Salvation Army opens new church and community centre in Rothwell

The opening took place on Saturday (November 26) with a celebratory church service and ribbon cutting by Lord of the Manor Zandra Powell and Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Caffull, principal of the national college for Salvation Army ministers.

The event was attended by more than 130 people.

The redevelopment on Bridge Street brings The Salvation Army’s church and community services under one roof after moving out of the old church building in New Street.

The new community hub in the Bridge Street building uses the space behind the existing Salvation Army coffee and charity shop and is fully equipped to serve families and older people with a new kitchen, worship hall, community lounge, computer suite and prayer room.

The community lounge is named after Cllr Alan Mills, who died earlier this year and played a key role in the redevelopment project at The Salvation Army in Bridge Street as a member of the advisory board.

Majors Pauline and Richard Cook have been the leaders of Rothwell Salvation Army since 2008 and opened the coffee and charity shop on Bridge Street in 2012.

Major Richard said: “The Salvation Army has been at the heart of this community for more than 130 years – a reliable presence dedicated to helping people experience life in all its fullness.

“The completion of this building project not only marks a milestone in our history but also demonstrates our continued commitment to serving the Rothwell community today and in the years to come.

“With our new community hub we are better equipped to support local families and older people.”

In addition to a church service every Sunday and running a coffee and charity shop Monday to Thursday, Rothwell Salvation Army offers computer skills courses for older people, support for people looking for employment, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, parent and toddlers, social groups, craft groups, prayer and Bible study groups, as well as offering work experience for local students from Montsaye Academy.

One of the more recent community services on offer at The Salvation Army is Employment Plus Local – a centre where people can find information and guidance on their journey into employment within a supportive environment.

Attending an Employment Plus Local is entirely voluntary and is available free of charge to any person who is looking for work.

For more information about Employment Plus Local, or any other services, visit The Salvation Army on Bridge Street or salvationarmy.org.uk/rothwell.

The Salvation Army charity and coffee shop is open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm – all profits are reinvested back into the local community.

Employment Plus Local is open every Thursday from 10am to midday for one-to-one appointments.