The History of Salem Baptist Church

On September 25,1953,  twenty-seven (27) Christians, bearing letters of dismissal from the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 417 Richmond, Kansas City, Kansas, held an organizational meeting at Goodwill Temple, 8th & Lafayette in Kansas City, Kansas.  Nine (9) other members joined by Christian experience during the altar call.   Rev. Raymond Smith served as Moderator.  This new congregation chose the name Salem Baptist Church.  “Salem” means PEACE.”   Rev. D. C. Sargeon was called as the first pastor, serving for two years.  Rev. C.B. Bailey was called as pastor in 1955 and served faithfully for 45 years.  Rev. Tony Carter, Jr., currently serves as the third pastor in the history of Salem.  He has led the congregation since 2002. Our current place of worship was dedicated August 11, 1963. The C. B. Educational Unit was added in 1985.