African Praise provide a musical welcome outside International Headquarters during Open House London 2010
AT least 500 people were given tours of The Salvation Army's International Headquarters (IHQ) when the building was opened to the public as part of Open House London 2010. This is the second time IHQ has participated in the event.
In total, around 1,200 people visited IHQ during the day. Everyone had the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities that facilitated learning about the current building, IHQ's history and The Salvation Army generally.
The tours round the building, given by Commissioner Kenneth Hodder and Commissioner Robin Forsyth (both IHQ), enabled people to learn the reasons behind the architecture of IHQ. Also available for questions were several international officers from IHQ who wore their national costume or uniform from their homeland, making for a very colourful event.
Tours included a PowerPoint architectural presentation, a visit to the International Chapel and an opportunity to see the view from the Chief of the Staff's office, where questions were answered about what The Salvation Army is doing today throughout the world. A DVD about emergency work in Haiti was shown to those who waited for the next tour to begin and a further DVD of the most recent Gospel Arts Concert from the Royal Albert Hall was shown on a large screen in Café 101 on the lower ground floor.
Also in the café area, children were looked after while their parents went on a tour of the building or had lunch or refreshments in the café. Several activities were arranged for young people of different age groups by Major Karin Ramos and Major Sally Salcedo (both IHQ). An excellent exhibition was on show and many free books about The Salvation Army were taken by the public.
Hythe Salvation Army Band played outside from 10 am, cooled by a chilly wind blowing from the Thames until slowly the sun moved round to shine on the players. Many conversations took place between Salvationists and members of the public who stopped to listen. In the afternoon the African Praise worship group – brought together from several corps (churches) – delighted the public with its playing, singing and dancing. It quickly drew a crowd of people who soon joined in the dancing.
 A tour group visits the Chief of the Staff's office during Open House London 2010 |
 Commissioner Amos Makina (International Secretary for Africa) joins African Praise outside International Headquarters |
