In September, Comox Valley Community Church, B.C., celebrated the grand opening of its new building, a facility meant to further equip The Salvation Army for effective ministry.

For 10 years, corps officers Captains Kevin and Michelle Elsasser, alongside the staff and congregation, have dreamt about the future of the corps. They felt that the mission had long outgrown the space their building offered, and they knew the community required more.

Every corner of the new building was designed with intention. During the week, the sanctuary becomes a gathering space for youth programs, volunteer banquets and community events. The kitchen, put to work on Friday nights by volunteers, is built to serve both Sunday morning fellowship and weekday community meals. The food bank sits alongside counselling rooms and Pathway of Hope offices, because the people who walk through the door rarely need just one thing. The cross is the first thing visitors see when they come in—a deliberate choice—and says to all who enter, “You are welcome here, and we are here for you.”

“This building is fantastic. This is a gift. There is going to be a lot of great ministries taking place here in this part of the British Columbia Division,” says Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander, who was present for the grand opening.

On Friday evening, the congregation gathered for a formal dinner prepared in the new kitchen by volunteers, followed by a time of prayer led by Lynore Harrington. Commissioner Lee Graves, alongside Commissioner Debbie Graves, territorial leader for spiritual life development, brought the devotional, anchoring the weekend in the purpose that built the corps. Before the ribbon was cut, before the brass band played, the people who had carried this dream for a decade sat together, gave thanks and remembered why.

More than 100 people filled the grounds for Saturday’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Commissioners Graves. The Victoria Citadel Band played and the worship team, That’s a Rap, performed in the sanctuary. Kids bounced, laughed and lined up for mini donuts and cotton candy. Volunteers from across the division worked with the Comox Valley team, serving hot dogs and beverages, capturing memories and ensuring that everyone felt welcomed.

That evening, the doors opened for a praise and worship night, including a devotional from the territorial leaders.

Sunday morning brought the formal dedication of the new facility within the regular worship service. With music from That’s a Rap and the Victoria Citadel Band, and a message from the territorial leaders, the building was officially dedicated to the mission it was built to carry. The service was followed by a light lunch and time for fellowship with neighbours and friends.

“Having been at the very beginning of these conversations, where people were just beginning to dream, to have the privilege to come back and see it accomplished is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and all those who have gone before and prayed and given and planned so beautifully,” says Lt-Colonel Tiffany Marshall, divisional commander for British Columbia. “I only see amazing things happening for the kingdom.”

The Salvation Army has served the Comox Valley since 1964, and the new building will help honour and build on this history.