Salem United Methodist moves to new location

A Cedar Rapids church destroyed by the 2008 flood finally has a new home. Salem United Methodist Church ended up under water during the disaster.

The congregation spent years looking for a new place to worship. Sunday morning, church goers finally enjoyed their new place to pray at 3715 33rd Ave. SW.

Although the building has changed, almost everything else at Salem United Methodist Church remains the same.

“To be able to land in a place this congregation can call home is an exciting thing. It's a blessing,” Pastor John Louk said. “We like to say God can bring good out of destruction. That's what's happened.”

Church member Carole Gauger said, “We're such a close knit family. We really enjoy each other. We're all friends and it just makes it great fun to be here today.”

It took two and a half years to get to this point.

“We worked really hard on it and had some dedicated people help get it ready,” Evelyn Scott, a member of the church since 1952, said.

Memories of the 2008 flood won't fade away anytime soon. The congregation's beloved cross survived the disaster and continues to symbolize the higher power that guides this group.

“It survived without damage because it was high up on the wall. So, we were able to bring it with us,” Scott said.

With the exception of the church bell from the downtown building, Salem United Methodist Church looks much different on the outside. But, the spirit of the people inside remains as strong as ever.

On Sunday, November 28, the church will host its Grand Opening celebration at the new location. Services will run at 9:00 a.m and 11:00 a.m.