|
The evangelical Christian movement known as the Salvation Army originated in the mid-19th century and now has an international presence with representatives in many countries around the world. The prime mover was William Booth who founded the social service and social reform organisation in London in 1865 under the name of the Christian Revival Association. Five years later it was renamed the East London Christian Mission but from 1878 it has been known as the Salvation Army. Leaders have military titles and the movement is renowned for its distinctive blue and red uniforms, brass bands and a weekly journal called the War Cry that is still sold by members during visits to public houses.
The Salvation Army's presence in Bourne was intermittent during the past century but has now become permanent with the building of new premises in Manning Road, known as the citadel, as are all Salvation Army halls, and the appointment of a full time commanding officer. This was the direct result of renewed activity during the last two decades of the 20th century following the transfer of Salvationists Norman and Janice Paskin from Lincoln to the Salvation Army at Stamford and who wanted to do something in Bourne, the town where they lived. After two years of prayer and preparation, they started a Sunday School on the first floor of the red brick shop and workshop premises behind West Street occupied by the printing firm Ernest Fytche and Co [now Fovia]. The number of children attending grew and this inspired them to start Sunday morning worship for the entire family. In 1988, Captain Sue Hopkins moved to Bourne and continued with the work and this included the purchase of land in Manning Road and the building of the present permanent headquarters. Ironically, the purchase of the land came after a casual conversation between Captain Hopkins and a man connected with the site while she was selling the War Cry in the Masons Arms in South Street one evening in April 1989. Purchase negotiations, design and obtaining planning permission took a further year but once the Salvation Army was given the green light, the project was completed in just 18 weeks. The building has a capacity of 120 although one meeting attracted a congregation of 200. The opening of the citadel was attended by the leaders of the Salvation Army in the United Kingdom at the time, Commissioner and Mrs Harry Read. The corps maintains a busy schedule of Sunday services, Sunday school, bible study classes, parent and toddler mornings, a ladies' fellowship, coffee mornings, a luncheon club, an over sixties club, prayer meetings, gospel choir practice and gospel arts ministry. There is also a charity shop at the rear of the building that is open during the week. If you would like to know more about this movement then log on to Return to HOME PAGE MAIN INDEX |
