We open a new community church building in Livingston

The Salvation Army has officially opened a new building for its community church in Livingston.

Officers Lieutenant Lisa Cunningham and Major Elizabeth Turner hope it will enable them to reach out to more people in their community through practical and spiritual support.

Colonel David Hinton, the Salvation Army’s Chief Secretary for the UK and Republic of Ireland, and Colonel Sylvia Hinton carried out the ribbon-cutting at the weekend.

The new community church on Kingsport Avenue features a modern glass front, impressive open foyer and cafe, bright and spacious area for worship, and plenty of facilities for local residents.

Lieutenant Lisa and Major Elizabeth hope to continue growing the community programme to help even more people.

[View the opening of Livingston Church gallery here]

Lt Lisa said: "This as a great opportunity and boost for our church. We pray that the building will play an important role in the development of our mission and ministry work in the community, and we will look to incorporate a range of activities to meet the needs of local people.

"The groundwork we have been doing to build relationships in the community has been rewarding and encouraging. But now we are in strong position to develop our roots even further. We are now in a great position to continue to deliver our Sunday worship and are excited to be exploring the opportunities to start new programmes and activities.

“Our thanks and blessings go to all those who worked tirelessly to bring us such an incredible space.”

Colonel Hinton said: “We recognised the needs of the community in Livingston and created this new centre to demonstrate our commitment to changing people’s lives within communities and embracing the already strong ties we have with local residents.”

The Salvation Army’s work in Livingston began on May 29, 1969 under the leadership of Brigadier and Mrs Charles Martin. Nowadays, in addition to church services every Sunday, the Salvation Army runs a community cafe, kids club, youth group, parent and toddler group, and craft club.