By Karen L. Willoughby, Managing Editor
PLAIN DEALING – The over-wide door of what might be the oldest standing church structure in Louisiana is just for looks, these days.[img_assist|nid=7516|title=Salem Plain Dealing|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=425|height=640]
Time was when it was the main entrance to Salem, which is located in Red Land, some seven rural miles northeast of Plain Dealing.
The church building “was completed in 1878, and its foundation with hand-hewn walls and ceilings are yet intact,” according to a May 1946 article in The Shreveport Journal. “Plans are under way to have the old building wired with electricity, now that the REA is establishing power lines throughout all of north Bossier parish,” the article concludes.
Salem, which never changed its name, celebrated its 167th homecoming July 10, with former Pastor Bob Phillips preacher, and the Blake Brothers singing. Eddy Taylor is pastor.
The present church structure was built around the old.