Pine Chapel: A Testament to Faith and Community

In 1896, Henry E. Fries established a cotton mill in the "Southside" woodland of Salem, creating the need for spiritual services for mill workers and their families. Clarence E. Crist, a dedicated Sunday school advocate from Home Church, answered this call to service.

Initially, Crist conducted meetings at the factory before transitioning to a three-room cottage donated by Fries, who was himself involved with East Salem Sunday School. As Crist's Sunday school grew rapidly, a proper meeting house became necessary, leading to the construction of Pine Chapel in 1904. The chapel was formally inaugurated during its Christmas celebration on December 29, 1904, with Bishop Edward Rondthaler presiding over the lovefeast and candle service.

For over 25 years, Crist faithfully led his Sunday school until age forced his retirement. The mission faced potential closure until Trinity Moravian Church and Pastor Douglas L. Rights intervened in 1924. On November 16 that year, Pine Chapel was reorganized as a Salem Congregation branch under Trinity's guidance. James P. Crouch was appointed to serve Pine Chapel—first as Sunday school superintendent and later as pastor—a position he would hold for three decades.

In 1928, Henry Fries and the Southside Cotton Mill once again demonstrated their generosity by donating land on Goldfloss Street for a new building. A handsome brick church was constructed and dedicated by Bishop Rondthaler on April 28, 1929.

We believe our story exemplifies how faith, dedication, and community partnerships have sustained a vital ministry through generations, providing spiritual nourishment to working families in Winston-Salem.