Selbyville in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Salem United Methodist Church
The origin of this church can be traced to the organization of a local Methodist society soon after the American Revolution. By 1790 the Sandy Branch Society was joining regularly for worship, holding services in the open air and in the homes of members. Some time thereafter the congregation constructed their first church at a location on the north side of present-day Selbyville. The building was also used as a school. Land where the structure stood was conveyed to church trustees in 1833. The first church was used until a new building was constructed near the old one on a lot of ground purchased in 1849.
The growth of the town and the prosperity of the congregation resulted in the desire for a new facility. In 1884 a new building was completed at the present site. This structure remained in use until 1911, when it was moved to an adjoining lot where a school had formerly stood. For a time the old building was also used for school purposes. It was destroyed by fire in 1922.
Construction of the present church was commenced in 1911 following the relocation of the older structure. A new parsonage was constructed as well. Total cost of the church and parsonage was approximately $25,000. Completion of the project was celebrated at a dedication service on July 14, 1912.
Erected 1998 by The Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-128.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1803.
Location. 38° 27.574′ N, 75° 13.4′ W. Marker is in Selbyville, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is on Church Street (Delaware Route 17) near Church Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 29 Church St, Selbyville DE 19975, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Home of John G. Townsend, Jr. (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); John McCabe (approx. 0.4 miles away); Captain Ebe Chandler House (approx. 4 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.1 miles away); Frankford United Methodist Church (approx. 4.1 miles away); St. Martin's Church (approx. 4.7 miles away in Maryland); Old Sound Methodist Church (approx. 4.8 miles away); Antioch Camp Meeting (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Selbyville.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 588 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 13, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.