Our History
“MOUNT SALEM OPEN BIBLE CHURCH TO THE GLORY OF GOD”
The caption above was written on the first signboard of the Mount Salem Open Bible Church (Mt. Salem O.B.). As we look back on the history of this dynamic church, we could say “…and the word became [concrete] and dwelt among us and we beheld [its] glory…”
Rev. and Sis. Ivan Morton took the word to Mt. Salem when, with the help of Brothers Arnold Plowright and Redrick Wright, a Sunday School was started at Redlands in an open lot opposite Clarke Street. They moved down to the present spot when the land was acquired on lease at a peppercorn rental of one Shilling per year from the Kerr-Jarretts. During the early years, the church was served largely by foreign missionaries who were in Montego Bay at the Jamaica Open Bible Institute (J.O.B.I.) Among them were the Clapsteins, Sis. Mabel Nelson Sis. Dorothy Cummings, Sis. Martin and Sis. Stankard, and the church helped in community health care by Sis. Stankard a trained nurse, who along with others, treated minor ailments and dressed wounds. There was also a skill training programme in hand, embroidery for the young girls. Bros. Herman Thompson and John Tingling, Jamaican students at J.O.B.I. also aided the church as pastors for a short time. Bro. Thompson got married during that time.
Bro. Brown served as janitor during the early years and Sis. Winnifred Roache, who was a cleaner, still may not forget the shock on the faces of the missionaries the first time she, in true Jamaican custom, used a red dye (straw dye) on the floor of the small wooden building which had, by now, been constructed.
Artist conception by Neville Gowdie 1974ORY
Some still remember the small quaint building with the bell not in the steeple as is customary, but uniquely placed in a tree.
The first Jamaican Pastor was assigned in 1967 when Rev. Cedric Lue assumed responsibility for the new growing flock. He served for two years and was succeeded by Rev. John Murray, who served for another two years. It was not until in 1971 when Rev. Alston Henry assumed office that some stability was implanted in the body, as he remained for eight outstanding years.
This period stands out in our history, because it was during this period that we moved from a position of tenants to the position of Proprietor. The land, which was then valued at $6,283 was bought by us at the miraculously low price of $5,000 in 1972. It was at this time that an electronic organ was purchased for $2,500. The ownership did not stop there, as this was followed further by the expansion of the sanctuary to the tune of approximately $18,000, again subsidised by two bank loans of $12,000 and $5,000 successively. This building, as it was up to 1989, was completed in late 1977, and acquisition of the Manse with the help of 2 bank loans, for a total of $72,000.
Another historic moment for the church was when in March 1977, the church, for the first time, hosted the National Convention of the Open Bible Standard Churches of Jamaica.
The church membership grew by leaps and bounds during this period and saw an increase in the Bible study and prayer meeting attendance.
Rev. Alston Henry, a former pastor. With him are: Sis. E. Henry, his wife (left) and at centre
Sis. Madge Bennett, Christian Literature Crusade Centre
It was with much sadness that the church bade farewell to Rev. Henry in 1979. Rev. Aubrey Fredericks who succeeded in consolidated much of the walk that had been in progress when he came.
He went even further by the re-establishing of the western divisional branch of the J.O.B.I. This enables the training of many potentially powerful young people. The membership continued to grow and was at an all time high with a large group of young people. The feelings were mixed when he left in 1986, especially since it was so unexpected, so there was no time for a weaning process.
Rev. Victor Whittley assumed duties in 1987 after the church had been through several months of waiting on the Lord and with him came a change of focus. An evangelist at heart, he concentrated on the saving of souls into the kingdom. During this time also, a renewed interest was taken in the building of the physical structure. This was perhaps triggered by the necessary building repairs to the sanctuary occasioned by the passage of hurricane Gilbert in September 1988. The hurricane caused major damage to the roof and compelled the church to offer a temporary home to some of the residents of “The Hill” who were washed out of house and home. These found a place of refuge in the school room downstairs for several days.
On September 12, 1988, the 150 m.p.h. winds of hurricane Gilbert damaged sections of the roof
The new wing, comprising offices and a small multi-purpose hall, was started in 1989 and it is with joyful anticipation we welcome the much-needed space.
As we continue to give glory to God through his church, we acknowledge with gladness and thankfulness the many who have helped us to grow as a church, both physically and spiritually and have helped us to write our history here on earth. We say, “GREAT IS YOUR REWARD” and thanks be to God for you.