THE Chief of the Staff (Commissioner William Roberts) and Commissioner Nancy Roberts (World Secretary for Women's Ministries), supported by staff and officers, welcomed hundreds of visitors to International Headquarters (IHQ) on Saturday 20 September as The Salvation Army at 101 Queen Victoria Street participated in Open House London 2014.
Regent Hall and Maidstone Corps bands provided toe-tapping music outside of IHQ – an inspirational witness to thousands of tourists, passers-by and open house participants – while the IHQ architects and Lieut-Colonel Jenty Fairbank provided design and historical seminars to attendees.
As guests toured the building they were greeted by the Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Nancy Roberts on the first floor, with the Chief providing a succinct overview of the global spiritual and humanitarian work of the movement. A highlight for many visitors was the opportunity to see the General’s office and a large number posed for pictures at his desk
Once again, Major Beverly Ivany, author of the Army’s daily reading book Words of Life, was present to engage with visitors and sign complimentary copies of the autumn edition. The Chief of the Staff was delighted to see that Words of Life was being distributed free of charge on this special occasion, and upon reflection he commented: ‘Providing courtesy copies of Words of Life should be a staple at all youth councils, officer information weekends and other similar open house events. It is all about spreading the good news of the gospel, and what better way than to put a tool like Words of Life right into the hands of the people?’
"Modern in design, frugal in operation, evangelical in purpose" @SalvArmyIHQ @openhouselondon pic.twitter.com/ovk3nN6WHo
— Emily Bowerman (@BowermanEmily) September 20, 2014
Representatives from SAHA (Salvation Army Housing Association) were on hand in Café 101 to talk about their current exhibition, and many of the people enjoying refreshments in the cafe also took the opportunity to view the artworks on display.
IHQ Chaplain Major Pat Brown organised an outstanding day and no doubt the hundreds of people who participated and toured the building now have a greater understanding of the mission and ministry of the global Salvation Army.
Report by Major John P. Murray, MA, APR, CFRE
Communications Secretary and Literary Secretary
International Headquarters
