On Sunday, April 9, 1922, a small group of Christians led by Reverend J.S. Williams assembled in what was commonly known as Father Wagnor's Church (the Interdenominational Church), located near 26th and Franklin Streets, for the purpose of organizing a church. The following ministers were called to serve on the council to establish the policies according to the Baptist doctrine: Reverend C. Cobb, Reverend E. Green and Reverend Z.E. McGhee, who then was the Pastor of Pleasant Green Baptist Church.
After developing the church policy, they named Reverend J.S. Williams as pastor and proceeded with the invitation for membership on that same day. The following persons and ten others (whose names are not known) united with the church: Brother Bob Alexander, Brother and Sister W.C. Morris, Brother and Sister M. Green, Sister Carrie Gardner, Brother and Sister Isaac Swille, Sister Mary Alexander, Brother C.B. Saffold, Brother Richard Turner, Brother Cain, and Sister Lucinda Crowder.
 In 1944, Reverend J.C. Wade Sr., pastor of the Riverside Baptist Church of Memphis,
Tennessee, accepted the position as senior pastor and was installed in July of that same year. Under Pastor Wade's leadership, the membership grew from 250 to over 1,000. In March of 1971, the structure at 3336 Lake Street was built. The church was completed in April 1972 at an approximate cost of $380,000, with a seating capacity of over 650 in the church sanctuary.
Pastor Wade led the church faithfully for over 40 years, but due to failing health, retired as senior pastor in 1987. On August 30, 1999, he went home to be with the Lord. In loving memory of his tireless leadership, the new church fellowship hall was named in honor of Pastor Wade along with his devoted wife, Mrs. Mary Wade.
Salem Baptist Church Values, Vision and Mission
“Serving God and One Another in the Spirit of Excellence
PURPOSE
To glorify God, evangelize the lost and make disciples that make a difference, in the name of Jesus and with the power of the Holy Spirit
GOAL
To add new souls to the Kingdom, equipping and empowering each person to find and fulfill their God-given purpose.
VISION
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A church...
...that is on fire for God
...with powerful and meaningful preaching and teaching
...reaching out in love to everyone
...providing great opportunities for children and teens
...preparing each person to fully use their gifts
...celebrating and supporting each family member
...serving and impacting our community and world
...effectively managing God's money and resources |
VALUES
• Love & Compassion
• Integrity & Accountability
• Word-Centered and Spirit-led
• Prayerful
• Progressive with a Spirit of Excellence
• Community Leadership
• Social Responsibility |
MISSION AREAS
• Spirit-filled Praise, Worship & Prayer
• Proclaim the Word
• Evangelize the Lost
• Equip & Empower
• Fellowship & Encouragement
• Serve our Church, Community & World
• Financial Stewardship & Giving |
Mission Statement:
The Salem Baptist Church is a Word-centered ministry designed to evangelize the lost, equip and empower the people of God, and provide holistic ministry to our community as well as the world.
As Christ loves ALL PEOPLE, our purpose is to reach out in love to everyone, impacting the Omaha community with a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural ministry.
As Christ ministers to the TOTAL PERSON, we strive to become an oasis of hope, addressing spiritual, emotional and physical needs in a tangible way.
As Christ is EXCELLENT IN ALL HIS WAYS, we commit ourselves to the “spirit of excellence,” seeking the highest, the finest, and the best God has for us, serving Him and one another in this spirit.
Our foundation is the Word of God; and we believe it in its entirety. We believe we can do what it says we can do, be who it says we can be, and have what it says we can have.
(Matthew 28:18-20; 25:34-50; Galatians 3:26-29; Philippians 1:9-11;
Hebrews 4:12)
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