City corps celebrates 130 years of compassion
Brisbane City Temple (BCT) celebrated 130 years of mission and God’s love for people in the inner city of Queensland’s capital, throughout their anniversary weekend of 1 and 2 August.
“Compassion for our city flows strongly throughout our history and directs our future,” said Major Dean Clarke, Corps Officer, with Major Vicki Clarke.
“When we look back over 130 years of BCT, the focus on social and care programs is strong, and much of the ministry currently happening in Brisbane has been developed from our street community and outreach programs. The Brisbane hub and the centres that are part of that, such as Moonyah, Pindari, the Youth Outreach Service, God’s Sports Arena and courts and prisons ministries, are the “next step” developments from BCT establishing the Army in Brisbane. The corps recognised the needs in the heart of the city and we are still working in partnership with other Army services, and city authorities, to help meet those needs.”
Ruth Hinds, who has attended the corps for 60 years and served in numerous capacities, including YP leader and corps secretary, agrees. “We are a church with a heart in the heart of the city, and we have always had a big heart for outward-focused ministry,” she said.
Commissioners James and Jan Condon, Territorial Leaders, were special guests for the celebration weekend.
Back to BCT
The BCT reunion events on the Saturday focused on celebrating 130 years with God. These included a celebration lunch; a bus tour to see the city sights and Salvation Army centres – the new divisional headquarters, Brisbane Streetlevel Mission and Brisbane Recovery Services Centre (Moonyah). Families enjoyed entertainment and games in the city’s Roma Street Parklands before the evening event, “The Journey So Far”.
This event featured an historic gallery of photos and memorabilia, buffet dinner and ‘A trip down memory lane’ – a narration of the corps’ history; highlights of BCT past events including pop entertainment; memories of soccer, netball and street ministry, and reunited band, timbrel and songster items. Commissioner Jan Condon spoke, encouraging the corps to celebrate their history, but to keep focused on God, his faithfulness, and our need for him as the journey continues.
On Sunday morning, under the meeting theme "The Journey Together", Commissioner Jan Condon encouraged the corps to look out for one another and emphasised the importance of being united. Commissioner James Condon built upon these thoughts with his message from John 15:4-5: Stay connected - To God, to each other, and to The Salvation Army. The Commissioner called upon the congregation to be “an Army on our knees, seeking direction from the Holy Spirit”.
Multi-generational celebration
To celebrate the inclusion of every generation in the meeting, BCT’s youngest junior soldier, Samantha York, presented flowers to the eldest senior soldier, Evelyn Warden who, aged 94, had made a special effort to be part of the weekend.
The afternoon meeting, “The Journey Ahead”, was also a multi-generational celebration. “This meeting featured children and adults alike, not only in music, but through sharing encouragement to the corps as we move forward together,” said Major Clarke. “We are a corps
committed to Christ and its community,” he said, as he cast a vision for the future of BCT.
Commissioner James Condon gave the final message, speaking from Philippians 3. “Move ahead with a focus fully on Jesus and not only expect great things but know that as a corps and as individuals, you can make a difference,” he said.
The anniversary weekend concluded with the congregation joining the songsters and band in singing How Great Thou Art as all those who had come back to BCT gave all the praise back to God.
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