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For the seventh time, The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) will take part in Open House London, an annual celebration of the buildings, places and spaces where people live and work across the city.
Open House provides a unique opportunity to see, explore and learn about London’s architecture and design, offering access to more than 750 buildings in the city (140 of which are new this year), including some areas that are usually closed to the public. IHQ will be featured Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Architects from Sheppard Robson, the company that designed the IHQ building, will be on hand to give talks on significant design aspects while Salvation Army staff will welcome people and assist with tours.
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the serene surroundings of the International Chapel, spend time in the General’s office and learn about the innovative ideas that went into designing of the new IHQ. This year, for the first time, the tours will feature the international zonal offices.
The 101 Queen Victoria Street site has been home to IHQ since 1881, with the current building constructed in 2004—remarkably, at no cost to The Salvation Army. Presentations at midday and 2 p.m. by Lt. Colonel Sandy Morrice will reflect the significant part that “101” has played in the movement’s history.
Food will be available from Café 101 all day and there will be plenty to look at in the adjoining Gallery 101, which is hosting the exhibition All Things Bright and Beautiful by Hadleigh Photographic Society, run through Hadleigh Temple Corps. There will also be activities for children, including face-painting, and music from Regent Hall Band.
Major Beverly Ivany, author of The Salvation Army’s daily Bible reading series Words of Life, will be signing copies of the latest edition and answering questions about her writing ministry.
