Salem United marks its 145th anniversary

The congregation of Salem United Church on Innis Lake Road will mark another milestone anniversary.

They will be celebrating the 145th anniversary of the church Sunday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. The service will include special music.

The church building has been a community landmark for many years. Some families boast of six generations who have attended.

A group of neighbours got together in 1850 and constructed the first log church and a larger structure followed 10 years later. William Wilson provided half an acre for the new church and cemetery, which cost roughly $1,600 to build. Many of the raw materials were donated and lime was drawn from a kiln near Cheltenham.

First known as Salem Primitive Methodist Church, it became known as Salem United in June 1925. Over the years there have been improvements and refurbishing of the building to maintain its condition.

This year, the sanctuary received a fresh coat of paint and anew roof has been installed. The church building was recognized for its historical significance by the Town of Caledon at its 124th anniversary service in 1986.