The Salvation Army is set to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2020.
The organisation made the announcement last Friday at a press conference at its Divisional headquarters on Alexander Street, in Georgetown.
The theme for the anniversary celebrations, slated to be held from April 22nd to April 26th, 2020, is “A Celebration of God’s faithfulness through the years,” and a number of events are planned.
John Greaves, a Salvation Army officer, said the organisation intends to sensitise and inform the general public about the dedicated service that the organisation has given to the people over its 125 years of existence in Guyana.
Edward Boyer, Chairman of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, told the press conference that the theme that was chosen is very fitting “because it has god in it and it talks about the faithful years that we have nurtured the Salvation Army to reach 125 years.”
He further stated that the Salvation Army has a beautiful rich history that he hopes everyone can appreciate. Giving a background of the organisation, he stated that they have over the years played a pivotal role in providing hospice spaces and feeding programmes for the elderly, persons with disabilities and the unfortunate. Boyer added that a number of women have also benefited from skills in craft and cookery that they were taught through the organisation’s women’s ministry programme.
He said a number of Salvation Army programmes would have been of benefit to Guyanese and he cited the prison ministry programme as an example, while noting that it helps by giving former prisoners tools to be reintegrated into society.
A number of events have already been planned for the anniversary celebration including, school devotions, open air meetings and fundraising dinners. As part of the celebrations, also, there are plans to have at least 125 more officers inducted into the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army’s committee for the anniversary celebration is hopeful that members of the business community come on board to celebrate the history of the organisation and make the celebrations memorable, hence the early announcement.
Executive Director of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Richard Rambarran, who was also present at the press conference, congratulated the Salvation Army on its years of service to the Guyanese public and called on members of the business community to continue supporting the efforts of the organisation.
