Wiki Biography / Profile Background
Introduction :
- Dr. Harold Salem is a devoted community leader and family man, who founded his ministry with a vision to spread the word of God. His unwavering dedication and compassionate approach allowed him to touch the lives of many and build a lasting impact in his community.
Personal Life, Parents and Family Details :
- Harold Salem was born on June 26, 1921, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, to parents Mike (father) and Clara Salem (mother). Harold died on Friday, December 18, 2020, at the age of 99, in Aberdeen, surrounded by his family.
- He was the oldest of five children and spent his childhood working on the farm and herding sheep.
- On June 7, 1946, Harold married Beulah I. Tuttle at Witten’s First Baptist Church.
- Harold and Beulah were married for about 59 years until Beulah passed away on Christmas Eve in 2005. After Beulah’s passing, Pastor Harold acknowledged that her presence and loving assistance were instrumental in his personal and spiritual journey,
- They had four children named Sharron, Patty, Daniel, and Michael.
- Harold and Beulah were blessed with a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Early Life and Education :
- Beginning his formal education, Harold attended Belle Fourche High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Black Hills State University.
- He continued his theological education at Northwestern Bible School & Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- To further enhance his knowledge and expertise, Harold pursued a Doctor of Ministry degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois.
- In 2003, Harold received an Honorary Doctor in Humane Letters from the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Work, Career, Salary and Net Worth :
- Harold Salem embraced Jesus Christ as his personal Savior early and dedicated his life to serving Him faithfully.
- In June 1944, Harold joined the ministry at the age of 23 and began his service as the pastor of his hometown church, First Baptist Church of Belle Fourche. He dedicated 13 and a half years to this congregation. During his tenure at First Baptist Church in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a modern sanctuary was completed, providing a new space for worship.
- In January 1958, Harold answered the call to serve at the First Baptist Church of Aberdeen, South Dakota. He served as the pastor of this church for an impressive 52 and a half years (until 2010). Throughout his time at First Baptist Church of Aberdeen, several significant projects were accomplished, including the construction of a new sanctuary, gymnasium, Christian Education building, and youth center.
- In August 2010, Harold Salem made the decision to step down from his role at First Baptist Church and focus his efforts on Christian Worship Hour. This transition allowed him to dedicate his full time to preaching and providing broadcast sermons to a global audience.
- The Christian Worship Hour began its broadcasting journey in January 1979 on KABY-TV, a local TV station near Aberdeen, South Dakota. It is available internationally on Daystar, Middle East TV (METV), and Gospel Channel, and through shortwave radio transmission.
- In August 2010, the live broadcast of Christian Worship Hour was relocated to the recording studio of KABY-TV, ensuring high-quality productions.
- Finally, in October 2019, the recording studio for Christian Worship Hour was moved to Harold Salem’s present office building in Aberdeen, providing an updated and more convenient space for the ministry’s operations.
- The Christian Worship Hour (CWH) is widely accessible through networks like Daystar, World Harvest, Daystar Espanol, FETV, Cowboy Channel, TCT, Gospel Channel, and CW+. It is broadcasted on 97 stations and reaches millions of households in the US and Canada.
Accomplishments and Recognition :
- Under Pastor Harold’s leadership, over 70 evangelistic meetings were held in churches across the United States.
- For 16 years, Harold was a member of the Billy Graham Schools of Evangelism faculty, and he was named “Pastor of the Year” by the South Dakota Baptist Convention twice.
- He authored three books and was the subject of a 2018 documentary, ‘Heart of a Shepherd’, which chronicles Harold’s extraordinary life.
- In 2000, he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame, and in 2003, he received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Sioux Falls.
- Pastor Salem was the 2006 recipient of the “Book of Golden Deeds” Prize.
- Pastor Salem’s sermons are now broadcasted on over 100 radio stations worldwide, with shortwave radio hitting 90% of the world’s population.
Interesting Facts, Height and Trivia :
- Pastor Salem went to be with the Lord in December 2020 near Aberdeen, SD. Despite Salem’s death, President Bill Edwards at Christian Worship Hour stated that the organisation will continue to play previously recorded lectures by Salem for as long as people want.
- For 16 years, Harold was a member of the Billy Graham Schools of Evangelism faculty, which had over 50 schools across the United States and Canada.
Some distinguished areas where the excellent Pastor Salem had served :
❑ Charter Member of Northern Plains Hospice, Aberdeen, South Dakota and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Aberdeen, South Dakota
❑ Probation Officer for Butte County, South Dakota, from 1945-1958
❑ Two years as Chairman for Brown County Juvenile Summer Camps and Treasurer for South Dakota State Penitentiary Parolees, Aberdeen
❑ On Advisory Board for Presentation College, Aberdeen, South Dakota
❑ On the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity, the Aberdeen Red Cross and New Beginnings, a home for juvenile offenders
❑ Served as President of South Dakota Baptist Convention, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, years – 1963, 1964, 1973
In conclusion, Harold Salem dedicated his life to sharing the message of Christ and guiding others in their faith journey. His impact will continue to resonate, reminding us of the immeasurable value God places on each and every person.