When some of the worshippers at the Bethesda Congregational Church disagreed about a new minister, they left to form Salem Congregational Church. That was 120 years ago. Now Salem members asked to return to the mother church, because the Salem building needs costly repairs. The differences of over a century ago are forgotten in a unanimous warm invitation to Salem members to join the Bethesda worshippers. The Rev C Holgate, minister at Salem who also has oversight of Bethesda and Hollingreave Congregational churches, said United services have been held regularly during the past two years and future plans have been under constant discussion. The foundation stone of Salem chapel was laid on 29 March 1850 and its cost of construction was £3500. Congregations were of between 500 and 600 people, a Sunday school numbered around 450 and a day school had 200 scholars.