New church and community centre opened on Isle of Man

The Salvation Army officially unveils new church and community centre on the Isle of Man

Following an extensive refurbishment and the build of a multi-purpose hall, The Salvation Army’s new church and community centre on the Isle of Man has officially been opened. 

The UK leaders of The Salvation Army cut the ribbon at a launch event which saw members of the Island community come together along with dignitaries to celebrate the new chapter in the church and charity’s 140-year history on the Isle of Man with the corps now being officially renamed to Isle of Man corps.

The Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, His Excellency Sir John Lorimer, met with The Salvation Army’s Territorial Leaders for the United Kingdom and Ireland, Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main, as well as Salvation Army church leaders for the Isle of Man Captain Dylan and Rachael Nieuwoudt, for a Reception at Government House, before supporting a traditional dedication ceremony declaring the new facility officially open. 

Located on the Isle of Man business park in Braddan, the aim being to create a sustainable home for The Salvation Army on the Isle of Man enabling the church and charity to support the faith community and serve the whole island through various social expressions. The front of the building incorporates a large, glazed façade, to maximise natural daylight, provides solar gain during winter and facilitates natural ventilation, while the inside features underfloor heating.

A weekly activity programme taking place at the church and community centre includes a debt advice service, practical assistance in the form of a community relief programme which offers support to people struggling with the cost of living, a parent and toddler group and a drop-in session for people who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation. More information can be found at www.salvationarmy.org.uk/douglas.

Captain Dylan Nieuwoudt said: “Ensuring that environmental and sustainability factors were included in the original plans was very important to us. Our intentions are to be good role models in caring for creation and we want our community to experience a comfortable and modern environment to worship in, reflect in, feel supported and welcomed in, each time they come through our doors. This building is where we empower, train, teach and retreat to but our real work is out there, serving those who need us and we invite people in to be listened to, nurtured and positively impacted.

“For us this redevelopment and build has achieved that, it is an instrument to better serve the community. This is a new chapter for us, it has been a journey, and we are proud to continue to operate and serve the Island community.”

The launch event was a welcome addition to the duties of the UK and Ireland leaders of The Salvation Army who were corps officers of The Salvation Army Douglas, serving the Manx community for five years from 1992 – 1997.

Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, Commissioner Paul Main said: “We thank God for this facility that enables us to continue our mission of building God’s Kingdom on the Isle of Man. We acknowledge what has been entrusted to us and recognise the years of service of The Salvation Army to the Manx community.

“We’re very privileged to have been invited to this ceremony, dedicating this magnificent building to the Glory of God and to the service of the community. The Isle of Man holds a special place in our hearts with happy memories of our time serving as corps officers on the island in the 1990s. It was wonderful to see so many people join together to share in the excitement of the new building, committed to seeing what this new chapter will bring in the life of The Salvation Army on the Isle of Man.”

The Salvation Army has been part of the Manx community for more than 140 years and its church and community centre for Douglas was stationed in its Citadel on Lord Street in the capital for many years before the building was outgrown. The build of the new premises was completed following a year’s work in October 2023 and The Salvation Army Isle of Man continues to serve the North, East, South and West of the Island.