On April 9, 1922, a small group of Christians, led by Reverend J.S. Williams, gathered at Father Wagnor’s Church (the Interdenominational Church) near 26th and Franklin Streets to establish a church. To guide the church’s policies, they called upon Reverend C. Cobb, Reverend E. Green, and Reverend Z.E. McGhee, who was then the Pastor of Pleasant Green Baptist Church.

After developing the church’s policies, they appointed Reverend J.S. Williams as pastor and extended invitations for membership on the same day. On that day, several individuals and ten others (whose names are not known) joined the church. These included Brother Bob Alexander, Brother and Sister W.C. Morris, Brother and Sister M. Green, Sister Carrie Gardner, Brother and Sister Isaac Swille, Sister Mary Alexander, Brother C.B. Saffold, Brother Richard Turner, Brother Cain, and Sister Lucinda Crowder.

In 1935, the U.S. Government condemned the area that included Salem’s building, anticipating a move. To secure their future, the church purchased property at 2741 Decatur Street and constructed a frame structure in 1936.

During the first two decades, Salem Baptist Church experienced a succession of pastors. However, in 1944, Reverend J.C. Wade Sr., the pastor of the Riverside Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, accepted the position of senior pastor and was installed in July of that year. Under Pastor Wade’s leadership, the church’s membership grew from 250 to over 1,000.

In March 1971, the church’s structure at 3336 Lake Street was completed. The church was officially opened in April 1972, with an estimated cost of $380,000. The sanctuary could accommodate over 650 people, the chapel had 150 seats, the balcony had 300 seats, and there was a nursery. Additionally, an education wing with several classrooms was built to accommodate up to 375 people.

Pastor Wade faithfully led the church for over four decades, but due to declining health, he retired as senior pastor in 1987. On August 30, 1999, he passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord. In his memory, the new church fellowship hall was named in honor of Pastor Wade and his devoted wife, Mrs. Mary Wade.

In November 1988, Reverend Maurice Watson, the senior pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, accepted the position of senior pastor at Salem Baptist Church. Under Pastor Watson’s leadership, the church’s membership grew significantly, reaching over 3,000 by the time he retired.

In January 1995, Salem Baptist Church embarked on the “Vision To Victory” campaign to fund a new worship center and educational facility. On April 19, 1998, their vision was finally realized with a groundbreaking ceremony held at 3131 Lake Street. This land, formerly known as the Hilltop Housing Complex, has transformed into an “oasis of hope.”

The new church sanctuary boasts a seating capacity of 1,300 people. In addition, it includes classrooms for 375 students, a nursery, a multi-purpose fellowship hall, an administrative wing, and ample parking. On January 23, 2000, the Salem family proudly marched from their previous church at 3336 Lake Street to their new home at 3131 Lake Street.

In March 2004, Pastor Maurice Watson, who had led Salem for over 15 years, was called to serve as the Senior Pastor of Beulahland Bible Church in Macon, Georgia. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to God for his blessings and the impact Pastor Watson had on Salem’s growth. Under his guidance, Salem experienced unprecedented growth, transforming from a relatively obscure church in 1922 to a $7.2 million facility that now stands as a beacon of spiritual leadership in its region.

In July 2005, Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus was called by God to serve as the Senior Pastor of Salem Baptist Church. Pastor Bachus made his debut as the new senior pastor on Sunday, September 4, 2005, and quickly made a difference, helping to save souls, transform lives, and positively impact our community and nation. His unwavering passion for God, genuine love for people, community-oriented mindset, and commitment to reaching out to the unsaved propelled Salem to new heights of ministry. In March of 2025 Pastor Bachus was called to lead the Middle Baptist Church of Memphis Tennessee.