South Salem Friends Church

South Salem Friends Church, a Quaker congregation in Salem, Oregon, formed from a 1974 merger.

South Salem Friends Church traces its roots to 1912 when the congregation began worshiping at 1690 Commercial Street SE in Salem. In 1948, Pringle Friends Church was established at 1140 Baxter Road SE. The two congregations merged in 1974 under Pastor Dale Field, choosing the Baxter Road property for its expansion potential and retaining the South Salem Friends Church name. A new facility was built in 1977, and the campus has since grown to include a multipurpose gym, commercial kitchen, classrooms, a community garden, and a softball field. The church holds essential beliefs in a triune God, Jesus Christ as God incarnate who died and rose for humanity's salvation, the Holy Spirit as teacher and guide, Christ's imminent return, heaven and hell as real places, the Bible as inspired authority, humanity created in God's image but fallen, the church as Christ's hands and feet, and Satan as a real but limited adversary. Core values emphasize worship in spirit and truth, Spirit-led ministry, sacraments as outward signs of inward reality, Christ's direct leadership, advocacy for the oppressed, being the church rather than doing church, intimate acquaintance with God over mere knowledge, universal call to ministry, discipleship as adventure, making more and better disciples, and sharing the good news. As part of Northwest Yearly Meeting and Evangelical Friends Church International, the church partners with Twin Rocks Friends Camp, Evangelical Friends Mission, and supports church planting efforts.