To the unconcerned this must have appeared as a delicate plant soon to wither and die; but the sturdy nature of the pioneer was in the organization, and it soon proved itself to be no “reed shaken in the wind,” for toward Christmas this little band had grown to seventy-seven—thirty-seven of these bearing the name of Steeves. It is but fair to state that no church record has been preserved with reference to the place of the organization of the Church, and that some of the members hold that the tradition I have described and verified from the memory of an old man is incorrect. Those who do not think the church was organized at Salem believe the organized at Salem believe the organization took place in the village in the first building standing where now the village church stands. The writer has presented what he believes to be the facts. It is recorded that an association was held with this church the next summer after its organization, i.e., in 1823. “In 1824 one of the member, James Wallace, was licensed to preach. He had to improve his talents without the aid of schools and colleges and with but a few books. Towards the close of 1834 there seemed to be a subsiding of the first enthusiasm. Doubtless the truth was penetrating beneath the surface, effecting a work of which they were hardly conscious. Memory says that the first deacons were Henry Steeves, David Steeves and Elijah Milton. Joseph Steeves was clerk in 1824, and Isaac Gross was appointed to that office in 1832.” In 1834 Rev. Wm. Sears became pastor of the church, giving three-fourths of his time. He had preached to the people before, but now became their regular pastor. From 1834 to 1838 no remarkable events occurred, but the work of God continued. Members were received and baptized—not many at a time, but a few frequently. In 1840 Pastor Walker, from the Hopewell church, visited them. This sister church was organized in 1818. After this visit the church seems to have gained a new life. The country all about felt her influence. In 1841 a sister comes all the way from Middle Coverdale to confess her Lord and to receive baptism. In 1848 Patrick Duffy was licensed to preach. In 1844 James Wallace became pastor of this church. In 1845 William Gross was elected as a deacon of the church. For a few years the church seems to have been in a depressed state. But in 1848 Alexander McDonald and John Francis arrived from Wales and for a time preached and labored with good success. Many were converted, the work extending to Baltimore. Among those converted at this time was James Irving, who afterwards became a preacher of the gospel, and who for some eighteen years held the pastorate of the Baltimore church, leading many precious souls to Christ.