10/30/2026
Did you know Salem has always been destined to be a “place of peace”? 🕊️
Long before our city was named Salem, derived from the Hebrew word Shalom, meaning peace, completeness, and well-being, the native Kalapuya people called this land Chemeketa, which translates to the gathering place, the resting place,the place of peace.
In this video, we’re standing at one of the most fascinating intersections in Salem, Oregon, where the concept of Shalomand Chemeketa come to life. It’s a corner where church, state, and community quite literally intersect to build the well-being of our city. On one single corner, you’ll find the State Archives, the County Courthouse, local business, and the stunning First United Methodist Church.
Here is why this 1878 Gothic Revival building is such a historical treasure:
✨ Deep Roots: The congregation traces its origins all the way back to the founding of our city and the 1836 expeditions of Methodist missionary Jason Lee.
✨ A True Survivor: While Salem has suffered a bit of “teardown-itis” and devastating fires over the decades, this beautiful sanctuary still proudly stands.
✨ Built for the Willamette: Ever wonder why the main sanctuary is on the second floor? Downtown Salem used to flood so frequently that boats would literally row up to the church and drop people off right at the second-story doors! 🛶
Check out the video to walk this historic corner with us.
Let us know in the comments: did you know about the second-story boat drop-offs? 👇
