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Doors flung open to welcome public!

And so, after many months of prayer, planning and preparation the big celebration weekend finally arrived and Jesus’ name was uplifted by the many people who joined in the festivities.

The theme for the weekend was “A New Beginning” and began on Friday 26 April by welcoming Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Relations, to speak on the contribution of faith groups to society.



A strong Christian herself, Ms. Hyslop congratulated The Salvation Army for its ongoing and significant contribution over many decades. She was keenly interested in the Army’s investment in a former Church of Scotland parish church and looked forward to the realisation of the many benefits expected from the corps’ community services both those recently established and those yet to be implemented.



Other speakers included Lt. Col. Alan Burns, Scotland Secretary and Mr. Ali Gilmour, from Riverside Church. Riverside Church is a close working partner of the Army in Ayr collaborating on many initiatives ranging from kids clubs, hospitality for those recovering from addiction and provision of food parcels for the needy and vulnerable, working in consultation with a wide range of local statutory and voluntary agencies.



Saturday 27 April was a busy day led by special guests for the weekend Lt. Cols. Ivor and Carol Telfer from THQ in London.

Although they had travelled a long distance to lead the weekend, the Telfers were no strangers to Ayr, and Ivor had spent the first 18 years of his life as a member of the corps.

Even the weather was good on the Saturday! A wide range of public figures attended, including church leaders, local councillors, and Mary Kilpatrick – the Depute Provost.



There were so many people waiting outside for the opening that even the main road, John Street, came close to be obstructed by the sheer number of people present.



Key events included a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, where Col. Telfer was assisted by Robert Sands (89) and Jack Simons (8) – the oldest and youngest soldiers on the corps roll.

This ceremony was followed by the unveiling of a plaque and a short service where Francis Aitken, DDBA, informed the public of the expenditure incurred and the funding sources used for the building project.



Later in the afternoon, the recreation hall hosted an exhibition featuring the work of the Salvation Army and local partner organisations – Voluntary Action South Ayrshire, RecoveryAyr, Access To Employment – and key contractors such as main contractor (Waterside Developments), and architects (LMA).

During the day, Jim McGinlay of LMA presented Ayr Salvation Army with the deeds of its former hall (now owned by the architects’ practice), which were signed by William Booth, the Founder of The Salvation Army.

On Sunday 28 April, the day began with a worship service led by the Telfers. A skit from Dads’ Army delivered a clear message that it is vital to get our priorities right.



The evening meeting was full of heavenly highlights, featuring the corps band, songsters and the 100+ members of Ayr Community Gospel Choir (led by corps musical director Bobby Irvine) the rafters were raised with praise to God. We look forward to God’s continued blessing as we seek to make disciples in His name.

Tim Stone 

Cafe Hope opening announced!