The building of Salem began in 1862, until then the congregation had met at the home of Mrs. W. Nicholls of Leicester Square. On July 25th 1862, a meeting was held and it was decided to build a chapel measuring 45 feet by 30 feet. The estimate for the building was £275. 10s. 0d.
The first hymn tune to be sung in the chapel was 'Martyrdom' pitched by pitch-pipe or tuning fork as there was no organ. In 1892, a schoolroom was needed and the land at the side of the chapel was bought for this purpose at a cost of £110.
In July 1952, new leaded windows were dedicated. They were the result of three months of painstaking work in design and preparation by Mr. E.F. Sampson of Hanham. Mr. Sampson, who was also a local preacher, read the lesson at the dedication. What is known as pot metal colouring was used to create a subtle blend of golds, blues and purples.
All nine windows had a pale gold border studded with crimson amd the three central ones had a blend of golds, blues and purple from the main design by having gold instead of purple glass ribbons.
image above: Soundwell Salem Sunday School Teachers 1924
Front Row L to R: Mrs. Wilcox, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Gay, Supt. Mr. A. Britton, Mrs. F. Wilshire, Mrs. Webley, Miss Webley.
2nd Row L to R: J. Bracey, Miss A. Sheppard, Miss M. Ricketts, Miss Dainty, Miss R. Britton, F. Scott, Mr. S. Smith.
3rd Row L to R: G. Wilshire, W Baker, S. Summerhill, F. Shepherd, F.Lovell, J. Ricketts, A. Gingell, A. Cordy, W. Ricketts.
Although built in the 1860's, Salem Chapel was not licensed for the solemnisation of marriages until the mid-1920's, when a large crowd gathered at the chapel to witness the first marriage ceremony.
Miss Alma Baker & Mr. Robert Everson were married on Sunday 16th October 1927.Mr. Bert Britton was best man and Miss Myrtle and Miss Christine Baker, the bride's sisters, were bridesmaids.
The Rev. J. Wynn officiated and at the close of the ceremony, presented the couple with a Bible, on behalf of the chapel members.During recent years the buildings have been used by the local community for band practice, Neighbourhood Watch, Alcoholics Anonymous and also as a Polling Station, but with the numbers in the congregation growing smaller and the upkeep of the old buildings becoming more costly it was decided to close the chapel and the closing service was held on 16th July 1989.
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