“City of Peace.” That’s what Salem means. Salem Lutheran Church’s story starts with Finnish families in Detroit. These families longed to worship together. It began in 1919. They met in homes and rented spaces. Traveling pastors led services.
On October 16 1921, six families formed a congregation. A. Hassel from Toronto led them. The group gathered at Mr. and Mrs. Simon Maki’s home. A. Hassel became the first pastor. They named themselves Detroit Salem Evangelical Lutheran National Church.
Growth came with Reverend Erik Penttinen in 1929. But the Great Depression hit hard. From 1933 to 1940, visiting pastors filled the pulpit. Then, in 1943, Reverend F. J. Pies of Cleveland stepped in part-time. The congregation had 61 members. Services took place at Kaleva Hall.
In 1944, Salem Lutheran Church moved to 2911 Kendall. School was held in the church. A school building was needed. The men of the church built it themselves. They lacked funds to hire a contractor. The school served them for nine years.
A new chapter began in 1951. The Kendall Avenue property was sold. A new church and parsonage were bought. It was on Schoolcraft between Marlowe and Hubbell in Detroit. Salem could still use the school for four more years. In 1952, 20 acres were purchased at Whalen Lake. It was for religious use and fellowship. A two-room school was added to the Marlowe location in 1957.
In 1976, Salem Lutheran Church relocated again. This time to Hubbard and Ann Arbor Trail in Westland. The first service was September 25 1977. The school was temporarily in the parish hall. Plans for a new school building began.
Reverend Frank Pies Sr. passed away in 1978. His son Reverend Frank Pies Jr. took over. He taught until the school closed after 35 years.
The Lord answered prayers on July 8 1979. Reverend Paavo J. Frusti became the new pastor. He retired in 1989 after ten years. Vacancy clergy filled in. In 1990, Reverend Douglas Thompson arrived. He served faithfully until 1999.
Reverend David Zeuschner served from 2001 to 2006. Reverend Timothy J. Brand followed from 2011 to 2015. Since 2015, vacancy clergy assisted while they searched for a pastor.
In 2018, Salem Lutheran Church welcomed Reverend Steve Newton. He serves as a dual-parish pastor. He serves both Salem and Grace Lutheran Church of Canton. Each church keeps its own services. They share Pastor Newton’s care. He was raised in Detroit. He worshiped at Peace Lutheran Church. He is a former engineer from General Motors. He felt a calling to ministry. Salem trusts in the Lord. This new chapter began with faith.