Salvation Army Plans Weekend Activities

The Salvation Army has several activities planned for this weekend to mark the dedication its new Center for Worship and Service in Covington.

The first phase of the center on South Lexington Avenue was completed last fall. The new facility houses the social services office, food pantry, administration, classrooms, a learning lab, a kitchen and an attached multi-purpose room.

The second phase will involve construction of a gymnasium and the Salvation Army plans to move forward by continuing to seek pledges for the project. To date, the $2.1 million campaign has raised $1,179,468.84 in pledges.

The Salvation Army will kick off its celebration Sunday at 9:45 a.m. with a march of flags from the former facility on Highland Avenue to the new building on Lexington Avenue. The procession will cross the Hawthorne Street Bridge en route to the new facility, where a homecoming-type celebration will be held.

Salvation Army commanding officers will accompany the flags along with the National Capital Band from Washington, D.C.

A worship service will begin at 10 a.m., featuring Salvation Army Divisional Commanders Majs. Mark and Alice Bell; former Covington cammanding officers Maj. Linda Sloan and Capt. Eric Roberts, and Maj. Jim McGee, who was raised in the Covington area. The National Capital Band will perform several brass and vocal numbers that have been featured in their international concerts.

Photographs that depict the Salvation Army’s 85 years in Covington will be on display.

At 3 p.m., the Salvation Army will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony, with speakers including Covington Mayor Stephanie Clark and the divisional commanders.

“It’s a new beginning for us today. We are so excited to see what this next generation will accomplish in this wonderful facility as they continue Covington’s rich legacy of meeting the needs of our community by preaching the Gospel in word and action; changing lives one at a time,” said Capt. Karl Dahlin, the Salvation Army’s commanding officer in Covington.

An open house will follow the ribbon cutting Sunday.