On the east side of South Parkway East in Memphis, the New Salem Baptist Church of Memphis, Inc., has anchored its corner of the city for nearly a century. The congregation, which grew from a small prayer meeting at the home of Will and Sylvester Wadell in the spring of 1928 into a fellowship of more than 5,000 members, draws worshipers to two Sunday morning services, a Sunday school hour, and a midweek Bible study. Its pastor, Dr. Frank E. Ray, Sr., calls it the place where the phrase "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good" was first lived out and continues to ring true.
From 1928 to a Super Structure
The seeds of New Salem were planted in 1928 when an organizing committee led by Rev. and Mrs. Bridgewater, Phillip Hubbard, and Julia Smith-Ransom purchased property on Tillman Street and built a small white-framed sanctuary under Pastor Tyler. Successive leaders - Rev. Hayes, Rev. J.B. Hooker, Rev. O.C. Reed, Rev. A. Harrison Banks, Rev. T.L. Tipton, and Rev. L.A. Blake - expanded the seating, added a choir loft, bought more property, and steered the fellowship through two decades of steady growth in the 1940s and beyond.
In February 1972, Rev. L.A. Blake passed the baton of leadership to a young preacher named Frank E. Ray, Sr. Six years later, on August 19, 1978, Pastor Ray led the congregation from 682 Tillman Street to 2231 South Parkway East, a larger sanctuary able to hold a swelling membership. As radio and television broadcasts carried his preaching further, the church kept buying property around it. The west-side building was dedicated as the Earmon Terry Educational Building, named for a beloved deacon and trustee. Across the street, the church restored "Salem Manor" to provide housing for local families.
In 1994, a groundbreaking ceremony launched a new super structure on the east side of the existing campus. The finished building houses a sanctuary, banquet hall, Family Life Recreation Center, prayer center, audio and video media rooms, a bookstore, and classrooms. To the church family, the complex stands as a testimony of faith and prayer, and a monument of hope to all who seek the Lord.
Sunday Worship and Tuesday Bible Study
Two distinct Sunday services anchor the week at New Salem. The 7:00 a.m. service follows a traditional format, while the 9:30 a.m. service features a full band and a more contemporary feel. Between them, the Christian Academy gathers at 8:15 a.m. for Sunday school classes offered to all ages. On Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., Bible study draws members back to the sanctuary for teaching and prayer.
Worshipers who cannot attend in person can tune in through the livestream, and those who want to support the work can give online through the giving page.
The Pastor and His Team
Dr. Frank E. Ray, Sr., the church's senior pastor since 1972, is described as a charismatic leader, Bible scholar, published author, recording artist, and orator. Often called the "Walking Bible" for his spirit-filled scriptural preaching, he coined the phrase "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good." His sermon "What Do I Do Next?" has sold more than 250,000 copies on CD, DVD, and audiocassettes. He served for ten years as chairman of the Late Night Services for the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., and now serves as the national lecturer for the same body. Through the God is Good Ministries, his radio and television work has reached audiences across America and abroad.
He is joined by a sizable leadership team. Pastor Charles Bond, Jr., serves as Generations Pastor. Rev. Augustus Fisher is Lead Associate Minister, and Dr. M. Alex Glenn directs the Youth Ministry. Three musicians lead the music and worship life of the church: Bro. Jason Clark as Music and Worship Director, Bro. James Pope, Jr., as Choirs and Chorus Director, and Lady Crystal Jones as Praise and Worship Director. Bro. Bryan Chalmers heads the Digital Media Team.
Ministries for Every Season of Life
New Salem organizes its work into a wide range of auxiliaries. Sunday school classes meet each Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. for children, youth, adults, and visitors, using hands-on and interactive teaching to apply Scripture to daily life. The Music Ministry provides sacred Christian music during worship services, funerals, and other events.
For men and women, the Men of Honor Ministry encourages fellowship and mentorship, the Women's Ministry supports spiritual growth, and the Mother's Ministry provides guidance to young women and assists with communion and baptism preparation. The Marriage Ministry equips couples and those preparing for marriage with Biblical teaching and resources, while the Singles Ministry encourages single believers to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Tri-Guild Ministry brings together the wives of deacons, trustees, and ministers for fellowship and training.
Pastoral care comes through several channels. The Comforting Ministry responds to members who have lost a loved one, and the Prayer Band visits private homes, nursing homes, and hospitals to pray for the ill. The Healthcare Ministry, staffed by volunteer medical professionals, holds screenings and health fairs for both members and the community.
The Greeters and Ushers welcome every visitor at the doors of the sanctuary, the Armor Bearers support the pastor, the Culinary Ministry feeds the wider congregation and guests, and the Willing Workers volunteer in the community and beyond to spread the Gospel. The Missions Ministry nurtures members and non-members alike with spiritual support and meals where needed.
Children, Youth, and the Next Generation
Children and youth at New Salem find a host of activities under the Youth Ministry. Children's Church meets during Sunday worship. The Angel Choir and Celestial Voices offer young voices a place to sing, while the Mime Team, Praise Dancers, and Steppers of Praise lead movement in worship. The Educational Enrichment Committee supports learning, the Save Our Sons initiative mentors young men, and the Young Female Christian Teens group nurtures young women. Youth ushers serve during services alongside their adult counterparts.
Becoming Part of the New Salem Family
Those considering membership can begin with New Membership orientation and training, which introduces the beliefs and practices of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Visitors who arrive on a Sunday morning will find greeters at every entrance, plenty of seating in the sanctuary, and services that move from a quiet traditional hour to a fuller contemporary praise. The 2237 South Parkway East campus sits on the east side of Memphis, with the Family Life Recreation Center and the bookstore ready to serve members and the surrounding community throughout the week.
The church's address is 2237 South Parkway East, Memphis, TN 38114. Office hours run Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The phone number is (901) 452-7265. Members and friends can follow the church on Facebook and Instagram at newsalemmemphis, give online, watch services live, and shop for messages and products through the God is Good Ministries online store.