The Salvation Army Marks Special Milestones in Drumheller
The Salvation Army celebrated the grand opening of their new Community Services Centre (CSC) in Drumheller on October 12, and also marked 100 years of service to the community. The day’s festivities kicked off with a performance by The Salvation Army’s Glenmore Temple Band from Calgary followed by community members, former Drumheller corps officers, representatives from Divisional and Territorial Headquarters, officers from throughout Alberta, and many local dignitaries, taking part in dedicating and touring the new building.
The Army began its work in Drumheller in 1918 with two officers, Captain Elsie Day and Captain Rhoda Sampson in a building at 242 1st Street West. Today, The Salvation Army currently operates a church, community and family services (CFS), as well as a thrift store. After a hundred years of dedicated service in a few different locations around the community, they start their second century in Drumheller in the newly renovated building at 90 S. Railway Ave West. The new CSC building will allow them to continue to offer in-demand community services, such as the food bank, Christmas hampers, community meals, Sally’s Social Café, and more.
“It is amazing. The building looks fantastic, the community is very supportive,” said Captain Ben Lippers who, along with his wife Captain Isobel Lippers, are currently serving as the Corps Officers in Drumheller. “It has taken us 100 years to get here. We started off in a little house, and we just grew and grew and grew. We are finally here and it is a wonderful feeling.”
Major Margaret McLeod, Divisional Commander for the Alberta & Northern Territories Division, said that, “As we reflect on our history, we also project our thoughts to the future and acknowledge opportunities in the days ahead to continue to preach the gospel message of Jesus Christ, provide basic human need, and be a transforming influence in Drumheller and the surrounding community”.
Thank you to everyone who attended the ceremony, and the many members of the Drumheller community that sent such wonderful messages of congratulations. The support of the community is paramount to The Salvation Army’s work, and without it, none of this would have been possible.
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