A quick detour from the N2 between Nanaga and Grahamstown to Kenton-on-Sea took me through the village of Salem for the first time in ages last week. I didn’t have time to explore much but I did stop for a quick photo of the front of the church while parked next to the cricket field.
Salem was founded by the Sephton party who formed part of the 1820 British Settlers who settled in this district. The name comes from the bible and means “peace” with the local application referring to a reconciliation between sects.
The original church was built with mud blocks and thatch and was consecrated in 1824. This was replaced by a stone structure in 1832 and it was this building that served as refuge for women and children during the Frontier Wars.