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by Mark Robb –
More than 98,000 people are served each year at the Moore Street Corps and Community Center in North Portland where they enjoy activities ranging from organized sports, swimming classes, and youth programs to Bible studies for all ages. In addition, the corps, under the leadership of Corps Officers Lieutenants Doug and Colleen Riley, offers a full service day care for children ranging from six months to 12 years and Sunday services that reach an average of 140 people weekly, most of whom are young adults.
When The Salvation Army purchased an ailing YMCA building in 1977, the need for a gymnasium was apparent. In 1984, a new gym–complete with weight room, game room, and a new entrance –was added to the existing center. As God would have it, the current chapel now stands on the very foundation where one of the more rampant drug houses in the neighborhood formerly stood. In 1991, Moore Street acquired the property, demolished the house and replaced it with the new chapel.
Festivities celebrating 75 years of service to the community began with the Third Annual Pride Dinner, honoring people from the community who have returned to help those in need.
This year’s guests included Duncan Campbell, self-made entrepreneur; Dr. Edward Perkins, former U.S. Ambassador to Africa; Carl Tarlton, leading Portland activist; and Nick Jones of the Blazer Organization. Linda Houston was honored as Volunteer of the Year for 16 years of offering free haircuts to thousands of children at Christmas.
In April the corps recognized its anniversary with a “Celebration Weekend,” with the Cariboo Hill Temple Band from Vancouver B.C. and the Tustin Ranch Timbrels from Orange County.
Following a concert at a local mall, the weekend culminated in a “Celebration of Praise” at Moore Street. Based on Psalm 150, this concert included performances by the band and timbrels, vocal selections, and the enrollment of several junior and senior soldiers by Commissioner David Edwards.
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