Stowmarket  Corps  opened in February 1886. The first S.A. building was a factory in Union Street. Later moving to Tavern Street.

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