and couches in the entry area, two external cross and flames, advent wreath, chairs and grand piano for the sanctuary and additional hymnals and Bibles. 

Gifts to the church included additional pews, pew cushions, new flags for the altar area, brass railing, glass and wood trim for the balcony, tables and chairs for the multi-purpose room, a table for the entry area, a gift of stock, basketball backboard, septic tank, landscaping, new refrigerators, stoves and a dishwasher. 

A service was held May 23, 2004, to dedicate the new addition. Bishop of the West Ohio Conference, United Methodist Church, Bruce Ough and Findlay District Superintendent, Tom Tumblin spoke, as well as our own minister, Rev. Lowell. Participating in the service were the Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Children's Choir, Adult Handbells, Youth Handbells and the Praise Band. A video presentation of the church, its people, its history and the new construction was shown in the multipurpose room followed by a baked steak luncheon. 

Mrs. Max (Marjorie) Stacy 

Mrs. John (Sharon) Stacy 

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HISTORY OF SALEM CASS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2005 THROUGH 2023

On display in our foyer are five framed paintings of our church showing the original building and the progression to our present structure.  These were painted by Oscar Velasquez of Bluffton, Ohio.

In 2005 we made a move to include contemporary music in our worship services and offer a blended service.  A worship team was formed that involved both youth and adults and included such instruments as a keyboard and drums.

As our congregation was growing and desiring to have a full-time pastor, a 98% approval vote by the congregation to seek our own minister and separate from the Van Buren charge, took place in February of 2006.  After conference approval, we were assigned our first full-time minister, Rev. Ray Kane.  This made necessary the construction of offices for a pastor and a secretary.  At this time, we hired our first paid secretary.

Something new for our congregation, an Exercise Program, was introduced in March of 2008.  This activity involved quite a few participants, and we exercised with videos in the cold weather and walked outside at various locations in the spring and summer.

In September of 2008, Salem hired its first part-time Youth Minister, enabled by a grant of $9,000.00 from the Northwest Plains District.  After our two volunteer youth advisors retired, it was felt that someone was needed who could devote more time to the youth in our congregation. 

On September 20, 2009, a significant event in our church history was our Mortgage Burning Celebration with District Superintendent, Steve Bennett.  It was gratifying to note that we accomplished this feat in just six years.  Of special significance, when our loan amount was reduced to $19,385.00, a generous member of our congregation offered to match up to $10,000.00, all donations given in the two weeks following.  We were able to come up with the match and were debt free! 

The scholarship program at Salem began in 2009 from a single memorial donation.  To date, the program has awarded 74 scholarships totaling $37,550.

In March of 2010, our sound system was upgraded, and a screen and projector were added in 2012.  Of interest to the ladies, a church cookbook of 700 favorite recipes was compiled by one of our members and sold with proceeds going to a steeple fund.

An important ministry of the church, “Needles for God,” was founded in September 2010 by Ruth McPheron.  This group ministers to hurting people in our church and beyond with their sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlework, etc., and baby gifts for newborns.  They also make handmade sweaters and gowns as part of the layettes sent to General Conference each year.

Another important ministry Salem started in November of 2011 was the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  Adults, youth and children all contribute to this project.  To date, Salem has donated 965 shoeboxes.

Carillon Bells were added to our worship setting in 2014 which can be heard playing hymns at certain times during the day.  Also in 2014, a Junior Church program was started for pre-school through fifth grade children to attend during the worship service. 

The same year an outdoor shelter house was constructed on church grounds to be used for special events and services.

In January 2015, we began sharing our facilities with a group of young adult Christians who were looking for a place to meet.  Then in July 2016, a Bible study group was looking for a location to hold services.  They found our church to be centrally located and a good fit for them.  This group of 40-50 people of all ages met in our church every Saturday morning up until 2024 when they moved to another location.

In January 2017, after several Vision meetings, the church organizational structure was changed from Church Administrative Council to Servant Leader Board, with committees that report through a Team Leader to the Servant Leader Board.

After serving our church for eleven years, Pastor Ray Kane was assigned to the Grace United Methodist Church in Gallipolis, Ohio.  A farewell reception was held on June 18, 2017, to honor the Kane family for their service to our church.

The next pastor to serve our church was Rev. Ron Hoeksema.  He and his family moved here from the Greenville, Ohio area, and were introduced to Salem with a “Welcome Cookout” on June 25, 2017.

A new kids’ program, KIKS (Kids in the King’s Service), was started for youth in grades three through six.  These are held every other week and offer Bible teaching, crafts, recreation and mission projects.  This was started in January 2018.  In May 2018, small groups were organized to study “The Class Meeting.”  It is hoped that through this study more people will join, and more small groups will be formed.

In July 2018, our church was recommended as a candidate for MCCI by district superintendent, Barry Burns.  Missional Church Consultation Initiative is a very involved self-study of our church, including coming up with a Breakthrough Prayer and a Statement of Faith.   This study included every area of our church such as strengths, weaknesses, history, membership, etc.  In June of 2019 our church determined that our season with MCCI had come to a conclusion.  We were grateful for all we had learned from the process and the opportunity to be involved.

Also, in July of that year, our Annual BBQ and Summer Fest included a Car/Truck show, Silent Auction, Bake Sale and a Kid’s Fun Zone.

In November 2018, Salem was directly involved with the “Revive Ohio” outreach ministry in Hancock County.  Our pastor, Rev. Ron Hoeksema was instrumental in bringing the program to Hancock County and many church members were involved, and continue to be involved, in various ways.  During “Outreach Week,” people went out in teams of four asking, “How can we pray for you?”, handing out Bibles and wrist bands, and sharing the gospel.

In January 2019, a new ministry in the formation stage is the Matthew 2540 Ministry.  This ministry was initially formed to help homeless families staying at the City Mission to furnish their new home, typically an apartment.  With donations of furniture and household items, it is a blessing to help these folks move from a “hopeless” situation into a “furnished” home/apartment.

Three new cabinetry pieces were added to the Fellowship Hall/Kitchen area.  These portable cabinets were designed and built by Mark Schimmoeller for storage use by “Needles for God” and also as serving units for church dinners.

The upstairs classrooms were reconfigured in July 2019.  A wall was removed making one large room and one small storage room.  The whole upstairs was then recarpeted.  Also, a 15-passenger transportation van was purchased for use by the church to transport people to church events and for use by church groups.

March 15 through June 21, 2020, the church closed and all activities cancelled due to the Covid 19 outbreak.  Servant Leader Board meetings and Sunday Bible studies continued through Zoom.

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A drainage problem in the basement was found and corrected in April 2020.  Tree roots were blocking the tile.

May 31, 2020, was Pastor Ron Hoeksema's last day at Salem.   He had requested to move to South Carolina to join family living there.  A drive-by Farewell Reception was held at his home on Saturday, May 30, and in the evening a worship service was held in the church parking lot at 5:00 p.m.  

The church opened back up June 28, 2020, with our new pastor, Matthew Blau.  Worship services were live streamed via Facebook, as well as on the church website and YouTube.  We wore masks, took temperatures, social distanced and disinfected the surroundings. 

Due to Covid, our annual Summerfest BBQ was held as a drive-thru in July 2020.  We had no Silent Auction but did a drive-thru Bake Sale and both events were very successful.  

September 6 and 13, 2020, the church was closed again due to a Covid 19 case in the congregation.

Since the water problem seemed to be taken care of, new carpet was laid in the basement nursery in December of that same year.

In early 2021, four security cameras were installed and also a security system that required a code to be entered into a keypad.  At about this same time, the Mission 2540 project decided to maintain the smaller items but deferred the furniture ministry to the West Independence Church.

By May 2021, most people had been vaccinated, and all Covid 19 restrictions were lifted. We now returned to a normal church service and resumed activities that had been discontinued.

Two 75-inch TV screens were installed in the sanctuary at a cost of $6367 in August of 2021. They were placed at the front, one on each side of the church, for use during the worship service.

June 2022, a Youth Director was hired, and a new church sign was installed in front of the building.

A church camporee was held at Salem in August 2022.  This was in conjunction with Pastor Gay Blau’s two churches, Howard United Methodist and Zion United Methodist.  A picnic meal was held, and an outdoor movie was shown.  Several people camped all night and enjoyed breakfast the next morning.

That same year, Salem began offering a service called “Harvest Host Faithful Parking.” This service involved allowing self-contained RVs to stay overnight in our church parking lot for a small fee.  Registration was made through the church website.  This service was discontinued after Pastor Blau left our church.

In 2022, we began to learn of the disaffiliation movement when Robin Kane sent information regarding disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church to Bob Doxsey. 

In 2019, paragraph 2553 was added to the Book of Discipline which allows for a graceful exit where churches can retain their buildings, their contents and property without penalty until December 31, 2023.  After that, it is unknown what the disaffiliation terms might be.  

Issues with the current United Methodist Church included:  sexual ethics, same-sex marriage, and ordination of non-celibate gay clergy.  

A congregational meeting was held on September 11, 2022, to start informing the congregation of the disaffiliation process and to discuss and answer questions.

In January 2023, Amy Haines, District Superintendent, held a Regional District Meeting at Salem to discuss the disaffiliation process.  Following this, a local discernment team was organized, and several congregational discernment information meetings were held to consider the following:  Do we remain United Methodist?  Do we become independent?  Do we join another denomination? 

On March 7, 2023, an official church conference vote was taken.  Disaffiliation was approved by a 71-6 vote, a 92% margin.  The disaffiliation settlement fee for our church was $57,038.

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HISTORY OF SALEM NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH 2023 THROUGH 2025

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As our church was no longer Methodist, a new name was discussed.  Three suggestions were put forth—Salem Bible Church, Salem Community Church, and Salem New Beginnings Church.  A vote was taken May 14, 2023, and Salem New Beginnings became our new name.  One of the  first things that was done was to remove the Methodist flames, both inside and outside of the church. 

At the United Methodist Annual Conference, June 1, 2023, Salem was officially approved for disaffiliation.  Pastor Blau continued to stay with the United Methodist Church due to his length of service and future pension.  In the absence of a minister, we began to have guest speakers, lay people and other pastors fill in.  

On July 30, 2023, a congregational meeting was held to look at the similarities and differences between the Global Methodist Church and the Evangelical Free Church.  After much discussion, a vote was taken on August 20, 2023, and it was decided to join the EFCA denomination.  The vote was 46 yes, 3 no, for a 94% approval.   This became official at the National EFCA Conference on October 10, 2023, when we received a certificate of acceptance.

In October 2023, we updated our mission statement to “Sharing the gospel and making disciples of Jesus Christ.”  We also began the reorganization of our church structure from church board members to Elders and Deacons. 

A Pastor Search Committee was formed and after hearing Karel Castro preach on December 3 and 10, the committee unanimously agreed to offer him a bi-vocational pastoral contract for a 6-month trial period.  He filled the pulpit for the first on January 21, 2024.

Several happenings in March of 2024,included the purchase of new hymnals, “Hymns of Grace,” to replace the United Methodist Hymnals.  The lobby area was redecorated, and a welcome area was created.  A new cross was designed to replace the former cross above the altar.   The old cross was off-center after the flame was removed.  A Women’s Bible study was started, led by Mindy Castro, the pastor’s wife.  

Of special significance, Sharon Stacy retired from her position of Treasurer after 60 years of service, having started in 1963.  She was honored at a reception on March 3, 2024.

In April 2024, the “Sounds of Joy” bell choir celebrated 25 years with five of the original members still playing.

In May 2024, we hired a Worship Song Leader for the first time, and a vote was taken July 28, 2024, to approve Karel Castro as the permanent pastor.  A Men’s Bible Study, taught by Pastor Karel, was also started in July.

In the fall of 2024, since our participation had dwindled, it was decided to put out all the remaining items from the Matthew 2540 mission and invite local service agencies to come and take any items they could use.  They were very appreciative of this.

At the end of the worship service on March 2, 2025, it was announced that we are changing the name of our church from Salem New Beginnings to Countryside Bible Church.

Easter was celebrated a little differently in 2025.  Instead of the usual Easter breakfast, this year we had a luncheon following the worship service which was well attended.  Then on May 25rh a Ladies Tea was held for the first time.  All the ladies and their guests enjoyed the luncheon followed by a program in the sanctuary which featured Mindy Castro as speaker.

But, as time went on, it became evident by June of 2025, that our goals for our church and Pastor Karel’s goals for our church were going in two different directions.  Because of this, we parted ways on June 22, 2025, with Karel and his followers.  They moved to a new location, and we returned to our previous name of Salem New Beginnings Church.  This meant that we were also without a pastor and the search began again.

After six months of having guest pastors and speakers, mainly Mark Ruggles, a congregational vote was held following worship on Sunday, December 28, 2025.  By unanimous approval of the membership, Mark Ruggles was chosen as the next pastor to serve Salem New Beginnings Church. 

Mrs. Max (Marjorie) Stacy

Mrs. John (Sharon) Stacy