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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Historic Salem #9: First United Methodist Church

600 State Street

IMG_3248 First United Methodist Church in Salem, Oregon on September 4, 2006
First United Methodist Church on September 4, 2006

Jason Lee established the Methodist Episcopal Church in Salem in 1834. The first church on this site was a wood-frame building built in 1851. This church was built from 1872 to 1878, and carries the inscription "Reverence my sanctuary."

IMG_3254 First United Methodist Church in Salem, Oregon on September 4, 2006
First United Methodist Church on September 4, 2006

The church was remodeled in 1953, with smaller renovations in 1981 & 1988, and received additions in 1935 & 1967. The steeple spire was replaced in 1984.

IMG_3251 First United Methodist Church in Salem, Oregon on September 4, 2006
First United Methodist Church on September 4, 2006

At a 188 feet high & 342 feet above sea level, the steeple of the First United Methodist Church of Salem is the tallest building & highest point in Salem.

IMG_1409 First United Methodist Church in Salem, Oregon on March 8, 2006
First United Methodist Church on March 8, 2006

The church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 9, 1983.

IMG_1413 First United Methodist Church in Salem, Oregon on March 8, 2006
First United Methodist Church on March 8, 2006

Additional Links:
First United Methodist Church at Salem Online History
First United Methodist Church at Salem Historical Quarterly
Salem Oregon's Tallest Building at the Salem Oregon Community Guide
First Methodist Church at Discover-Neighborhood-History

Historical Photos:
First Methodist Church, 1951 (Salem Public Library)
First Methodist Church, 1953 (Salem Public Library)
First Methodist Church during steeple renovation, 1980s (Salem Public Library)

IMG_3255 First United Methodist Church Northwest House of Theological Studies in Salem, Oregon on September 4, 2006
Northwest House of Theological Studies on September 4, 2006

Next door to the church is the Northwest House of Theological Studies, which was established in 1997 and first opened in 1998.

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