Circuit Rider Jessie Lee came preaching the Gospel in Salem in the early 1800's. A small gathering of early Christians met in a storefront and sat on boxes to hear Jesus Christ proclaimed. They purchased the Harbor Street building and met for years till growth multipled the congregation! Wesley was built at 8 North street where 800 members worshiped regularly under the excellent ministry of outstanding pastors! In 1910 Lafayete St UMC moved to their new home.at 296 Lafayette street until the 1994 merger (Wesley Methodist Church and Lafayette Street United Methodist Church ).〔http://www.salemwesley.org/History.html (accessed Sept.3, 2010)〕