This year marks the 125th anniversary of The Salvation Army's work in the Maritime Division. The division has planned a number of commemorative events for the year with the theme of “Rooted in Hope.”

Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis, territorial leaders, launched the festivities in Halifax, renaming the venerable Booth Centre complex as The Centre of Hope; and unveiling an extraordinary gift of hope and music, the symbolic “125 Guitar” crafted by renowned luthier, George Rizsanyi. Humorist Bill Carr hosted the Festival of Praise Concert at The Full Gospel Church in Hammonds Plains, N.S., with sparkling music and vocals provided by the Halifax Citadel and Fairview Citadel Brass Band, and Salvationist Wendy Birt leading the Spryfield Girls' Chorale.

The united worship service on Sunday witnessed the largest gathering of Salvationists in the division since the congress of 2002, with over 400 at historic Pier 21, the building at which Canada welcomed more than one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. A highlight of the event was the enrolment of 10 junior soldiers and 11 senior soldiers. Commissioners Francis will return to the division in September for the celebrations in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Top: Enrolment of senior and junior soldiers; above: Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, territorial leaders, and Major Larry Martin, divisional commander, officially rename the Booth Centre complex as The Centre of Hope; bottom: Commissioners Francis display the "125 Guitar"

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On Tuesday, May 4, 2010, Jo-Anne Hill said:

Praise God for the obedience and committment of the little children! An inspiration to me and will be looking into joining within 4 years to enter missions! God bless all the little children, all the children of the world.........

On Thursday, April 22, 2010, Victor Bartram said:

This organization is vital. They have dedicated themselves, and helped so many Canadians for so many years, and to have them celebrate 125 years in possibly the best place in Canada congrats to you all. Also a special thank you to the people of the Maritimes, each and every one of you. The Maritimes, as close to Heaven as you get while still being alive.

On Wednesday, April 21, 2010, Rob Jeffery said:

"They shall come from the EAST...and sit down in the Kingdom of God." What a great weekend. Very proud of the 'Spryfield 10' who committed themselves to soldiership. God bless you all and God bless the Maritime Division!

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