Home / Our History
Our History
A Baptist church since 1938
The story of Salem is the story of a faithful God, a founding pastor who sought the lost, and a congregation kept by grace.
Our Beginning
Founded by Pastor Charles H. Davis
Salem Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1931 under the ministry of the Reverend Charles H. Davis, and was incorporated as a church in Los Angeles County in September 1938.
Pastor Davis and his wife were married in Memphis, Tennessee, and came to California many years before he founded Salem. Before Salem, he served for some twenty years as pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Monrovia. Under his leadership Salem grew into a working Missionary Baptist congregation: electing missionary officers, holding Sunday School and Bible study, and ordaining men to the Gospel ministry.
When the founder grew older, his son, the Reverend Charles H. Davis Jr., took his father’s place in the pulpit.
Our Charter
The measuring rod of 1938
The original Articles of Incorporation, filed September 13, 1938, gave Salem a single, plain purpose. We still hold ourselves to it.
To maintain and conduct a church in accordance with the customs, articles, rules, regulations, discipline and doctrines of the Baptist Church; to do religious, charitable and benevolent work…Original Articles of Incorporation, 1938
Our present Articles state the same calling in fuller words: to establish and maintain a Christian church “for the worship of Almighty God, the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the administration of the ordinances of the Baptist faith, Christian fellowship, and the advancement of the Kingdom of God through evangelism, missionary work, discipleship, and service, both locally and beyond.”
Our Bylaws name the primary goal of the church as “the salvation of souls and the growth of the congregation under the Lordship of Jesus Christ,” always acknowledging that the increase belongs to God.
Through the Years
A record of faithfulness
- 1931Salem is founded under Pastor Charles H. Davis.
- 1935New missionary officers are elected at Salem Baptist Church, with Rev. C. H. Davis as pastor.
- 1938Articles of Incorporation are filed on September 13, 1938, establishing the church “in accordance with the… doctrines of the Baptist Church.”
- 1942Brother Ewing Robinson is ordained into the Baptist ministry at Salem.
- 1947Salem and Adams Boulevard Baptist Church hold combined services, with Rev. C. H. Davis bringing the sermon.
- 1952An Easter Celebration, “Absolutely Free to All,” features a sunrise service conducted by Rev. C. H. Davis Sr. and a message from Rev. C. H. Davis Jr.
- 2038Salem looks toward its centennial, still true to its 1938 purpose.
Looking to 2038
Our vision toward the centennial
By 2038 we pray to be a strong, orderly, fruitful Baptist church, rooted in Scripture and active in the Gospel.
Spiritual Strength
A healthy, multi-generational congregation in clear Baptist order, with strong youth and family ministries.
Faithful Leaders
Training faithful men and women for service, and preparing the next generation to carry the Gospel forward.
Ministry Expansion
We pray toward a daycare ministry, a food ministry, a homeless recovery ministry, a K–12 Christian school, and digital outreach.
Facilities
Caring for the Lord’s house, restoring the parsonage, and one day building a larger sanctuary.
Centennial Legacy
Celebrating one hundred years still true to our 1938 purpose.
Keep the Church in order. Keep the Gospel first. Keep moving forward.
Our motto toward 2038
Baptist Church Order
How our church is ordered
Salem follows the historic Baptist pattern: Christ is the Head of the church, the pastor shepherds the flock, and deacons serve.
The Pastor
The Senior Pastor gives himself to prayer and the ministry of the Word, and oversees the spiritual life and work of the church.
Associate Pastor
Assists in preaching and teaching, shares in pastoral care, and leads the youth ministry under the Senior Pastor.
Deacons
Men of honest report who serve the practical needs of the congregation, so the Word of God may go forward without hindrance (Acts 6:1–7).
Trustees & Officers
The Trustees, Church Secretary, and Church Manager help care for the church’s records, property, and business affairs.