Circuit Rider Jessie Lee came preaching the Gospel in Salem in the early 1800s. A small gathering of early Christians met in a storefront and sat on boxes to hear Jesus Christ proclaimed. They purchased the Harbor Street building and met for years until growth multipled the congregation. Wesley was built at 8 North street where 800 members worshiped regularly under the excellent ministry of outstanding pastors. In 1910 Lafayette St UMC moved to their new home at 296 Lafayette street until the 1994 merger [of Wesley Methodist Church and Lafayette Street United Methodist Church].[2]
Today "Worship opportunities on Sunday morning include a half-hour communion service at 8 am and an hour-and-a-half, blended (traditional & contemporary) service at 9:45 am, all to the glory of God! The Praise Team gathers for a circle of prayer and rehearsal at 9 am, and scripture is read at 9:35 am to prepare hearts for worship."[3]
