Locals Fight Over Fate of Historic Jay County Church

Debate rages over whether to demolish or preserve 180-year-old Little Salamonie Church

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The fate of the Little Salamonie Church, the oldest church in Jay County, Indiana, has sparked a heated debate among local residents. The Salamonie Cemetery Association voted to demolish the 1843 church, but preservationists like Susan Kaelin are fighting to save the historic building, citing its sentimental value and potential for restoration. While some board members argue the church is beyond repair, others like Reverend Garlan Hahn have pledged to do whatever it takes, even risking arrest, to keep the church standing.

Why it matters

The debate over the Little Salamonie Church highlights the ongoing tension between historic preservation and practical concerns in small communities. The church has stood for nearly 200 years, holding deep sentimental value for many locals, but its future is now uncertain as the cemetery association weighs the costs of restoration against demolition.

The details

The Salamonie Cemetery Association voted last month to demolish the Little Salamonie Church, which has not held a service in seven years. Susan Kaelin, the Vice President of the association, was one of the few who voted to preserve the church, and she has been exploring ways to secure grant funding for restoration. However, the board president reportedly planned to move forward with demolition on Monday morning, prompting Kaelin and other supporters to stage a peaceful protest to delay the process.

  • The Little Salamonie Church was built in 1843.
  • The church has not held a service in seven years.
  • The Salamonie Cemetery Association voted to demolish the church last month.
  • Kaelin found out about the planned demolition on Sunday night, leading her to protest at the church early Monday morning.
  • The board president told Kaelin he would not touch the church until after Memorial Day, but then planned to proceed with demolition on Monday.

The players

Dena Powell

A member of the Jay County Historical Society who says the Little Salamonie Church was built in 1843 and has stood tall for nearly 200 years in southeast Portland.

Garlan Hahn

A reverend who has pledged to do whatever it takes, even risking arrest, to keep the church from being demolished.

Susan Kaelin

The Vice President of the Salamonie Cemetery Association who voted to preserve the church and has been exploring ways to secure grant funding for restoration.

Sandy Ireland

A Salamonie Cemetery Association board member who is working to carry through with the demolition plans, arguing the building is overrun with mold and animals and beyond repair.

John Turner

A Jay County resident who believes the church is not worth putting money into to restore.

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What they’re saying

“It's the first church in Jay County. There isn't any reason to tear it down.”

— Garlan Hahn, Reverend (wane.com)

“It's not worth putting the money into it.”

— John Turner (wane.com)

“All of my family on my grandmother's side is buried out here. It just wouldn't be the same if the church is gone.”

— Dena Powell, Jay County Historical Society member (wane.com)

“I came here as a little girl for Sunday school. I just hate to see it torn down.”

— Susan Kaelin, Vice President of the Salamonie Cemetery Association (wane.com)

“If the church needs somebody to stay here in the church so they can't tear it down with somebody in it, I'm willing to do that. I'm willing to go to jail.”

— Garlan Hahn, Reverend (wane.com)

What’s next

Kaelin is continuing her efforts to secure grant money to restore the Little Salamonie Church. She is looking at state funding, which could provide up to $500,000 in repairs. If the demolition goes through, the cemetery association plans to save the church bell and create a memorial on the site.

The takeaway

The debate over the fate of the Little Salamonie Church reflects the broader challenge of balancing historic preservation and practical concerns in small communities. While some residents see the church as a cherished landmark worth saving, others argue the cost of restoration outweighs its current usefulness. This conflict highlights the need for compromise and creative solutions to preserve local history while addressing modern realities.