Our History
In 1904, a band of God-fearing men and women recognized the need to organize a Sunday school in West Hyde Park where their children could easily assemble to learn God’s Word. This Sunday School included Methodists and Baptists; Deacon J.L. Stanley served as superintendent. This nucleus served as the only means of worship for most people because all of the Negro churches were located on the east side of town. Being led by the Holy Spirit, Deacon J.C. Price, a member of Beulah Baptist Church, and Deacon J.L. Stanley called the Baptists together in West Hyde Park and founded the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in 1906. A parcel of land was bought to erect a temple of worship in the 400 block of South Oregon Avenue. A small building housed these humble but determined worshippers for a few years. Rev H.H. James was called as the first pastor. Other ministers responsible for leading this church during its infancy were Reverend Frank James, H.K. Morehead, J.H. Horton, W. Jones, J.R. Sanders, and P.H. James.
Being led by the Holy Spirit, Deacon J.C. Price, a member of Beulah Baptist Church, and Deacon J.L. Stanley called the Baptists together in West Hyde Park and founded the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in 1906. A parcel of land was bought to erect a temple of worship in the 400 block of South Oregon Avenue. A small building housed these humble but determined worshippers for a few years. Rev H.H. James was called as the first pastor. Other ministers responsible for leading this church during its infancy were Reverend Frank James, H.K. Morehead, J.H. Horton, W. Jones, J.R. Sanders, and P.H. James.
Rev. D.S. Moragne served as shepherd of the flock for ten years. Under his spirit-filled leadership, the church flourished.
In 1932, Rev. J.A. Davis took the helm and served for 8 years. During this time the first parsonage was purchased.
Rev. P.H. Jackson began his tenure in 1939 and served until June 1951. Under Jackson’s leadership, the church grew numerically and spiritually. A utility building was constructed during the first year, and a parsonage adjacent to the church was purchased. In 1945, the site for a new edifice was purchased; construction began in March 1946. In 1950, New Salem marched in the new church. The Floral Boosters and Loyalty Club were organized during Rev. Jackson’s pastorate.
Rev. H.W. Wilburn served from July 1952 through December 1964. During his tenure, new pews were installed; a parking lot was purchased; the Mothers Board was organized; and a communion room was added to the edifice.
Rev. W.H. Gordon was called in February 1965. Under his leadership, The Young Adults Choir and Usher Board #2 were organized. Two young men, Brothers Harry Harris and Alfred Ward answered the call to the ministry and were licensed. Before Rev. Gordon was called to his mother church in April of 1967, he implemented the installation of an air conditioning and heating system and the completion of several repair and beautification projects.
Rev. J.W. Deering, then Director of the Fellowship Center, picked up the reins in July 1967. He preached and taught powerfully the importance of tithing, visitation, witnessing, and soul-winning. Rev. Deering actively encouraged the support of church-related educational institutions and the need for religious training. Rev. Harry Harris was ordained for the ministry on January 7, 1968. A new parsonage was purchased in October 1968.
In July 1969, Rev. Howard Storr was installed as the new religious leader, he served until April 1973. The restrooms and lower unit of the church were renovated; and the parking lot was paved.
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.
From October 1991 to November 2003, Rev. P.F. Readon, Sr. took the helm. Being young, energetic, and grounded in the Word, he guided the church through many difficulties. Despite the challenges, the church focused on evangelism and purchased a new parsonage, and a new van, and received funds to create a computer lab. In 1996 he implemented the Praise Team and in 2000 he created the Greeter’s Ministry.
In January 2004 Dr. Henry J. Lyons joined our fellowship as a servant/teacher. He unselfishly shared his expertise in church growth as he piloted New Salem through many years of growth and development. Through the working of the Holy Spirit and under Dr. Lyons’s leadership; the church experienced extraordinary growth by emphasizing a return to love and fellowship among the membership.
On Monday, February 2, 2015, the historical edifice located at 405 N. Oregon Avenue Tampa, Florida was destroyed by fire. The pastor, members, and friends were devastated. However, God in his divine wisdom showed our church family that he was with us and was still guiding us even in this devastation and loss. Once the fire was extinguished and we could search for memories, we found the presence of the LORD in the rubble unscathed. Beacons of his everlasting word “REMEMBER”. A memorial plaque of names of members was saved; the cornerstone of the edifice was preserved; and the Holy Communion utensils were preserved with no smoke or water damage.
In October of 2015, after much prayer, the property located at 405 N. Oregon Avenue was sold. Under the direction of our leadership and after much searching, God led us to the property located in Temple Terrace, FL. The current edifice located at 8525 N. 78th Street Temple Terrace, Florida was purchased in November of 2015, and after renovations, we marched into our new church home on the first Sunday in February of 2016.
After two years without a pastor, in February 2019, the church called Rev. Kaleb D. Barnum, a native of Tampa, Florida as the Interim Pastor.
In March 2020, the world was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was recommended that all churches suspend in-person service. New Salem followed the direction of our government leaders and held church service and bible study virtually using Facebook and YouTube. Pastor Barnum guided the church during this unprecedented time in history and continued to teach, preach, and encourage the congregation during this time. It was during this time that Pastor Barnum organized the Street Disciples ministry, and they went out and share the word of God on the street corners of Tampa. During the COVID pandemic, he continued to be a strong leader and our church body continued to grow. The church reopened to in-person service in the fall of 2020.
On August 8, 2021, Reverend Kaleb D. Barnum was installed as Pastor. Under Pastor Barnum’s leadership, New Salem continues to excel and prosper. We truly give thanks to God for sending Pastor Barnum to New Salem. God has sent us a shepherd with vision, wisdom, excellent leadership abilities, humility, organizational skills, and perseverance, but most importantly a man filled and led by the Holy Spirit.
Under his leadership, we have improved our online presence by developing a church website and a social media presence that allows us to stream live. Pastor Barnum is an advocate for impacting the community; since he has been here, we have fed the homeless, donated back-to-school supplies to families in need, fed families during Thanksgiving, and provided toys to the underprivileged during Christmas. By having a community baby shower, we have also provided mothers in need with baby supplies. In July 2023 our food pantry Fish and Loaves was reopened and named in honor of James and John Billups; two long-time and dedicated members of the New Salem family.
Pastor Barnum's love for young adults has allowed us to implement a Young Adult Ministry