Salem was established out of the necessity to relocate the Moravian congregation from New Hope in Westmoreland. The church building at New Hope had been a small schoolhouse, which was in a state of disrepair. Moreover, the location had gained a reputation for being unhealthy, making it an unsuitable place for the congregation to continue their work. After careful consideration, it was decided that moving the mission to a more favorable location would be beneficial from both a health and logistical standpoint.
In 1860, A. B. Lind, a devoted member of the Moravian community, purchased land at Beeston Spring in Westmoreland with his own resources. Beeston Spring was situated a few miles northeast of New Hope, at an elevation of about 750 feet above sea level. The property was characterized by its stunning woodland and a fresh spring that became a key feature of the settlement. Lind then sold about forty acres of the land back to the Moravian mission for the establishment of a mission station, while the remainder was subdivided and sold to church members and others who were eager to own land. The community was thrilled to have the opportunity to secure freehold properties, which provided them with stability and a sense of ownership.
As the new settlement began to take shape, the spring on the property was preserved as a communal water supply. Lind formalized this by gifting the spring to the church in a deed upon his retirement in 1891, ensuring that it would serve the community for generations to come.
After the land was purchased, the first building, a cottage, rose on the hill, and preparations for a new church building began. On January 9, 1863, Bishop Cunow laid the foundation stone of the church in the presence of a large crowd, marking the beginning of the mission’s expansion. However, actual construction did not begin until October 1865. Once work started, it proceeded steadily, and by the end of 1867, the church building was completed. On January 30, 1868, the church was dedicated and officially named Salem.
The congregation had played a vital role in the construction of the church, contributing £275 in cash and providing labor valued at over £300. The establishment of Salem was a testament to the faith, hard work, and unity of the Moravian community, and it became a place of worship, fellowship, and community development. The village and the church continue to hold significant cultural and spiritual importance in Westmoreland, embodying the perseverance and dedication of the people who built it.