HIstory:
Salem can be traced back to before 1800, the original preaching house being a thatched barn. In 1806 this was pulled down and replaced by the 'Old Chapel', situated in front of the present Sunday School Hall. As the congregation continued to grow this building became inadequate and work on the present chapel began in 1853/4. In 1889 the Old Chapel was demolished to make way for the Sunday School which was built in the same year. Wander round the inside of our church and note the historic links to the Hawkins family who were an integral part of the life of our church. You will also spot our Millennium Banner (see picture at foot of this page), which is made up of panels created by many church and community groups. It reflects the diversity of activities at Salem as at the turn of the millennium. We do have a small selection of information leaflets available to visitors in the vestibule.
Community:
Salem has always been at the heart of community life in Cheslyn Hay and we are proud to be continuing that tradition today (see 'Weekly activities'). However, whilst we are proud of our heritage, we are living very much in the present and looking towards the future. Our mission is to share the love of Jesus with all.
Salem is home to 1st Cheslyn Hay Boys' Brigade, Cheslyn Hay & District History Society, Cheslyn Hay Table Tennis Club, Cheslyn Hay & Great Wyrley Flower Club and is a distribution centre for Cannock & District foodbank, part of Trussell Trust. We also act as a Polling Station for Local & General elections. If you would like to learn more about the space we have to let then please visit our Room Hire page.
Coffee Stop:
Salem Coffee Stop, where anyone can pop in for a coffee or tea and companionship, operates between 10am and 4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the main Church building. This enables us to be one the few local churches that have their doors open to all visitors for 3 workdays each week.
Worship:
Our Sunday Service is at 11.00am. Services are led either by our Minister, another member of the Circuit Team or a Local Preacher. These services often include a mix of modern and traditional hymns. Following the services we usually share tea & coffee over a chat, and you are very welcome to join us. We do record many of our morning services for YouTube. If you would like to experience one they are usually posted during Monday. Just search for “salemch” on YouTube.
Baby Bear Project:
We have been involved with this charity since 2007, and each month we ship 150 packs to South Africa that support mothers and new born babies. A pack consists of a Babygro, a vest, jumper, bootees, mittens, a hat, a small bar of soap and a towel all wrapped in a shawl. We have to take care to avoid white for baby wear as in Africa white is the colour of mourning. Excepting the soap and towel all items are hand knitted by a team of volunteers. New knitters are always welcome, and if you wish to join us please phone Ruth on 07958 404433 and she will supply the knitting patterns etc. as we have to supply within a set of agreed standards.
Charity Coffee Mornings:
On the first Saturday of each month we support a nominated charity by holding a coffee morning. Charities are nominated by Members of the Church or Community and can be Local or National. A schedule of the Charities that have been nominated is available in the Church Vestibule. Why not pop along and enjoy a coffee/tea and select from a variety of homemade cakes and support us in supporting a deserving charity.
