On Sunday, January 13, 1985 one hundred and ninety three people gathered at the Shiloh Baptist Church - 4840 South Dorchester. Under the direction of Rev. Gordon A. Humphrey, the group’s prayerful purpose was the organization of a new church family.
After the Official proceedings, the group elected Rev. James T. Meeks to serve as pastor. Rev. Meeks’ first official act was to give the new church a name. He chose Salem, which means peace, because Rev. Meeks’ heartfelt desire was for this new church to represent and preach peace to all people.
The Salem Baptist Church of Chicago held its first worship service on January 20, 1985 at 8201 South Jeffrey Boulevard. During their five-year period at this location, the church experienced steady growth. Because of Salem’s emphasis on preaching and teaching Biblical principles, bringing spiritual truths to everyday reality with a daring, simple clarity, almost 1,000 members were added.
In July 1990, the
Salem Baptist Church purchased properties
located at 11800 South Indiana, which
included a church auditorium, school,
parsonage and covenant. Salem now has
over 20,000 members, making it one of
the fastest growing churches in the nation.
In September 1990, out of concern for the quality of education that inner city children receive, Salem established Salem Christian Academy (SCA), with the focus of providing quality education to over 500 children from pre-school through eigth grade.
Salem has the largest Sunday Service in Chicago with almost 10,000 people in attendance. The midweek Wednesday evening Bible study is also among the largest services in the City of Chicago.
Salem Baptist Church of Chicago •Rev. James T. Meeks •House of Hope Worship Center
752 East 114th St. Chicago, IL 60628•Church Office: 773-371-2300
Saturdays at 6:00 p.m.• Sundays at 8:00 a.m.• Sundays at 11:30 a.m. • Wednesday Bible Class: 7:00pm
