Our Vision

To draw people into a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ,

To disciple them through intentional teaching and nurturing in their faith

To deploy them as empowered ambassadors of God’s love and truth in the world.”

Our Mission

To create a welcoming environment where individuals are drawn to experience God’s love.

To disciple each member through biblical teaching and community.

To deploy disciples to serve and share the gospel, making a positive impact in the world for Christ.

Our History

1904

In 1904, a group of devoted, God-fearing men and women saw the need to establish a Sunday School in West Hyde Park, where their children could easily gather to learn the Word of God. This Sunday School brought together both Methodists and Baptists, with Deacon J.L. Stanley serving as superintendent. At the time, this fellowship was the only accessible place of worship for many, as all other Negro churches were located on the east side of town.

Moved by the Holy Spirit, Deacon J.C. Price of Beulah Baptist Church, along with Deacon J.L. Stanley, gathered the Baptists in West Hyde Park and founded New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in 1906. A parcel of land was purchased in the 400 block of South Oregon Avenue to build a house of worship. Though modest, the small structure became a spiritual home for these determined believers.

Rev. H.H. James was called as the church’s first pastor. During the early years, the congregation was also shepherded by several dedicated ministers, including Reverends Frank James, H.K. Morehead, J.H. Horton, W. Jones, J.R. Sanders, and P.H. James, who helped lay the foundation for New Salem’s growing ministry.

1922 - 1938

Rev. D.S. Moragne faithfully served as the shepherd of the flock for ten years. Under his spirit-led leadership, the church experienced significant growth and spiritual renewal.

In 1932, Rev. J.A. Davis assumed the role of pastor and led the congregation for eight years. During his tenure, the church reached a new milestone with the purchase of its first parsonage.

1939 - 1964

Rev. P.H. Jackson began his pastoral leadership in 1939 and faithfully served until 1951. Under his guidance, the church experienced both numerical and spiritual growth. In his first year, a utility building was constructed, and a parsonage adjacent to the church was acquired. A major milestone came in 1945 when land was purchased for a new sanctuary. Construction began in March 1946, and by 1950, the congregation joyfully marched into the new church building. During Rev. Jackson’s tenure, the Floral Boosters and the Loyalty Club were also established, adding to the church’s vibrant ministry.

Rev. H.W. Wilburn succeeded him, serving from July 1952 through December 1964. His leadership brought continued development: new pews were installed, a parking lot was purchased, the Mothers Board was organized, and a dedicated communion room was added to the church facility.

1965 - 1969

Rev. W.H. Gordon was called to lead the congregation in February 1965. During his tenure, the Young Adults Choir and Usher Board #2 were organized, enriching the church's worship and service ministries. Under his leadership, two young men—Brothers Harry Harris and Alfred Ward—answered the call to ministry and were licensed. Before being called to serve his home church in April 1967, Rev. Gordon oversaw the installation of a new air conditioning and heating system, along with several repair and beautification projects that enhanced the church facilities.

In July 1967, Rev. J.W. Deering, then Director of the Fellowship Center, accepted the call to pastor. He powerfully preached and taught on key Christian disciplines such as tithing, visitation, witnessing, and soul-winning. He also emphasized the importance of supporting church-affiliated educational institutions and investing in religious training. On January 7, 1968, Rev. Harry Harris was ordained into the ministry, and in October of that same year, a new parsonage was purchased.

In July 1969, Rev. Howard Storr was installed as pastor and served faithfully until April 1973. During his leadership, the church restrooms and lower level were renovated, and the parking lot was paved, improving both the function and appearance of the church grounds.

1973 - 1991

Rev. Jasper P. Saunders was called in 1973. Guided by the soft-spoken leader, the Brotherhood, Junior Church, and Baptist young women were revitalized. The present edifice underwent extensive renovations in 1978. Brother George Martin answered the call to the ministry and was ordained in 1980. Deacon Jeffrey Wilson also responded to the call and was ordained in 1980. In February 1991, Rev. Saunders announced his retirement.

1991 - 2003

From October 1991 to November 2003, Rev. P.F. Readon, Sr. served as pastor of New Salem. A young and energetic leader, firmly rooted in the Word, Rev. Readon led the church through a season of both challenges and growth. Despite the obstacles, the church remained focused on evangelism and experienced several advancements, including the purchase of a new parsonage and church van, as well as securing funds to establish a computer lab.

In 1996, he introduced the Praise Team to enhance the worship experience, and in 2000, he launched the Greeter’s Ministry to create a more welcoming environment for members and visitors alike.

2004 - 2017

In January 2004, Dr. Henry J. Lyons joined New Salem as a servant-leader and teacher. With humility and wisdom, he generously shared his expertise in church growth, guiding the congregation through a season marked by significant development. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and under Dr. Lyons’s leadership, the church experienced remarkable growth—rooted in a renewed emphasis on love, unity, and fellowship among its members.

On Monday, February 2, 2015, tragedy struck when the historic sanctuary at 405 N. Oregon Avenue in Tampa, Florida, was destroyed by fire. The loss devastated the pastor, congregation, and surrounding community. Yet even in the midst of grief and ashes, God’s presence remained evident. As the smoke cleared and members searched the ruins, powerful reminders of God’s faithfulness emerged. The word “REMEMBER” stood as a divine message among the rubble. Miraculously, the memorial plaque bearing the names of past members, the cornerstone of the sanctuary, and the Holy Communion utensils were all recovered—untouched by fire, smoke, or water.

In October 2015, after much prayer and reflection, the Oregon Avenue property was sold. Guided by God’s provision and direction, and under the steady leadership of Dr. Lyons, the congregation discovered a new home in Temple Terrace, Florida. The current church facility, located at 8525 N. 78th Street, was purchased in November 2015. Following necessary renovations, the New Salem family joyfully marched into their new sanctuary on the first Sunday of February 2016—a testament to God’s grace, guidance, and faithfulness through every season.

2019 - Present

After two years without a pastor, in February 2019, New Salem called Rev. Kaleb D. Barnum—a native of Tampa, Florida—to serve as Interim Pastor. During a season marked by healing and transition, he served faithfully, preaching messages of love, unity, and restoration to a congregation in need of comfort and direction.

In March 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way churches operated. Following guidance from government leaders, New Salem temporarily suspended in-person services and shifted to virtual worship and Bible study via Facebook and YouTube. Pastor Barnum led the church with unwavering commitment through this unprecedented season, continuing to teach, preach, and uplift the congregation. During this time, he also launched the Street Disciples ministry—extending the church's reach beyond its walls. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the church remained strong and continued to grow. In the fall of 2020, New Salem reopened for in-person worship.

On August 8, 2021, Reverend Kaleb D. Barnum was officially installed as Pastor of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Since then, under his visionary leadership, the church has flourished. We give God all the glory for sending us a pastor filled with the Holy Spirit—one who leads with wisdom, humility, organizational excellence, and a heart for God's people.

Under Pastor Barnum’s leadership, New Salem has made tremendous strides in both spiritual and community impact. The church enhanced its digital presence with the launch of a new website and expanded live-streaming capabilities through social media. A passionate advocate for outreach, Pastor Barnum has led numerous initiatives including feeding the homeless, providing back-to-school supplies for children, distributing Thanksgiving meals, gifting toys to underprivileged families at Christmas, and hosting an annual community baby shower to support mothers in need.

In July 2023, the Fish and Loaves food pantry was reopened and renamed in honor of James and John Billups, two beloved, longtime members. Today, the pantry serves approximately 250 families each week.

In 2024, Pastor Barnum championed the launch of Children’s Church, offering age-appropriate biblical teaching for the youth of our congregation. He also prayed fervently for the birth of a vibrant young adult ministry, and God answered with Y.A.L.E. (Young Adults Living Empowered). This dynamic ministry has quickly become one of the fastest-growing and most impactful under his leadership. Pastor Barnum, along with a team of dedicated individuals, worked tirelessly to establish a second CDC, Serving Hands, to support and fund community outreach initiatives.

With Pastor Barnum at the helm, New Salem continues to thrive—spiritually, numerically, and missionally—standing as a beacon of hope, faith, and community service.