Salem (Heller's) Reformed Church (Leola, PA)

In 1725, Templeman founded a congregation, which was often referred to as Hill Church, and in 1726, the first log church was constructed. Beginning in 1788, the church is sometimes called "Heller's," and was in a charge with Muddy Creek, Reyers, and Seltenreich. From 1818 to 1838, the church was shared by Lutheran and Reformed congregations; in 1838, the Lutheran congregation built its own church and the Reformed congregation rebuilt Hellers. In 1860, a new church was erected. In 1887, Hellers transferred from the New Holland Charge to the Willow Street Charge. Conestoga Centre was added to the charge in 1894. In 1898, Hellers became its own charge. In 1933, the basement was dug out and made into rooms for Sunday School. In 1933, a fire damaged the church and it was rebuilt. Clergy: John Philip Boehm, 1725-1731 George Michael Weiss, 1728-1729 John Peter Miller, 1731-1732 John Conrad Templeman, 1732- John Bartholomew Rieger, 1747-1762 Anthony Hautz, -1788 Daniel Hertz, 1830-1867 Joseph Barr, 1838-1843 Frederick A. Gast, 1860-1865 John Fritchey, 1865-1867 Darius W. Gerhard, 1867-1906 Hiram J. Hillegass, 1907-1928 Fred D. Pentz, 1929-1958 George R. Bach, 1960-1967 Robert G. Masenheimer, Jr., 1962-1967 Elwood C. Mehle, 1968-