“No Matter Who You Are, or Where You Are on Life’s Journey, You Are Welcome Here.” This is the motto of Salem United Church of Christ. Salem UCC has been a welcoming beacon in Denver for well over a century.
Prepare to step back in time and discover the fascinating story of Salem United Church of Christ. Its roots stretch back to July 13, 1884. On that day Evangelische Salem’s Gemeinde began with a worship service in Reno Hall. It was the first German Evangelical church in Colorado.
The congregation initially gathered in a building built in 1885. It was located in Northern Denver on the southwest corner of 26th and Lawrence Streets. Imagine the sounds of German filling the air. Worship services were regularly delivered in German until at least 1942. The German language lingered around the church for some time afterward.
After World War I the area around “Old” Salem began to industrialize. The congregation decided to move. In 1921 they built a new building. This new location was not far from the State Capitol.
With the move came a new name. The church became “Pioneer” in honor of Colorado’s German Pioneers. Church members affectionately called the new building the “Bungalow Chapel.” This small building served the congregation through its 50th anniversary and World War II.
The post-war baby boom caused the congregation to outgrow the Bungalow Chapel. Downtown Denver also closed in around it. So the church decided to move again. This time they moved to Southeast Denver.
1957 marked a major transformation for the church. On May 12th the congregation reclaimed the name “Salem”. They worshiped for the first time in its current building at 5300 E. Florida Avenue. Later that year on June 25th Salem’s denomination joined with others to form the United Church of Christ.
Salem UCC has proudly served Virginia Village and the Denver Metro area ever since. Salem is more than just a church. It is a place for relationships with one another with the community and with God.
“Salem” shares its meaning with the Hebrew word “shalom”. Shalom means “peace” but also includes tranquility security and grace. It is a blessing. Salem United Church of Christ extends that blessing to you today. Salem Shalom.