Upon the high hills which rise to the east of Cross river (near the eastern border of the town,) is situated the village of South Salem. This place contains several scattered dwellings, two stores, a post-office, (first established in March, 1813,) and a Presbyterian church.

The scenery of the neighborhood is uncommonly beautiful, aboundii]g in rich woods, deep valleys, and fertile pastures. The air also of its mountainous regions is said to be very salubrious. An opening through the hills to the south-west affords a fine view of the distant stony mountains, and the great valley of Cross river.

The Presbyterian church of South Salem occupies a commanding position near the centre of the village. It is a handsome wooden structure, sixty feet by forty, surmounted with a tower and spire. The latter serves as a beacon to the surrounding country.

The first notice of this church occurs on the 19th of May, 1752, *• when a convention of ministers assembled at Salem, upon the desire of the people." The same year there appear to have been eighteen members in connection with this society. The Presbyterian church of Lower Salem was first incorporated on the 4th of January, 1784. Abijah Gilbert, Jacob Hoit, Matthew Sey-

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moiir, Gideon Seely, Michael Halstead, and Nathaniel Newman, trustees. a

Besides a small parsonage this church possesses an extensive glebe, consisting of about thirty acres of improved land and seventy of woodland. In the year 1800 the trustees petitioned the legislature for an act to enable them to sell certain lands for the benefit of the church. The act was passed March, 1800, and is entitled an act to authorize the trustees of the Presbyterian church and congregation of the town of Salem to sell and dispose of certain lands for the benefit of the said church and congregation.