The past several years in Roslyn has seen renovation efforts on such local landmarks as the Robeson-Williams Grist Mill and the Ellen E. Ward Clock Tower. The entire North Shore area is bracing for ambitious construction plans on the Roslyn Viaduct.

Also on the renovation front is work on the Salem African Methodist Episcopal Church. Last Saturday, local dignitaries and Roslyn-area residents gathered at Salem AME for the beginning of a fund-raising drive that hopes to result in enough funds to make needed repairs and additions to the church, which stands at 109 Roslyn Road.

Founded in 1860, Salem AME Church is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the Roslyn community. According to Rev. Harding A. Dunlop, the church's current pastor, this "small but spiritually powerful congregation has served countless generations of members and the community at large."

To raise funds to renovate the aging building and parsonage, the Salem AME family has reached out to Joseph Mancino, chairman of the board of Roslyn Savings Bank and Anne Croce, commissioner with the Town of North Hempstead for assistance. Both Mr. Mancino and Ms. Croce have agreed to head a fundraising drive.

The drive's kickoff ceremonies began at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 at church grounds. In addition to Ms. Croce, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger and Howard Weitzman, Democratic Party candidate for Nassau County Comptroller, also attended the event.

While church members welcomed guests with homemade cookies and refreshments, Rev. Dunlop said that renovation work would include creating handicapped accessible ramps, plus some plumbing and electrical work. He reiterated that Salem AME is one of the village's more historic churches. Because of its location on Roslyn Road, it also serves as a "gateway to Roslyn." Rev. Dunlop said that church officials would "step out on faith" and begin the renovation process before all the money is raised. Speaking of faith, Rev. Dunlop joked that he also believed the Roslyn Savings Bank and local elected officials would "do what is right" to secure the future of the church.

For her part, Anne Croce said that when local politicians, businessmen, and residents alike see the Salem AME building, "they'll see it needs help." Ms. Croce hopes that enough funding will have been secured by Oct. 30, when an Interfaith luncheon is held at Leonard's in Great Neck. In the meantime, Rev. Dunlop repeated that repair and renovation would begin immediately.