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by Suzi Woodruff Lacey –
| < (L to R) Commissioner Philip Swyers, Beverly Davis, Dick Davis, Lt. Col. Diane O’Brien and Lt. Col. Doug O’Brien participate in the dedication service. |
“We are building for eternity. This building represents a vast stretching of arms around the globe with the principle of serving humanity, of saving people—one life at a time,” said Territorial Commander Commissioner Philip Swyers at the dedication of The Salvation Army Dick and Beverly Davis Corps Community Center in Cathedral City.
The dedication brought together Salvation Army leaders from all over California, national advisory board members, local board members, donors, state and local government officials, and Cathedral City’s loyal congregation.
The new facility was made possible by a generous gift by former desert residents Dick and Beverly Davis, who serve on The Salvation Army’s national and local advisory boards. The $4 million project, located on three acres, is the Army’s first permanent facility in Coachella Valley. For the past nine years, the corps has been working out of rented facilities in a nearby stripmall. The new facility will include a fireside room, pavilion, learning center, classroom, multi-purpose room as well as a grassy sports field.
The Sierra Del Mar Divisional Band played as invited guests filled the beautiful new sanctuary. Jack Wood, Cathedral City advisory board chair, welcomed the guests. Lt. Col. Diane O’Brien, divisional director of women’s ministries, led the congregation in singing “Now Thank We All Our God,” followed by a prayer by Lt. Col. Doug O’Brien, Sierra del Mar divisional commander.
Commissioner Patricia Swyers read the scripture, and Commissioner Philip Swyers dedicated the building, saying, “We come on bended knee to the cross. Our hope and dream and prayer is that everyone who comes through these doors will know him. On behalf of a grateful Salvation Army, we dedicate this building to the glory of God to change lives, one life at a time.”
Local corps officers Envoys David and Dena Manriquez and Major Rich Reuer and Dick and Beverly Davis “accepted” the building.
Lunch in the stunning multi-purpose room was followed by a rousing performance of: God Is In Time, On Time, All The Time by Salvation Army vocal quartet of Lt. Col Doug O’Brien, Major Ed Loomis, Captain Darren Norton, and Captain Steve Ball. Swyers spoke, advisory board member Connie Wood expressed thanks, and Major Joyce Loomis closed the luncheon with a prayer.
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