Salvation Army

Address: Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk Sat Nav: IP14 1NH
*The Salvation Army* is an international Christian organization now working in 124 countries worldwide. As a church and a registered charity, The Salvation Army demonstrates its Christian principles through its church activities and social work, and is now the largest and most diverse provider of social welfare in the world. Stowmarket Corps opened 26th February 1886. The first S.A. building was a weaving factory in Union Street. Later moving to Tavern street (Now Stannards Electrical). In 1911 moved to a purpose built hall in Milton Road, and in 1966 moved to it's current site. *An extract from the above document reads:* "STOWMARKET was opened in February, and some 104 have been saved. A weaving factory has been turned into a Salvation factory, and at almost every meeting some souls are saved. Some of the worst characters have been reclaimed, and the publicans are complaining very bitterly: one saying that he takes £2 less every week since the Army came. Some of the best people of various denominations may be seen in our meetings giving us their sympathy and help, and are all united in their testimony to the wonders God has wrought through the Army." In 1888 at Needham Market five Salvationist were arrested on a “trumped up” charge of “obstruction”. They were sentenced to seven days in prison which caused a national outcry. Questions were asked in the House of Commons as to why they had been marched handcuffed through the streets. They were released after three days. Thereafter the work of the the Army in the area was held in great esteem. ‘The War Cry’ publication of 7th January 1899 gave an expansive coverage telling of “Stories of Stowmarket”. The Stowmarket Corps was a good sample of the Army’s work in the rural parts of England. The work is faithfully continuing, and the Corps is going from strength to strength. The current Suite of Buildings were opened in February 1995, and are located in Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket.. *General Booth visited the town in 1909, and this was a major event, addressing businessmen, Councillors and special invited Guests. You could not attend without a ticket!* April 2003 saw the building completion of the Youth & Community complex, with the new building being formally opened by Commissioner Freda Larsson on 5th April. The new building has provided major refurbishment of the kitchen and other areas, to enable greater community work to be undertaken. The cost being approx £500,00. The New Community & Youth Building Complex opened April 2003
*Commanding Officer Major Diane Henderson* Look out for special events for 2012. Corps Programme page