New Salem Baptist Church
New Salem Baptist Church | |
![]() New Salem Baptist Church in 2007. | |
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Location | 2197 McAlpin Tams, West Virginia 25915 |
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Coordinates | 37°40′28″N 81°18′02″W / 37.67444°N 81.30056°W |
Built | 1921 |
Architectural style | Gothic Revival architecture |
NRHP reference No. | 100008836[1] |
Added to NRHP | 2023 |
The New Salem Baptist Church is a historic African-American church located in the former coal camp of Tams, Raleigh County, West Virginia. Constructed in 1921, the church is a rare surviving example of a vernacular Gothic Revival architecture building associated with African-American coal miners and their families during the early 20th century. The church was commissioned by Black members of the Tams community and built by coal baron William P. Tams, who also founded the town as part of his Gulf Smokeless Coal Company operations in the Winding Gulf coalfield. It originally served both Baptist and Methodist congregations until a separate Methodist church was established.[2][3]
Architecturally, the church is a one-story, gable-front wood-frame structure with a raised stucco-finished basement and a prominent pyramidal-roofed bell tower. Characteristic features include lancet-arched stained glass windows and doors, a circular oculus in the gable, and modest decorative detailing typical of rural Gothic Revival churches. The interior features original wooden pews with carved lancet motifs, a raised pulpit, and an open floor plan designed for community gatherings. A fellowship hall and kitchen occupy the basement level.[4][5]
The church played a central role in the social and spiritual life of Tams’ African-American residents, offering religious services, Sunday school, picnics, and community events. During a period when racial segregation defined much of public life, New Salem Baptist Church served as a vital institution that fostered community cohesion, cultural expression, and leadership among Black residents. At its peak, the congregation had over 300 members. Today, New Salem Baptist Church is the last extant structure from the once-thriving town of Tams.[6][7]
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023.[1]
In 2024, the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed the church as one of the year's most endangered historic places.[8] The following year, the church received a grant to go towards restoration and repairs.[9]
See also
References
- ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ^ "Salem New Baptist Church - NRHP Registration Form" (PDF).
- ^ Blake, Brandi (February 27, 2025). "West Virginia's New Salem Baptist Church receives 'Preserving Black Churches' grant". WBOY.
- ^ Markham, Gailyn (2024-05-01). "Century-old W.Va church added to nation's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places List". WVVA. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
- ^ "New Salem Baptist Church Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
- ^ "New Salem Baptist Church". PAWV. February 1, 2016. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
- ^ Craig, Clyde (2024-01-06). "Lone country church in southern West Virginia has unexpected history". West Virginia Explorer. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
- ^ Ulaby, Neda (2024-05-01). "Here's this year's list of the most endangered historic places in the U.S." NPR. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
- ^ Blake, Brandi (2025-02-27). ""Preserving Black Churches" grant aims to save more sites like New Salem Baptist Church". WVNS-TV. Retrieved 2025-07-25.