Nambour’s new community heart
Bandsmen Matt Seaman & Des Holman. (Photo by Kathy Hughes)
Commissioner James Condon officially opened Nambour’s new Salvation Army Church and Community Centre last Sunday.
The opening was part of the ‘new skins’ weekend that began with an open house and family fun day on Saturday 1 March.
Hundreds of people from the local community, as well as Salvation Army corps, visited the open house and enjoyed a tour of the facilities. There were timbrel, band and Mainly Music presentations, and crowds enjoyed a Westpac Bank sausage sizzle.
The Nambour Corps showcased their ministry teams, as did other services from across the Sunshine Coast such as Moneycare and Employment Plus.
“The atmosphere was just wonderful and it was great to see such good community interest and support,” says Nambour Corps Officer, Lieutenant John Humbley.
Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon, who officially opened the centre on Sunday 2 March, says it was a pleasure to do so after such a long journey.
“It’s great to see the faithfulness and commitment of the corps to see this building project through over so many years,” he says.
Over 300 people attended the opening, including Salvationists from near and far, members of the community, Peter Wellington MP, and councillors Greg Rogerson and Jenny McKay.
The new centre features a purpose-built worship complex, upgraded family store, administration and welfare offices, Employment Plus facilities and underground parking.
Lieutenant Humbley explains the new centre will make it easier for the community to access a range of Salvation Army programs and services.
“While we have the same heart on the inside, we are now in a much better position to link people from the community to the corps,” he says.
A combined churches service took place on the Sunday evening with South Queensland Divisional Commander Major Mark Campbell presenting the main message.
“This was the first kind of combined service in Nambour for a few years, and it was just fantastic,” says Lieutenant Humbley. “There was such a feeling of unity and desire to work together.”
A ‘new skins’ celebration concert, featuring Steve and Ainsley Apirana, Mike Berris and Darin Browne, will continue the celebrations on 8 March.
The Sydney Songsters will wrap up the celebrations with concerts on 9 and 10 August.
“During the next six months other celebrations are planned, designed around community interest and our goals of impacting the community with the gospel through relationships,” says Bob Smyth, task force leader for the opening events.
See more photos from the event:
Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon unveils the plaque at the opening of the new Nambour Corps (Photo by Kathy Hughes)
Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon, Nambour corps officers Lieutenant Leisa & John Humbley, and South East Queensland Divisional Commander Major Mark Campbell. (Photo by Kathy Hughes)
The Nambour Corps timbrel brigade. (Photo by Kathy Hughes)
The oldest serving soldier of the Nambour Corps Edna Hosking. (Photo by Kathy Hughes)
Comments
great day was had by all.
Great day was had by all here at Nambour Salvos