Saying goodbye to Salem Church

“When I think about Salem I think much more about the people than the building itself. Jan Olson ran our Sunday School programs and our big Christmas programs. We had homemade costumes that were recycled each year. Donkeys, sheep, wisemen, and the crown jewel roles of Mary and Joseph. I recall when I was finally old enough to get a part with more lines I was so proud. I hated memorizing the lines, but I got to wear the crown and “cape” and that was all that was very important to me at the time. Later on, I got cast as the “drummer boy” and did that for two or three years in a row. Other memories include watching the ladies get ready for the annual meatball dinner that was held at the Community Center. I don’t think I’ve had better meatballs since. Other memories that stick out to me was constant teasing from the late Charlie Randall who sat behind us in church, and the faithfulness of its members to be there on Sundays. The seating arrangement didn’t change much, but there was a certain comfort in that.” Philip Lee