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Anniversary Celebrations
The Salem congregation has always been proud of its Christian heritage. Anniversary services, held every 10 years since 1919, have been significant events in the Wolfsville community. During these celebrations, in addition to services in the church, the congregation always makes a pilgrimage to the place of its beginning, the Hoover barn.
100th Anniversary
The congregation's 100th anniversary was held in August 1919, during the pastorate of Rev. C. W. Christman. These day-long services, according to "The Valley Register," drew the largest crowd ever assembled in Wolfsville. All three services were held in the Hoover barn. The newspaper article said, "Most interesting United Brethren centennial exercises were held on Sunday at Wolfsville, in the Hoover barn where preaching by the United Brethren denomination was held 100 years ago. Rev. Dr. A. B. Statton, superintendent of the Pennsylvania Conference, spoke in the morning and Rev. Dr. C. I. Brane, associate editor of the Religious Telescope, Dayton, Ohio, in the afternoon, both of which were most able addresses, Dr. Brane speaking in a reminiscent strain. A quarterly conference was held in the afternoon as well as an old-time experience meeting. The Men's Chorus from the United Brethren Church at Chewsville sang. Special services were also held last night. The same stand used at the service 100 years ago was in service on Sunday and an old lantern, also used at the service a century ago, was an object of much interest. Persons were present from this city, Keedysville, Rohrersville, Monroe, Mt. Carmel and other portions of Washington county. It is estimated that fully 2,000 persons were present in the afternoon it being impossible for many to get into the barn. All of the services were largely attended.
110th Anniversary
President Hoover was invited, but didn't attend the 110th anniversary celebration, held on July 21, 1929, during the pastorate of Rev. Palmer M. Slenker. Two services were held in the church and two in the barn.
120th Anniversary
Rev. Stanley G. Sherriff was pastor of the congregation when the church marked its 120th anniversary on July 16, 1939.
140th Anniversary
Rev. John W. Schildt was the pastor when the church observed its 140th anniversary with special services on July 19, 1959. These special services served as a homecoming for a number of former members as well as many former pastors, namely, Rev. Joy W. Yoke (pastor from 1912-1915), Rev. Palmer M. Slenker (1928-33), Rev. Stanley G. Sherriff (1938-42) was unable to attend but sent a tape recorded message, and Rev. Albert Snyder (1945-56).
150th Anniversary
The congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary on July 27, 1969. Morning, afternoon, and evening services were held under the pastoral guidance of Rev. Robert E. Hawk. Speaker in the morning service was the church's ministerial son, Rev. Marvin L. Kline. The traditional Pilgrimage Service was held in the afternoon with former pastor Rev. John W. Schildt preaching, with the remainder of the service being held in the Hoover barn. At the evening Service of Dedication, former pastor Rev. Russell Oyer brought the message. Rev. Oyer was pastor from 1933-45.
160th Anniversary
The 160th anniversary celebration was held on August 12, 1979. Rev. H. Ronald Ellis directed the morning, afternoon, and evening services. Participation consisted of laity and former pastors, Rev. John W. Schildt (1956-61), Rev. Carl A. Synan (1961-65), Rev. Robert E. Hawk (1969-74), Rev. Stewart Crank (1974-75), and Rev. Nelson M. Pittinger (1975-79).
170th Anniversary
Salem's 170th anniversary was celebrated on May 21, 1989. The traditional three services, one being in the Hoover barn, were made memorable by members of the present congregation, former members, former pastors, and visitors. Rev. H. Ronald Ellis led the services and introduced the guest speakers, Rev. Eugene W. Matthews, District Superinendent, Rev. John W. Schildt, and Rev. Marvin L. Kline. Rev. Nelson M. Pittinger also participated. The service in the barn was very meaningful as members and friends reminisced about events that had occurred in that place and in the life of Salem Church many years before.
175th Anniversary
Members and friends of Salem Church broke the tradition of ten-year observances in order to celebrate a special milestone in 1994, 175 years since the church's founding. The morning service was conducted by Rev. Hayden L. Sparks and numerous members of the congregation. Many visitors were on hand. All in attendance received a color photo of Salem Church as it looked on that day.
180th Anniversary
The 180th Anniversary celebration was held June 27, 1999, under the pastorate of Randall S. Reid. Included was the traditional pilgrimage to the Hoover Barn.
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