Sally Army '“ from strength to strength

Initially there was a large group based in Westergate and during this past weekend evidence of their existence could be seen at The Hub in an extraordinary exhibition on the history of the Salvation Army to celebrate their 75th anniversary.

The displays commenced with information on William Booth and a selection of early uniforms. But what of Bognor?

A newspaper headline dated February 13, 1932, stated '˜Bognor Regis raided by the Army'. This announcement was the notification of the arrival of the Salvation Army in town.

Numerous newspaper reports and articles confirm this event, but in 1978 a letter to '˜The Editor' of the Bognor Observer mentioned that the Army had arrived in the town before the 1914 war.

Gerard Young also believed that the Salvation Army was in Bognor from about 1903.

The newspaper correspondent recalled that, prior to 1914, he could remember seeing members of the Salvation Army attending a meeting in Essex Road and that the band could be seen marching to a meeting hall at the end of Steyne Street, '˜upstairs over the barber's shop facing Canada Grove'.

Returning to 1932, the Salvation Army '˜held a festival that heralded their arrival' which was presided over by Mr William Fletcher, JP, who was involved in numerous activities throughout the town. All the Free Churches supported this opening ceremony. Their premises were situated in Spencer Street and, according to some reports, above a grocer's shop.

As the Salvation Army grew in strength new premises were needed. One report during 1959 stated that the Army were looking for premises in Longford Road, but this proved to be unobtainable, as they were banned from playing any musical instruments, except the piano and organ in these buildings.

There had been no such objection in Spencer Street, and because of lack of objections, they appealed against the decision.

The need for space continued and in 1964 the Baptist Church, who had premises in Canada Grove, moved to larger premises in Victoria Drive. The Salvation Army agreed to purchase the vacant site, and this became their new home.

Lt Col David MacMillan claimed, at a meeting with the Bognor Regis Council, that '˜this is indeed a notable day, and one that makes history for the local branch of our worldwide movement'.

The Army had felt their work had been held back by the lack of suitable accommodation.

The building and the adjoining Manse, at the rear of the building, were bought for 13,500.

A public appeal was made to raise the money for its purchase. The new building contained two large halls, one equipped as a chapel for worship and adult activities, with an adjoining hall for the activities of the young. The Manse was soon converted into two self-contained flats. The opening ceremony was held on January 9, 1966, and the congregation at that time exceeded 200 people.

For many people their perspective of the Salvation Army is of the '˜War Cry', tambourines and a unique style of uniforms.

Founder William Booth was born in Nottingham in 1829 and began preaching in 1865 on the streets in London's East End.

The original mission was called The Christian Mission and it soon began to grow. It was in 1878 that they changed their named to the Salvation Army when they took on the mantle of an army '˜fighting sin'.

This caught people's imagination and soon the Army was travelling the country. By 1912 the Army was working in 58 countries worldwide.

Returning to Bognor Regis, the Salvation Army has remained on the corner of Canada Grove and the Queensway since the 1960s. They now have a charity shop in the Queensway, which helps raise funds. The organisation has many members and volunteers who quietly help the less able.

In recent years work has been carried out on the church. The Manse has also been fully integrated into the original church building.

The whole construction has been tastefully decorated and transformed into a 21st century enterprise.

Each area has been planned for multi-use; even the '˜church alter' can be dismantled to allow the area to be used for training courses, presentations and meetings.

There is a kitchen, which is used for functions, and to provide nutritional food as required. There are a maze of offices used by various charities and organisations servicing the Bognor Regis area.

The facilities include areas suitable for the Aldingbourne Trust, Victim Support, Home Start and a Dietician. Other groups that are involved in community service for those living under stressful conditions or in danger will also use the premises.

On the ground floor there are three meeting areas with sufficient room for 300 people.

The new centre has been developed for the community and is a far cry from the early days of the Salvation Army. The Hub will be used for the young and the old; for the band and the congregation. Above all it will be used by the community.

If you want to learn more why not visit '˜The Hub' an apt name for a facility that it is hoped will be pivotal in caring for everyone.

The exhibition also informed the public of the wide range of work that is carried out by the Salvation Army, with help in Boscastle, when it was flooded recently and not forgetting the Tsunami and their continuing requirements.