History in the making
Moving into the heart of Leeton
The Leeton Salvation Army Corps in the Western Riverina of NSW has begun a new phase of ministry, moving into a brand new building in the centre of town.
Over 220 people from the local community gathered on 20 September 2014 to celebrate the opening of the new building, take part in a Sunday service and enjoy live music from Tuggeranong Salvation Army band.
Commissioners James and Jan Condon officially opened the building, with Leeton Shire Lord Mayor Paul Maytom and representatives from the local Aboriginal Council speaking at the event.
Captain Jennifer Stringer (now a Major) of the Leeton Salvation Army believes the move to the town centre will create many new ministry opportunities.
“The old building was a bit out of town and not really suitable for what we were wanting to do in moving The Salvation Army forward in Leeton. The new building means all of our ministries are all in one place, centrally located right in the middle of town,” she says.
The Leeton Salvation Army serves a large community, providing spiritual and practical help including crisis accommodation, emergency relief and Moneycare financial counselling.
The service offers three crisis units for homeless women and children, and its two family stores are very successful in supporting the local community.
Captain Stringer says they are already making the most of the new facilities.
“We’ve already used the building for dinners, conferences and parenting courses, positive lifestyle training, the local town band has used it for practices,” she says.
“We have developed a community garden with lots of vegetables and herbs growing that we use for our community lunches and 
catering. Eventually next year we’re going to start doing cooking classes. This new premises is very good!”
By Katherine Franks
This article first appeared on The Salvation Army's my.salvos website, on 25 September, 2014
