Niles Salvation Army New Facility
“Most Loving God, Grant to this new Salvation Army Ed French Corps Community Center, the grace of Your Presence and bless now, the spaces within. Bless all those that will enter, that will be assisted, prayed with, and served.”
With tears in her eyes, Niles Corps Officer Major Jodi Montgomery, welcomed a crowd of more than 100 people to their new corps during a Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony on March 20. The event took place almost one year to the day of their Groundbreaking ceremony.
Services had been provided from their previous building, located at a former church. However, due to the buildings age and to offer more services, funds were raised to build the new facility, which includes a commercial kitchen to use for their hot lunch program, a client-choice food pantry, social services offices and a multi-purpose chapel for prayer and worship.
Following the Ribbon Cutting outside in front of the new building, a Dedication Ceremony was held in the new chapel. Along with Majors Nick and Jodi Montgomery, the ceremony also featured remarks from Central Territorial Commander, Commissioner Evie Diaz, The Salvation Army Great Lakes Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Steven J. Merritt, the projects architect, construction partners, and a member of the Ed French family, one of the many donors who helped make the dream become a reality.
The thing I love about building dedications is that they’re not about the building,” Jodi said. “They’re about the places and spaces that are created for people to come and gather, worship, pray, laugh, cry, give, receive, to find hope and healing and most of all to be loved. That’s what we want this place to be.”
For more information about programs and services, you can call (269) 684-2660.