Prior to its humble beginnings, events and circumstances in the Armenian communities led to the establishment of our church. In the late 1800's, Armenian refugees came to America in order to establish themselves in a place where they could work and live in a free society, and, at the same time, practice their religion, as well as maintain, nurture, and preserve their precious Armenian culture. Being the giant industrial city at this point in history, Lawrence, Massachusetts drew many Armenians to this area.

Being a very religious people, the Armenian refugees sought out an American Congregational Church in Lawrence, where they could worship together. The language barrier was difficult, a fact recognized by the American minister of that church. He approached the Armenian people and asked them if they knew of a minister who could speak their language and would be willing to join them in worship services. Rev. Sahag Hovsepian of Worcester, along with the American minister, established the Bethel Armenian Congregational Church in Lawrence. The American church allowed the Armenians to use their facilities and paid a portion of Rev. Hovsepian's salary until 1895.

Realizing the political uncertainty in Turkey, many Armenians decided to bring their extended families here. Many left the city and purchased farms in Andover and Salem. Among these first settlers were Melkon and Sarkis Garabedian, Garabed and Voskian Jamgochian, Krikor and Sarkis Khanjian, Garabed Matorian, and Avedis and Setrak Vartanian. Traveling the long distance to the Lawrence church became a hardship, and the need for an Armenian church in Salem became an important issue. On October 25, 1912 a meeting of all Armenians in the area took place, led by Rev. Kapriel Bedrosian and Melkon Garabedian. A building committee was formed.

With an established goal, our enthusiastic founders set forth to realizing their dream. They worked hard to find both labor and monetary support. Assistance was received from the Home Mission of the NH Conference (United Church of Christ). Land was obtained from Northeastern Street Railway Company. The Church Building Society gave a $750 grant and an $800 loan. Construction began and within a year the church was completed. The first service was held on July 25, 1913. On November 12, 1913, the church was dedicated, with Rev. Bedrosian officiating. American and Armenian clergy, as well as government officials, were in attendance.

Later it was determined that Rev. Bedrosian would serve both the Salem and Lawrence churches. He contributed much to our humble beginnings and satisfied cultural and religious needs to the growing Armenian community in Salem. His accomplishments included the formation of a choir, an Armenian school, an organization called "Asdkh" (Star) for the children and weekly meetings for adult members on national and religious issues. Rev. Bedrosian served until 1918.

Rev. Tavit Pakhchoyan served from 1918 until 1920. He was followed by Rev. Markar Der Assadourian, who served as interim minister from 1920 until 1921.

Rev. Vahan Tamzarian succeeded him and was ordained in our church. He established a close relationship with his parishioners. Rev. Tamzarian died in July 1925, while pastor of our church.

Rev. Yeprem Jernazian served our church from September 1925 to December 1926. A parsonage was built during this time.

Rev. Socrates Mackitarian was ordained in the Ararat Church on June 22, 1928, and served as our pastor until September 1942. The church and vestry were enlarged during his 14-year ministry here. The Ladies Aid Organization and the Christian Endeavor Society were also started, the latter through the efforts of Dr. and Mrs. Shamlian.

Rev. Arsen Goergizian accepted a call to our church in January 1943. During this period of church growth an electric organ was purchased through the generosity of the Christian Endeavor Society and gifts from parishioners. Memorial stained glass windows and new light fixtures enhanced the church. Rev. Goergizian remained with us until 1953.

Rev. George Cary filled the pulpit from 1953 until 1955. During his ministry, services were held in English. The pressures of American culture could not be denied and gradually the English language converged with the Armenian.

Rev. Mihran Koeroghlian was invited to serve in September 1955, preaching in both English and Armenian. During his stay, the vestry was remodeled with new ceilings, lights and flooring. It was also during this time that Ararat Church was taking its place in the community through its various activities. Rev. Koeroghlian served here until 1962. Rev. Avedis Jean Zarifian became our pastor in September 1962. Church services remained essentially the same - bilingual. An Armenian School was once again established, as well as Bible Study. It was during this time, according to Ankin Aaronian, that the members of the Bethel Church were invited to merge with Ararat Church. For a while, the possibility of a merger between the two churches appeared to be an "impossible dream". The Armenian Evangelical Union of North America was asked to participate in merger sessions. The "impossible dream" was realized on June 19, 1965. Rev. Zarifian remained our pastor until 1967.

Rev. Zaven Dohanian was called as our pastor in 1967. Under his guidance, the Christian Education Committee was formed, a committee which actively serves our Sunday School to this day. Rev. Dohanian not only saw to our religious needs, but went beyond and reached out to the community as well. During his tenure our church rejoiced in the "burning of our mortgage." He stayed on until 1973.

Rev. Lincoln Thomas served as interim minister from 1973 to 1974.

In 1974, Rev. Soghomon Nuyujukian came to this country from Beirut, Lebanon, to serve our church. Because of his background he related well to our people and tended both to our spiritual and cultural needs. During this time (1977), the Armenian Congregational Church of Haverhill, MA, merged with Ararat Church. Rev. Nuyujukian served until 1980. Rev. Robert Swanson served as interim minister from 1980 until 1981.

Rev. John Mokkosian came to Ararat Church in 1981. He set to the task of rebuilding our youth programs and once again, we had an active group of young people (Pilgrim Fellowship) as well as a flourishing Sunday School. His service went beyond our small church and reached far into the community. Serving as spokesman for the Salem Council of Churches, he successfully expressed its opinion against legalized gambling in the town. It was during Rev. Mokkosian's ministry that additional Sunday School rooms and the pastor's office were built. Rev. Mokkosian served until 1985.

In 1985, Rev. Robert Swanson was again asked to serve as our interim minister and in September 1988, he was called to be our permanent pastor. In 1993, the entire church sanctuary was remodeled with new pews, lighting, woodwork, carpets and new doors. Rev. Swanson served as part-time minister, with a full-time spirit and enthusiasm for the church and the Armenian culture. He took Armenian language classes and was known for his special recipes. Rev. Swanson and his wife Lee, who also worked tirelessly for our church, served for a total of 16 years, retiring in May 2001.

In June 2001, we were fortunate to have Rev. Ara Heghinian, his wife Kim, and young family, join our church. They brought a youthful enthusiasm and vitality to our church family. An active Youth Group was re-established under Rev. Heghinian's direction. Every Sunday, he would teach new Armenian vocabulary words to the congregation. In addition, Armenian Language Classes were held, along with Bible Studies and a Men’s Breakfast. A beautiful, new organ was donated to our church in 2002. Pastor Ara and Kim were instrumental in our youth becoming actively immersed in AEYF conferences, camps, and events with other east coast churches. During this time, the church added an internet presence, with the creation of a church website.

On Sunday, November 3, 2013, the first official service was led by minister, Samuel Katchikian. This corresponded with the date of the celebration of our 100th Anniversary. Pastor Sam, his wife Jen, and newborn daughter, Brianna, joined us as they relocated their family from Canada. Pastor Sam had served in various capacities in other churches in Canada, but this was his first time serving a church as its Senior Pastor.

 

Pastor Pierre started in January 2020 following about 3 years with Pastors Lee Alphen and Mike Shirly.

To all our current and past ministers, the Church Founders as well as the new generations who carry on their hard work, thank you all for playing such an integral role in the history of our church. May we be thankful for our history but look forward to our future, with faith, hope and God’s grace.