A Brief History

of

Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church

On April 20, 1904, twenty Swedish immigrants chartered Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Salem Parish in Sandwich, Illinois. Membership grew in spite of a lack of a permanent church building and an irregular schedule of worship services. A building on Second Street in Sandwich was purchased in 1908. A variety of pastors who served Grace Lutheran Church in Aurora presided over occasional worship services. In 1949 the first full-time pastor was called, the congregation changed its legal name to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sandwich, Illinois; and a parsonage was purchased. Ground was broken at Main Street and Pleasant Avenue in 1956 for the building which presently houses the congregation. An education wing was added to the building during the 1960’s. Another extensive building addition and renovation was completed in 2008.

Salem has been served over the years by full-time pastors Theodore Peterson, Howard Palm, Palmer Nestander, Edvin Holmer, Arne Peterson, Philip Lund, Gregory Mayer, Carol Gates, Wayne Derber. Currently, the Salem Pastor is Rev. John Rothfusz. Throughout its history, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church has maintained its association with Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church (1904-1960), Lutheran Church in America (1962-1987), and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (1988-present).

Our Church Buildings

The original building (1908-1956)

 Architect drawing of the current building, 1956

Service of entry into the current building, 1956

Current building with additions

Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church
1022 North Main Street—PO Box 105
Sandwich, Illinois 60548
Phone—815-786-9308

Find Us on Google Maps

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Mission Committee

Salem Congregation Council Contacts

Alan Deaton, Patricia Farley and Walter Farley

The primary focus of Salem’s Mission Committee is first to schedule monthly trips to the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva, and second to plan a community work project such as painting. Many other projects to benefit others, either through other committees or individual involvement, have important mission aspects. A few of these projects are Adopt a Road Clean Up, Salem’s Blessing Box, Cans for a Cause, Community Interfaith Crop Hunger Walk, Growing Hope Globally, Meals on Wheels, Our Sharing Pantry, LWR Quilts, School Kits, and Personal Care Kits.

Member Support Committee

Salem Congregation Council Contact

Donna Fraley

This committee is responsible to the congregation for witness and service to members and regular participants in the life of Salem. Functions of the committee include:

Funeral Luncheons
Funeral luncheons can be arranged through the church office for the day of
the funeral.

CD Ministry
This ministry makes a weekly recording of the church services available to
be delivered to shut-ins upon request.

Prayer Chain

The Prayer Chain is a telephone tree of people available to offer immediate
prayers in response to special emergency situations.

Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a community-wide program in which Salem participates
during the months of May and September.

Missing You, Encouragement, Birthday Notes and Cards
These are sent to members.

Volunteer Drivers
This service is provided for members who cannot drive and are in need of
transportation to church or other necessary destinations.

Visits to the Homebound
The committee provides company and cheer. Visits also include delivery of
Cheer Boxes (cookies) twice a year in July and December.

Home Cooked Meals
These meals are provided to families in need.

Salem’s Church Directory
The church directory is maintained periodically to make sure all congregants
can stay in touch.