The Salvation Army opens striking new Chelmsford centre

Just over a year after the last service was held in its old church on Parkway, the Chelmsford Corps of The Salvation Army has celebrated the dedication and official opening of a new striking suite of buildings on the same site.

The celebrations on a beautiful sunny spring day (Saturday 21 March) began with a march by church members, accompanied by The Salvation Army band, from the town centre to the new building. The 320-seat worship hall was packed for the ceremony where invited guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford, Councillor Tom and Mrs Jane Willis and the MP for West Chelmsford, Simon Burns.

The leaders of The Salvation Army for the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland, Commissioners John and Betty Matear, were the special guests for the weekend. Commissioner John Matear cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque in the main foyer, to officially open the new building, witnessed by Olive Hance (94) and Olivia Wright (9) representing the oldest and youngest members of The Salvation Army in Chelmsford.

The new building is made of wood panelling, covered with zinc cladding. Motorists driving along the A138 Parkway will have already noticed the innovative tower, which changes colour as light is reflected off the surface.

Major Alan Watters, church leader at Chelmsford Salvation Army with his wife Major Linda Watters, says the building is much more than a wonderful exterior. Inside, a reception area and cafe with wi-fi internet access lead on to several multi-purpose rooms, which can be used by local people, businesses, and community groups for receptions, meetings, and events. Catering and sports facilities are also available.

"The building looks spectacular from the outside, but it's been designed with the needs of users in mind, and we're sure that a wide range of community groups and local people will find it a useful resource," Major Alan Watters said.

After Saturday's service of dedication and thanksgiving, a buffet was served and the building opened to members of the public. During the afternoon and evening, more than 200 people enjoyed looking around the building and watching activities and demonstrations from members of various groups who will use the building.

The first Sunday morning service in the new church was led by Commissioner Betty Matear, and this was combined with a celebration of Mothering Sunday. The weekend was brought to a close by the evening worship service led by Commissioner John Matear.

This week, The Salvation Army in Parkway opens its doors for a series of open days to enable people to view and enjoy the new facilities and to see for themselves how the new church building may serve the local community.

The celebration week will conclude on Sunday 29 March, with a Sunday Special service starting at 4:30pm featuring finalists from a talent show organised earlier this year. 'Chelmsford's Got Talent' was held at St Peter's College and the Sunday Special will take the form of a chat show with some of the finalists of the talent competition, including the winner Hannah Dawson.