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by Cathy Boyd –
SERVICES WERE HELD for the first time recently at the new Murrieta Corps Center for Worship and Service. |
It was standing room only, and the sound of brass band and over 400 voices proclaiming the greatness of God left little doubt that The Salvation Army was opening the doors of its brand new center of worship and service in the community of Murrieta, California.
Envoys John and Marlene Jones welcomed soldiers and friends from throughout Southern California to dedicate to the glory of God this lovely facility. Lt. Colonels Doug and Diane O’Brien, Sierra Del Mar divisional leaders, led the joyful worship, with the assistance of the Sierra Del Mar Divisional Band.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond, in her dedicatory address, charged that the glory of the Lord must be allowed to so fill up the new corps building that it might then spill out into the surrounding community. Quoting the prophet Haggai, Bond asserted that God’s glory will be seen as expectations for his house are met. First and foremost the Murrieta corps must be focused on Christ, knowing him and making him known in all things. “We exist for the people outside our walls,” Bond declared.
The Murrieta Corps began meeting in the living room of the quarters of the Envoys Jones, and quickly grew, finding a temporary home in a local public school. With the support and hard work of many retired officers who live in the area, new families from the neighborhood, and enthusiastic auxiliary board members, the dream of a corps facility here in one of the fastest growing communities in the fastest growing county (Riverside County) in California became a reality.
Standing in the beautiful Spanish mission style chapel, Advisory Board Chair Dr. James Yanoschik shared his excitement for the potential of customizing activities in the building to meet specific needs of the community, and fellow board member Ken Dickson added his belief that the corps in cooperation with the community would see lives transformed.
Major Oscar Youngquist summed it all up, “Our vision for the potential of the Murrieta corps is unlimited.
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