Wellingborough to celebrate 150th anniversary

The Salvation Army in Wellingborough will be celebrating 150 years of transforming lives in its local community next month and are inviting the people of the town to join in the celebrations.

Formed in 1873, Wellingborough Salvation Army on Salem Lane is marking the milestone by hosting The Salvation Army’s premier Choir - the ‘International Staff Songsters’ on Saturday 18 November at 7pm, before leading the church’s worship services on Sunday 19 at 10.30am and 3pm. 

The church is inviting everyone to the weekend’s events with tickets for the concert priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children (aged 5-12 yrs). Tickets can be purchased by  email: songsterleader@gmail.com or calling: 01933 270385. 

In October, the Choir travelled to Demark and Greenland, performing at the Copenhagen Cathedral, singing of God’s love and the joy, peace and hope found in Jesus.

Church leader, Captain Alison Chapman said: 

“This whole weekend will be a wonderful opportunity for our church to thank God and celebrate the last 150 years of service we have been able to give to this community. It also gives us a chance to say thank you to the local community which continues to be so supportive of our work.

“It is a real privilege to be able to serve the varied needs of our community and carry out the work that we feel God has called us to do. My hope is that Wellingborough Salvation Army is able to do this for another 150 years”.

In addition to church services every Sunday, The Salvation Army runs a group for over-60s to meet together and make friends and a baby and toddler group.  It also holds a coffee morning every Friday between 10am and 12 noon serving homemade cakes and bakes which is open to all in the town. The church also works with other churches and community groups to provide food and other services to the town’s homeless community. 

The Salvation Army is dedicated to caring for the local community and every Christmas the Christian church and charity runs a campaign to make sure that local children and families in need receive a present. Last year, The Salvation Army gave out more than 350 toys and other gifts, a figure only made possible, adds Captain Alison, “due to the generosity of our local community and our church members donating both money and toys to this appeal”.