The Salvation Army’s Oshawa Temple, Ont., recently celebrated 140 years since its opening in 1884 when it became the 35th corps in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Now under the leadership of Captains Colleen and Justin Gleadall, corps officers, Oshawa Temple hosted a commemorative service and open house with special guests General Brian Peddle (Rtd) and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, retired international leaders of The Salvation Army.

The open house provided the public, as well as congregants and former corps members, with the opportunity to learn more about past and present ministries. Afterward, an anniversary dinner was attended by 175 people.

Part of the celebration was the Gift of Music concert by the Oshawa Temple Band under the leadership of Bandmaster Andrew Burditt, an annual fundraiser that raised almost $6,000 toward youth camp scholarships. Kristen Moore led the songsters in several numbers and invited Bob Young, former songster leader, to conduct My Solemn Vow, the first song the songsters performed under his leadership when the current building opened in 1988.

During the concert, retiring bandsman Arnold Cooper was honoured for 71 years of playing in eight Salvation Army bands. Guests Cameron and Phylicia Rawlins shared their musical talents, with Cameron performing a euphonium solo and Phylicia singing Take My Life.

In the Sunday morning service, Frank Marara, who recently immigrated to Canada from Zimbabwe and began attending Oshawa Temple in 2023, was enrolled as a senior soldier. “Being far away from home and with no family network in Canada, the Salvation Army church community became my family’s major source of companionship, spiritual edification and a strong support base to lean on,” said Marara.

In closing, General Peddle spoke from Philippians 1:6, reminding the congregation to be confident in God’s promises. “When he makes a promise, he keeps it,” said General Peddle.

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