About Saalem
Welcome to Saalem Church! Discover who we are, what we believe, and the rich history that has shaped our church family through the years.
Our mission as a church is to lead people into living a new life in Jesus.
We are committed to sharing His love and wisdom, helping others grow in faith, and reaching our community with compassion and purpose.
Who We Are
Saalem is a vibrant, kingdom-minded church where people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds can find a family and a place to belong.
While honouring our Finnish roots, our church family now represents more than 46 nations, creating a beautifully diverse and multi-generational community centred on Jesus and led by the Holy Spirit.
Together, we build lasting relationships, grow in faith, care for one another, serve our community, and share the hope of Jesus locally and around the world.
Saalem Over the Years
A Life of Lasting Faithfulness
Saalem Church Founded
Mrs. Ida Hendrikson was asked to share the gospel in Finnish at a street meeting on Bay Street to an audience of 120 Finnish men. Two accepted the Lord on that very day! The local population of Finnish believers understood the need for a church, which led to Saalem Finnish Pentecostal Church being founded.
Saalem Starts Growing in the Community
The church would hold public services every Thursday and Sunday evening. Evangelism was also done in many other locations in Port Arthur, Fort William, and the surrounding rural areas. Sometimes so many people attended rural services in small farmhouse living rooms that it was hard to find enough arm space to play the guitar! The church owned a Ford Model T, which was used for visiting evangelists to travel to rural communities.
Saalem's First Church Building
Land was purchased at 129 S Algoma Street in the heart of the Finnish community for $350, and construction began for the new building. Nearly all pledged donations for the land fund arrived before the purchase even closed! Construction was completed by volunteers and led by Toivo Pajala, who had been baptized that same year. This initial church building served Saalem for nearly 50 years without requiring any major renovations.
A Lasting Impact
Toivo Pajala went on to serve faithfully as a pastor at Saalem for 15 years, the longest pastoral term in Saalem's history, leaving a lasting impact on the local Finnish community and the broader Finnish Pentecostal movement across North America. His leadership, dedication, and years of service left a lasting legacy at Saalem and far beyond.
The Begining of Saalem Camp
The Saalem camp property at Warnica Lake was purchased under the leadership of pastor John Sievanen. Volunteers took on the hard work of harvesting lumber and using it to construct the buildings. Generations of people have been blessed by this facility, accepting Christ as saviour, being baptized, and spending time in fellowship with other believers while enjoying nature.
Purchase of the New Church Property
The current church property on Walkover Street was purchased. Two existing residences were rented out until construction was ready to begin on the new church building.
New Church Built
In 1981, construction began on the current Saalem Church building at 21 Walkover Street, with much of the work once again completed by dedicated volunteers from the congregation. Upon its completion in 1984, Saalem moved into its new home, and the building was officially dedicated on Sunday, March 11, 1984. The following evening, the church gathered again to celebrate Saalem’s 50th anniversary, marking both a new chapter and a significant milestone in its history.
60 Years of Saalem
Saalem 60th anniversary celebrations were held, and a book containing our church’s history was published by a board of dedicated volunteers.
90 Years of Saalem
We celebrated 90 years of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness with a church family now representing nations from around the world. From humble beginnings to a vibrant, multicultural community, God has continued to grow and shape Saalem through every generation. As we look to the future, we remain committed to following where He leads, reaching new people, and advancing God’s Kingdom in our community and beyond.
