Our Heritage
The Apostolic Church of Salem was born from humble beginnings. Through the years, however,
it has become a place of praise, a place of refuge and a place where the power and presence of God can be felt!
In the Beginning...
It began in September of 1986. Fifty-three people gathered together in a home setting to have the very first
praise and worship meeting. It was evident that a much larger place of worship would have to be located, so
the Public Service Building was rented for a few months for services. Following this, services were moved to
the old Children and Family Services building on East Locust Street. While there, Rev. R. Rae Kidder was
elected to be the first pastor of this small group.
After the resignation of Rev. Kidder in 1992, Rev. J. Calvin Jean was elected as the new pastor. He, along with his wife and two daughters, still pastor The Apostolic Church today. Since the purchase of the first two acres, about twelve acres of land adjacent to the church has been purchased and a new addition has been added to the building. The small group is now a large group. No matter how much it grows, The Apostolic Church will continue to be a place where people of all races, ages, and nationalities are always welcome and a place where the presence of the Almighty can always be felt. WOW! What an exciting church!
The desire to have a new building and property was great! Immediately, a plan for raising
funds for this was set in motion. The Lord opened doors, and two acres of prime land was purchased on the
corner of Mills Cart and Airport Roads, and a new church building was soon under construction. The building
was completed just in time for Thanksgiving in 1987. What an exciting time!
The Apostolic Church opened the Apostolic Christian Academy in 1989. Today, 20 years later, it is still a place
for teaching children. It has grown too! King's Kids Pre-School and Daycare is open for the teaching and care
of little ones.
After the resignation of Rev. Kidder in 1992, Rev. J. Calvin Jean was elected as the new pastor. He, along with his wife and two daughters, still pastor The Apostolic Church today. Since the purchase of the first two acres, about twelve acres of land adjacent to the church has been purchased and a new addition has been added to the building. The small group is now a large group. No matter how much it grows, The Apostolic Church will continue to be a place where people of all races, ages, and nationalities are always welcome and a place where the presence of the Almighty can always be felt. WOW! What an exciting church!