The Salvation Army in Grande Prairie, Alta., marked a major milestone in April, as the corps celebrated its 100th anniversary with a weekend of events. Led by Captains Peter and Grace Kim, corps officers, the events were supported by Major Margaret McLeod, divisional commander, Alberta and Northern Territories Division, along with former officers and soldiers, including special guests Majors David and Lynn Grice, pastoral care officers—western region.
The weekend kicked off with a youth event on Friday evening, followed by a celebration lunch at the church’s community kitchen the next day. Events on Saturday also included a tea at the church and a community banquet with various dignitaries in attendance. At the dinner, Grande Prairie Mayor Bill Given pointed to The Salvation Army as a modern reflection of the Good Samaritan who served his neighbour and, in so doing, served his community.
The Sunday morning meeting was packed, as worshippers gathered to praise God and witness the dedication of a new flag and grand piano. In his message, Major David Grice encouraged the congregation, saying, “It is not us. It is God’s work. It is time to move forward and remember God’s faithfulness.”
The Salvation Army’s work in Grande Prairie began with Captain Evelyn Gain and Lieutenant Martha Nielson, who arrived in April 1919 as soldiers who returned from the “Great War” were making their way west in search of a future. One hundred years later, the Army continues to be a vibrant part of the community.
“The weekend was a great time to reflect on the past, as well as a clear call to keep advancing the mission and ministry of the Army into our second century in Grande Prairie,” says Major Al Hoeft, divisional secretary for public relations, Alberta and Northern Territories Division.
“I am excited to see where God takes us as we continue to be led by the Holy Spirit and share the love of Jesus Christ with all, both practically and spiritually,” concludes Captain Peter Kim.
Click here to watch a video about the Army's ministries in Grande Prairie.
The weekend kicked off with a youth event on Friday evening, followed by a celebration lunch at the church’s community kitchen the next day. Events on Saturday also included a tea at the church and a community banquet with various dignitaries in attendance. At the dinner, Grande Prairie Mayor Bill Given pointed to The Salvation Army as a modern reflection of the Good Samaritan who served his neighbour and, in so doing, served his community.
The Sunday morning meeting was packed, as worshippers gathered to praise God and witness the dedication of a new flag and grand piano. In his message, Major David Grice encouraged the congregation, saying, “It is not us. It is God’s work. It is time to move forward and remember God’s faithfulness.”
The Salvation Army’s work in Grande Prairie began with Captain Evelyn Gain and Lieutenant Martha Nielson, who arrived in April 1919 as soldiers who returned from the “Great War” were making their way west in search of a future. One hundred years later, the Army continues to be a vibrant part of the community.
“The weekend was a great time to reflect on the past, as well as a clear call to keep advancing the mission and ministry of the Army into our second century in Grande Prairie,” says Major Al Hoeft, divisional secretary for public relations, Alberta and Northern Territories Division.
“I am excited to see where God takes us as we continue to be led by the Holy Spirit and share the love of Jesus Christ with all, both practically and spiritually,” concludes Captain Peter Kim.
Click here to watch a video about the Army's ministries in Grande Prairie.
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