Korea dedicates a new building

General and Commissioner Clifton help cut the ribbon to open a new facility in Seoul.

General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton visited The Salvation Army’s Korea Territory on Aug. 10, 2010, to cut the ribbon on a new Army building.

Designed to house not only The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, but also a number of major businesses and a 560-seat auditorium (the Army Art Hall), the 17-story structure was built to celebrate the 2008 anniversary of Army work on the Korean peninsula. Hopes are that the income from the rental of commercial space will help fund both the territory’s local work and support Army ministry overseas.

Opening ceremonies
The General and Commissioner Clifton commenced their visit by taking part in the ribbon cutting ceremony, which officially opened the front doors of the structure. This was followed by the presentation of a celebration stone to commemorate the event.

Several civic dignitaries joined in the ceremony including the First Vice Minister of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, representing Minister Yu, In-chon; National Assemblyman Lee, Sung-hun; Chairman of the National Council of Churches of Korea Reverend Chun, Byung-ho; and Head of the Seodaemun Gu District of Seoul Mr. Moon, Seok-jin.

Following the dedicatory services, the party proceeded to the Art Hall to greet Salvationists and visitors who had gathered to witness the official opening and meeting led by the Territorial Commander Commissioner Chun, Kwang-pyo.

General Clifton thanked the Korean Salvationists for their commitment to and offerings for the new building, which will help facilitate work done for regional and international ministry. He then gave a Bible message followed by a prayer from Commissioner Clifton.

The ceremony—that lasted for two hours—the territorial commander presented appreciation plaques to those who gave significant contributions to the project, including the Doosan Construction & Engineering Company and Heerim Architects & Planners. The Doosan company donated 1.6 billion Won (approximately $1.35 million) to thank the Army for its work in Korea.

Celebration and exhortation
Following the meeting, approximately 200 guests from community, government and Christian agencies joined the group for a reception on the second floor. The evening service consisted of a musical performance featuring the Korea Staff Band and guest musicians.

The General and Commissioner Clifton joined in the Sunday morning service to worship with 430 Salvationists and friends at the Seoul First Corps. The General’s message urged those present to be holy Christians and prompted many to kneel at the mercy seat.

Sunday afternoon’s program was a divisional meeting held at Yung Deung Po—the biggest corps building in Seoul—with around 200 Salvationists in attendance. Just returning from the Army’s World Youth Convention in Sweden, the Korea Mission Singers presented a medley of the Korean folk song “Arirang.”

The General shared his testimony in his message. Later, Commissioner Clifton’s message exhorted all Christians present to be accountable. As an affirmation of their desire to live a Christ-centered life, the majority of the crowd stood to their feet at the conclusion of her message.

At the conclusion of the meeting, international leaders with current and retired territorial leaders shared a time of fellowship.