Historic Preservation Spotlight: North Salem United Methodist Church

c. 1925 photograph of the North Salem Methodist Episcopal Church in North Salem, Indiana. This historic church, dedicated on June 8, 1923, showcases early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture with Gothic and Arts and Crafts influences. The structure features a steeply pitched roof, arched stained-glass windows, and decorative masonry details. Mature trees frame the building, emphasizing its presence within the community. The preservation of historic religious structures like this plays a vital role in historic preservation efforts, maintaining architectural heritage and local history for future generations. Image courtesy of The Indiana Album: Riley Case Collection. — North Salem Methodist Episcopal Church (Now United Methodist) c. 1923, shortly after its dedication. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Album, Riley Case Collection.

I’m a sucker for old churches. Maybe it has something to do with being raised Catholic, but if I see an old church, I have to go inside. Hendricks County, Indiana, has been home to some magnificent churches, but unfortunately, many of them have been lost.

I’m thinking of the red brick St. Malachy Church in Brownsburg on North Green Street, built in 1904, and Danville's imposing Methodist church, built in 1878, at the corner of Broadway and Washington Streets. The Danville church was lost to fire in 1989, and the old St. Malachy to development in 2017. By the time of their demise, both buildings had been severely altered, and neither was still serving as a church. Both were tragic losses for historic preservation in Hendricks County.

A historic black-and-white photograph of the North Salem Methodist Episcopal Church under construction. The image shows the church's Late Gothic Revival architectural elements, including pointed arch windows and steeply pitched gables. Scaffolding and construction materials are visible, indicating that work is still in progress. The caption at the bottom reads, "The New Methodist Church." — The church under construction. From *The Indianapolis News,* November 12, 1921.

But this is why the North Salem United Methodist Church is so special. Constructed in 1923 in the Late Gothic Revival style, the church—in a remarkable state of preservation—still serves an active congregation. Built of solid brick with a stucco finish, its total construction cost was reported to be $70,000—roughly $1.2 million in today’s dollars. The church was so grand for the quaint little town of North Salem that its construction caught the attention of Indianapolis newspapers.

Newspaper article from the June 2, 1923 edition of The Indianapolis News about the dedication of the North Salem Methodist Episcopal Church. The headline reads: "North Salem Church, Built at a Cost of $70,000, to Be Dedicated." The article mentions that Bishop Frederick D. Leete will dedicate the church, which is regarded as one of the finest in the state for a town of less than 1,000 people. The pastor, Rev. John Walton, is pictured in an inset photograph. The article describes the church’s brick construction, stained glass windows, and seating capacity of 400. A series of sermons and events are planned for the dedication — *The Indianapolis News,* June 2, 1923. Note the physical description of the church in the last paragraph.

The majority of the church was funded by Elbert M. Murphy (1863–1955) and his wife, Mary Jane (Miles) Murphy (1862–1934). They were wealthy and prominent local citizens; Elbert served terms as Eel River Township Trustee, Hendricks County Commissioner, and Hendricks County Highway Superintendent.

I visited the church and was given a tour by Pastor Steve King. What a beautiful place to worship. The soaring yellow plaster walls of the sanctuary, combined with the dark wood floors, pews, and trim, create a striking contrast that, when illuminated by the light pouring through the stained-glass windows, evokes a truly spiritual feeling. In the 1990s, murals were added to the ceiling. They were so tastefully done that you’d be forgiven for thinking they were original to the building. In recent years, the congregation has meticulously restored the church’s pews.

At the north end of the sanctuary stands the original 1923 pipe organ—still used every week during services and still powered by its original blower. On the east side, large folding wooden partitions open into a classroom-like area, complete with its own beautiful stained-glass window. Historically, this space was used as a lecture area that the pastor could pivot to after services. The church building contains many other historical rooms with their own charm, including classrooms, office space, and a banquet hall in the basement. A few additions have been made, but the vast majority of its original structure and design remains untouched.

Interior of the North Salem United Methodist Church. Rows of wooden pews face the altar area, which features a wooden pulpit, an organ with pipes, and a piano to the left. Above the altar, three framed pictures are displayed. The ceiling showcases a dome adorned with a painting of cherubs against a blue background, complemented by a chandelier hanging from the center. The walls are painted a light yellow, and stained glass windows on the right side add a touch of color and elegance. The overall atmosphere is warm and inviting, with soft lighting and wooden furnishings. — The main sanctuary of the North Salem United Methodist Church. Note the original pipe organ to the left and the lecture space to the right. Photo by Belloni Research Consulting.

Interior of the North Salem United Methodist Church. Wooden pews are arranged in rows, and the light yellow walls are accented by stained glass windows with intricate designs. A large circular chandelier hangs from the ceiling, illuminating the space. A clock on the wall reads 9:15, with an "EXIT" sign positioned below it. Wooden paneling and radiators line the walls, adding to the warm and classic atmosphere. A television is mounted on the wall. — View of the main sanctuary showing the two primary stained glass windows. Photo by Belloni Research Consulting.

The North Salem United Methodist Church isn’t just a building; it’s a piece of the town’s history that has stood the test of time. For over a century, it has been a place of worship, community gatherings, and shared traditions. While so many historic churches in Hendricks County have been lost, this one has remained, lovingly cared for by its dedicated congregation. Continuing to preserve it ensures that future generations can experience its beauty, history, and the sense of belonging it has fostered for so long. I encouraged Pastor Steve to talk to his congregation about exploring a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. It would be a great candidate, and I hope they decide to pursue it. To date, there is no individually listed Hendricks County church on the Register. I think the North Salem United Methodist Church would be a worthy first.

A historic church building, the North Salem United Methodist Church, constructed in 1923. The structure is painted light blue with a steeply pitched roof covered in gray shingles. The façade features a large arched window with decorative trim, smaller rectangular windows, and a central cupola. The entrance doors are covered with navy blue awnings displaying the United Methodist Church cross and flame symbol. The exterior walls have a stucco finish, and the church exhibits elements of Gothic Revival and early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture. The surrounding area includes a sidewalk, landscaping with shrubs, and a few leafless trees, suggesting late fall or winter. — North Salem United Methodist Church as it appears today. Photo by Belloni Research Consulting.