Marshall Monuments to celebrate 80th birthday with Main Street grand opening

Marshall Monuments, a longtime Salem company now celebrating its 80th anniversary, is preparing to open a new main office and showroom at 205 N. Main St., across from the Salem Public Library.

Owner Corey Churchman said the move represents both a celebration of the company’s legacy and an investment in its future. The business will continue operating its longtime Water Street location as a full production facility, while the new Main Street space will serve as a customer-focused showroom and office.

“Celebrating 80 years in business gives me so much pride to be a part of the Marshall Monument legacy,” Churchman said. “I wanted to give the old girl something extra special, and what could be better than a storefront on beautiful Main Street?”

According to Churchman, the expansion allows Marshall Monuments to better serve customers while improving efficiency behind the scenes. By shifting all carving, engraving, inventory storage, and production work to the Water Street site, the company now has roughly four times the production space it previously operated with.

“This setup lets us focus on uninterrupted production while still providing top-notch craftsmanship in a timely manner,” Churchman said. “It’s also made us more accessible and convenient for our customers.”

Churchman credited the project’s success to an extensive network of local businesses, professionals, friends, and community members who helped bring the vision to life.

“My main priority from start to finish was employing local talent,” he said. “A project of this size can only be successful if you surround yourself with the best and rely on shared vision. Keep it local, always!”

He credited realtor Mary Finkle with first presenting the opportunity after expressing concern for his business following flooding in June 2025. Finkle worked alongside property owner Nathan Soliday to make the purchase and transition to Main Street possible.

“It was truly a blessing from God,” Churchman said. “They both took such care in making the transition seamless.”

Churchman also thanked Aaron Weller of First Savings Bank for his role as banker, Lisa Aly of 360 Accounting, attorney Tom Scifres, and financial advisor Lana Sullivan for keeping finances, logistics, and planning on track throughout the expansion.

The renovation itself relied heavily on Salem-area businesses. Specialty demolition equipment was provided by Salem Rental. The renovation work was led by contractor Jimmy Quinker, with painting completed by Shawna Quinker. Sullivan’s Concrete Coating handled the floor, while finishing touches were provided by Stahl Communications, Zink Signs, Titan Tint and Graphics, and Framing the Square.

As the grand opening approaches, Churchman said the community’s support has continued.

Friends Rick and Rita Lincks provided branded merchandise, while Sara Jo Clark assisted with last-minute needs, including promotional items. Kim Day Kiefer donated cupcakes for the celebration, and Larry Purlee helped source a clock for the new showroom. Dylan Moore of Dynamic Camera Solutions installed the security system at what Churchman described as a fair and affordable price.

Churchman also shared a personal note of gratitude to Nancy Grossman and the Leader Publishing Company. Rather than purchasing new furniture, Churchman repurposed office furniture from the Leader office – items he said carry personal meaning from his earlier years working there.

“I really don’t like new things,” Churchman said. “Being able to reuse solid, well-made furniture and bring it right through the alley into my new location was a win-win. I love the memories tied to it.”

As the grand opening approaches, Churchman said he is eager to welcome the public and hear their feedback. “I love a party, and I love seeing people come together,” he said. “I carve tombstones. I’m not a decorator or interior designer... but I’m really proud of how inviting and comforting the new space feels.”

A ribbon cutting and open house will be held Saturday, January 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include refreshments, two $500 raffles toward the purchase of any monument, and drawings for ten pairs of vases with a monument purchase.

Churchman closed by expressing gratitude to his family and faith. “Obviously, I thank God for these many blessings, and most of all for my amazing family,” he said. “I would be nothing without them.”