The New Salem Baptist Church in Tams (Raleigh County) was built in 1921 in a Gothic Revival style, which means it looks like an old, detailed European church. The owner of the coal town, W. P., Tams put up the money for its construction. The church was located in the northern, segregated part of town. By 1928, the members had saved up enough money to buy the property outright from Mr. Tams. Church membership was highest in the 1930s with about 350 people.

When Tams retired and sold his mine in 1955, the town quickly lost its population. Most residents left by the 1980s, turning Tams into a ghost town. Even though almost everyone left, the New Salem Baptist Church remained. About 10 members still worship there today. The church has always been a vital spot for worship and social events for the African American community.

Recently, groups have worked hard to save the old church. In 2016, it was put on an "Endangered Properties" list to help protect it. In 2023, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

After an extensive renovation project, the church looks today almost exactly like it did in 1921.