Sadly, the name, Salem, has a bad reputation after the Salem witch hunts of America’s early days, But, it has a good rep prior to that. Here’s a bit of info on the name’s significance from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_(Bible):
“Salem, the ancient name for JERUSALEM, is referenced in the following biblical passages:
- “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.” (Genesis 14:18)
- “In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.” (Psalm 76:2)”
“The name refers to the royal city of Melchizedek and is traditionally identified with Jerusalem.[1] It is also mentioned in Hebrews 7. Possibly a different place is mentioned in Genesis 33:18: “And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.” The town of Salim corresponds to that location. It is also mentioned in the Gospel of John 3:23: ‘And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim [Σαλείμ], because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.'”
This hymn tune is one of two hymn tunes named Salem in Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion. It’s also found in another early hymn tune collection, Dossey’s Choice (https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Choice.html?id=EYQhQkh0I1cC), p. 58.
Hilton Kean Jones 