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58 Progress Edition of The Canadian Statesman, Wednesday, June 29,1988 More Than 100 Years of Service for Salvation Army The Salvation. Army in Bowmanviile is this year celebrating 104 years of service to God, the town of Bowmanviile and surrounding area. A look back through the church's history book shows that it has not always always been prosperity and good times, but the members members of the Corps (church) have strived to do their best for the God who called them to this ministry. ministry. The Salvation Army is still moving forward under our motto, "Heart to God, Hand to Man," Lieutenant Rick Shir- ran, Commanding Officer Officer for the Salvation Army Bowmanviile Corps, claims that there is a myth about the church. "We are not just another another social agency, as we are termed by many, which carries out good work in communities around the world," explained explained Lieutenant Shir- ran. "The Salvation Army is an integral part of the Protestant Evangelical Christian Church, although although distinct in government government and practice," he continued. The Salvation Army's doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian Christian belief and its articles articles of faith emphasize God's saving purpose. Its objects are the advancement advancement of the Christian religion, religion, education, the relief relief of poverty and other charitable objects beneficial beneficial to society or the community community of mankind as a whole. The Salvation Army has been described as an arm of the Protestant Christian Church whose aim is to minister to mankind, his body, mind and soul, regardless regardless of his race, color or religious persuasion. This is achieved by an army of soldiers who proclaim the salvation of Jesus Christ to the world. The church has an acute social conscience and attempts attempts to minister wherever the need arises, arises, according to Lieutenant Lieutenant Shirran. The Bowmanviile Corps is only one of 14,362 Corps around the world. There are over 80 families who identify with The Salvation Army as being their church home in the Town of Newcastle. These families partake of the regular church activities including: Sunday worship worship services, women's fellowship groups, Guiding Guiding and Scouting units, youth group activities,' and Christian Education classes. The Corps officers of. The Salvation Army are the pastors, of the church and" are usually a husband husband and wife team, both being ordained ministers ministers of religion. However, However, there are many cases where the officer is a single single man or woman. The Corps Officer, or "The Captain" as he is more often referred to, is able to perform all the ceremonies ceremonies of the church such as marriages, dedication dedication of children and funeral services. There is also a social side of "The Sally Ann", the side which is more prominent in most minds. This part of The Salvation Army has dramatically dramatically increased in Bowmanviile in the past two years. Lieutenant Shirran points to the Thrift Store and Family Services centre of Division Street. "This has proved to be a great community outreach outreach ministry over the past three years," said Lieutenant Shirran. "We have attempted to move with the need of the times and that has been happening over the last two years especially," he added. The ministry of the Thrift Store has increased increased to the point where, since December 1987, it employs two fulltime fulltime staff and a number of valued volunteers from various religious backgrounds. The Store provides a much needed "affordable" stock of clothing and other items to a wide range of clientele. clientele. The proceeds are then used for maintenance maintenance of the various church and community programs. The Family Services aspect of the ministry is also important. In February February 1987 a permanent Family Services Assistance Assistance Office was set up with a Family Services co-ordinator brought on full-time. Through this ministry and in cooperation cooperation with the Corps Officer, the Family Services Services co-ordinator provides provides services such as emergency physical as sistance, moral support and disaster relief (just to name a few). These services are funded through public donations and from the Thrift Store. There has always been a full-time food bank set up by the Fami ly Service Department The food bank is supported supported by donations of food from local churches, groups and individuals. Through the church offices offices and the Family Services Assistance Centre, there are also a number of other services available to the community. community. Locally, they include: include: camping programs, programs, suicide prevention services; ministry to shut-ins; marital and family counselling. Programs available through referral include: include: Children's Village; Village; community centres; centres; services to single mothers; day-care centres; centres; alcoholism recovery recovery programs; hospitals; hostels and rehabilitation rehabilitation centres; support services services for new Canadians; Canadians; senior citizens' residences and related programs; sheltered workshops; missing per sons bureau; and services services for handicapped adults. Although The Salvation Salvation Army Church has been around for 104 years, Lieutenant Shirran Shirran notes that it is still active and growing. He warns the community to 'keep your eyes open because because there will be more services in the years to come." "As the need arise,, sa id Lieutenant Shir- thanks "and honor and serving you and being and with God's help, we ran . glory and we thank God part of this fine commu vi'pa 4-r\ 4-V> û nonr] n «XI 7 „ "LT„11 4-1* 4-"U r\ -îf-w Ç niixr Vvn arlrlorl