Hemel Hempstead Salvation Army Church re-furbished and rededicated for community service

The Salvation Army Hall on Waterhouse Street has been significantly refurbished, as part of its commitment to serve the local community.   

The hall was erected after the war, as part of the Government’s vision for a new town. The Salvation Army church was built from pre-fabricated concrete and has stood the test of time well. However, after a hiatus with compulsory purchase for future development, the church has now moved forward to invest in the building to roll out new community activities for families and young people.

The Church leader at The Salvation Army, Captain Marie Burr said: “The Salvation Army have invested in the hall at Hemel Hempstead to say to the local community that we are here to serve. The building looked tired and run-down, but now it is in keeping with the rest of the town. Our windows have been replaced, the floor made good and people can now see into the building, with attractive signage.   

“We are looking forward to using the new outdoor play area for our mothers and toddlers group too. The groups meet three times per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We also run drop-in sessions for people who are experiencing homelessness every day in the week from 9.30am – 1.30pm in addition to our community café. We are passionate about transforming the lives of families in need and those experiencing homelessness and those feeling isolated, treating them with compassion, respect and effective professional support in Hemel Hempstead.”   

The hall is fully utilised across the week for serving local people, where food parcels, Christmas gifts and clothes are provided for those in need. The Salvation Army has been running a food bank for many years and has also been offering clean, warm clothes and shower facilities.    

The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Dacorum, Councillor Robert Mclean said: “The work undertaken by the Salvation Army volunteers provides a vital support and lifeline to the less privileged residents in Hemel Hempstead including the Homeless, the isolated and those in need of an opportunity just to meet and chat over tea or coffee.    “We [The Mayor and Mayoress] are both delighted that sufficient funds have been made available to allow the significant refurbishment to be completed. We echo Captain Marie Burr’s comments that this offers The Salvation Army the opportunity to move in the 21st Century with an environment that will be as warm and inviting as the attitude of the staff displayed on every possible occasion to those residents attending the centre.”  

The Salvation Army will be starting new projects for youth, children and families including a children's choir, youth alpha and youth club, and will also continue with messy church every other Friday afternoon. The new hall will provide a warm and bright comfortable place to hold these activities. The large hall space is also available for external groups to hire.  

Captain Marie Burr said: “It will be really great to have such a wonderful space to work in. We are committed to Hemel Hempstead and helping people to live life in all its fullness by seeing the God-given potential in every person. We want to thank the local community for all the ways they have supported The Salvation Army over the years. God is really working in The Salvation Army in Hemel Hempstead and we are excited to see what will happen next.”   If you are interested in the activities at the church, please call 01422 253607 for more information.