President McKinley once worshipped here. That’s right here at Salem United Methodist Church in Harlem. This magnificent building wasn’t always Salem. It began life in 1887 as Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church. A stunning Romanesque Revival structure designed by John Rochester Thomas it cost a whopping $150000. That’s nearly $5 million today.
Calvary boasted a huge congregation. Its main auditorium seated 2200 people. It was one of the largest Methodist congregations in the entire city. Imagine President McKinley attending services here in 1899. He even put a dollar bill fresh from the mint into the offering plate. The congregation was thrilled. They decorated the pulpit with flags and flowers. A large American flag hung proudly over the entrance.
But times changed. The neighborhood shifted. Calvary’s congregation dwindled. In 1922 the church was sold to Salem Methodist Episcopal Church. Salem had started as a mission of St Mark’s in the East Village. Under the leadership of Rev Frederick A Cullen Salem became an independent congregation.
Rev Cullen was a remarkable man. A civil rights leader he was involved in the NAACP and the Silent Protest Parade of 1917. He even adopted Countée Cullen a famous Harlem Renaissance poet. Countée Cullen later married in this very church.
Salem United Methodist Church stands as a testament to Harlem’s history. It’s a place where faith community and activism have intertwined for generations. The church underwent renovations in the 1940s and 1950s. It now features a rebuilt Mu00f6ller organ. This magnificent instrument was originally from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
Even today Salem remains a vibrant hub. It hosts services a food pantry and various community programs. This is more than a church. It’s a living piece of Harlem’s legacy. A place where history faith and community continue to thrive. So take a moment to appreciate this grand building its rich history and its enduring spirit.