In the spring of 1885, The Salvation Army began its work in the Nation's Capital with the opening of the Ottawa 1 Corps.  On March 23, 1885, the Daily Citizen newspaper reported “the sound of singing in the open-air to the accompaniment of tambourines caused small crowds of people to gather on the streets.”

On the weekend on June 4-6, the air was once again filled with the sound of celebration as The Salvation Army marked 125 years of service in Ottawa.  Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis, territorial leaders, led the Ottawa 125 weekend celebrations supported by Lt-Colonels Wayne and Myra Pritchett, divisional leaders. The event celebrations were held at the Ottawa Citadel Corps and the Hampton Inn and Conference Centre, just east of downtown Ottawa.

The original Ottawa 1 Corps—now the Ottawa Citadel Community Church—proudly displayed historical artifacts and photographs to congregation and community members Friday evening as they marked the Corps 125 year journey throughout the City of Ottawa.  One key artifact, a bass drum that had been used by the first Salvation Army brass band in Ottawa, caught the attention of those in attendance, including Commissioner Marilyn Francis who remarked on the incredible historical display.

Saturday's events started with a leadership development workshop facilitated by Salvation Army advisory board member and respected leadership facilitator Jean-Michel Blais.  Blais is a superintendent and 22-year member of the RCMP. He works as the director of the Appropriate Officer Representative Directorate, which is the position of chief prosecutor for the RCMP's internal disciplinary court. In January of this year, following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, he was dispatched to locate, recover and repatriate the bodies of the two RCMP officers who had died in the earthquake.

The conference centre was transformed into Hero Headquarters for kids attending the Junior Youth Councils led by divisional children's ministries secretary, Captain Erika White.  Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis shared with the children during the day-long session of learning, fun and worship.

Saturday afternoon was also host to a seniors rally and dinner. Ken and Ann Clarke, special musical guests from the Salvation Army Cobourg Community Church, led the young at heart in a celebration of faith.

Saturday evening's Festival of Music celebrated the best of Army music in the National Capital Region with a massed chorus from the area corps. Legacy Brass delighted the audience as the territorial and divisional leaders marched into the ballroom.  Ottawa Mayor Mr. Larry O'Brien brought greetings on behalf of the city and thanked The Salvation Army for its commitment to helping people in need for more than a century. Mayor O'Brien shared that he and his children were born at The Salvation Army's Ottawa Grace Hospital.  The massed chorus, joined by Legacy Brass and the Smiths Falls Corps Worship Band, performed a powerful rendition of Chris Tomlin's God of This City. The number, arranged by Ottawa Citadel's Jessica Ferguson, was acclaimed as the music soundtrack for the Ottawa 125 celebrations.

Other musical guests included Her Honour, Mrs. Ruth Ann Onley, wife of Ontario's Lieutenant Governor David C. Onley.  Mrs. Onley, an accomplished performer and recording artist, sang during the evening concert.  Another highlight of the program was provided by the Canterbury High School Chamber Chorus with their performance of Elijah Rock.

The celebration weekend concluded with a Sunday morning worship service attended by Salvationists from across the national capital region and throughout Eastern Ontario.  Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis led the morning worship, which reflected on more than a century of service in the National Capital and looking forward to what God has in store for the Army.  A massed band and chorus, composed of members from Ottawa area corps, closed the service with the Founder's song, O Boundless Salvation.