Our History

Salem Presbyterian Church is located in the rural community of Pine Grove in Clark County, about six miles west of Winchester. One of the oldest churches in this part of Kentucky, it first gathered at the time of the arrival of pioneer minister Adam Rankin, in 1784. In 1785, two delegates of Salem Church attended conferences at Cane Run Meeting House that led to the founding of the Presbytery of Transylvania in 1786.

Although several of the early ministers held services at Salem, it was not until 1787 that it was formally organized by the Rev. Andrew McClure. The congregation met in a log building two miles from the present site, not far from the pioneer road that led north from Fort Boonesborough to the Ohio River. The organization of Salem Church came a short time after the arrival in the area of Jacob Fishback and his family. They had earlier lived at the Forks of Dick's River. Jacob Fishback had joined the church founded there by Rev. David Rice.

The Fishback family played an important part in the life of Salem Church. Almost continuously, a member of the family served as an elder until 1981. Elder James Stonestreet, a son-in-law of Jacob Fishback was for many years Clerk of the Kentucky Senate.

The "Great Revival," was significant in the history of the religion in Kentucky from 1797 to 1803. Most attention was given to an event at Cane Ridge in August, 1801. However, the Rev. John Lyle, pastor at Salem, wrote of four days of meetings at Salem in June of that year, and also described similar services at other churches.

In 1870, the present building on Combs Ferry Road was dedicated on land given by Jacob Hughes. In 1955 a christian education/fellowship wing was added to the church with the help of a gift by Mrs. Ernest Bowyer.

During much of its history, Salem was served by pastors who served other nearby churches as well. The Rev. Robert Stuart served Walnut Hill and Salem for over thirty years. Dr. Edward O. Guerrant, who led church extension work in Kentucky for years, began his active ministry at Salem. Another pastor with a long and distinguished ministry in several Kentucky churches was the Rev. S. M. Logan. Salem has also been served by a number of seminary students.