About Us

Salem Baptist Church was born in 1868 under a simple bush arbor led by Rev. James D. Oldham. A modest frame building followed on our current hilltop. After a fire, the people rebuilt—this time in brick—signaling the resolve that would define Salem for generations to come.

Across the decades, faithful pastors advanced the mission, including Reverends Madlock, Rendles, Ben Young, Jeffery, Tate, John Houston, A.J. Campbell, Livingston, W.C. Thomas, G.T. Thomas, and Rev. R. Williams (1945–1949). Under Rev. A.M. Hudson (elected in 1949), Salem added a pastor’s study, a choir room, and expanded the loft; the Salem Young Adult Choir was also organized. Rev. S.O. Chattman served (1952–1954), followed by Rev. T.J. West (1954–1968), and Rev. W.H. Fulton into the mid-1980s.

• 1986 — Interior upgrades refreshed the sanctuary; restrooms and carpet were added, and a portable building became our first fellowship hall.
   
• 1987–1991 — Rev. Sam Henry Mickens was installed (1987); Salem moved to full-time services in 1988. In 1991, a central remodel added a fellowship hall, classrooms, a pastor’s office, an indoor baptistry, and new lighting.
   
• 2001–2003 — Under Rev. Tony L. Pierce, the parking lot was paved, an accessibility ramp was built, and the church secured a van and five acres of land.
   

On July 11, 2004, Rev. T. Ray Greer, Jr. was installed as pastor. Since then, Salem has leaned into creativity, strong administration, and modern technology to serve people well:

• Established an administrative office and moved church processes from paper to digital—bookkeeping, communications, and ministry operations.
   
• Introduced a state-of-the-art audio/video system, installed new HVAC units, modernized the sanctuary (transitioning from pews to chairs), and completed a full interior and exterior repaint—all while remaining debt-free.
   
• Launched a mobile app and monthly email communications to keep our family connected through the week.
   
• Elevated lay leadership—women now serve as trustees and deacons, and overseers were designated to strengthen care and governance.

In 2010, Pastor Greer launched the Keys to Life Community Development Corporation, transforming compassion into tangible infrastructure. Through school partnerships and regional collaborations, Salem has delivered food, resources, and on-the-ground support to thousands of families across Tipton, Haywood, and Fayette Counties—meeting real needs and pointing people to Jesus.
 

In 2012, Pastor Greer guided Salem into the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, marking a bolder, Spirit-led approach to ministry. He now serves as District Director for West Tennessee, equipping congregations to grow stronger in worship, Word, and community impact.

Ask anyone in the community and you’ll hear it: Salem is “The Place of the Supernatural.” That’s not branding—it’s our testimony. We’ve celebrated milestone anniversaries with homecoming worship, welcomed former members and choirs back to the hill, and watched God do what only He can do—heal, restore, and save.

From a bush arbor to a modern ministry hub, our mission remains unchanged: to live out the Great Commission and love people well. The methods evolve, but the message remains the same. And the story God is writing at Salem is still unfolding.