The church and cemetery were added to the National Register in 1992 and designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1991.

[2] The congregation of the Salem Methodist Episcopal Church formed in the mid-19th century, and met at various places in the township until the 25 members constructed a church adjacent to the cemetery in 1864.

[2] In 2012, scenes for the movie The Five-Year Engagement were filmed at the church.

[4] The Salem Walker Church is a single story Greek Revival structure built on a square plan and surmounted by a belfry.

[2] The nearby Salem Walker cemetery is enclosed by a 1909 ornamental fence.