The Salem AME Church was founded in 1860, making it one of the oldest religious communities in the Roslyn area. According to the Salem AME Church website:

Salem African Methodist Episcopal Church’s history can be traced back several years before its founding date of 1860. Salem A.M.E. Church is not just the oldest African American Church in the Roslyn area, but it is also the oldest church in the community. Its founders were descendants of slaves and American Indians. Prior to the 1860 purchase of the current site, the worshipers gathered for what was known as “cottage meetings. As the need for a permanent meeting place grew, along with their foresight and sacrifice, the original group of worshipers were led to purchase a portion of the Leonard Thome Estate. The members cleared the land and used the lumber from the numerous trees on the site to erect the edifice that has been in continuous use from that time to the present. Their strong faith, hard work and the continual blessings of God have kept Salem viable and strong..

The board-and-batten chapel with its octagonal belfry cap was built in 1862.

Salem AME Church (circa 1900)