Open house at International Headquarters

Salvation Army participates in annual London event.

More than 1,000 people visited The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) on Saturday, Sept. 19, when the building was part of “Open House London.” This free event, celebrating London’s architecture, allows access to more than 700 buildings in the city, often to areas usually closed to the public. This was the first time IHQ has taken part.

Of these visitors, 500 took tours, which included the International Chapel and the office of the Chief of the Staff. Representatives from the architect, Sheppard Robson, explained the design and purpose of the building. Each tour group visited the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Robin Dunster, who spoke about the international work of The Salvation Army.

Outside, members of Chalk Farm Band played in the morning and Regent Hall Band entertained in the afternoon.

In the building, the public found much to see and do—an art exhibition sat alongside screens showing DVDs of The Salvation Army’s emergency work and the most recent Gospel Arts Festival from the Royal Albert Hall. Children experienced “Ultimate Church,” an interactive program created by the UK Territory for use in schools.

Year books, copies of All the World magazine and other leaflets showing the international work of The Salvation Army were free, along with a new brochure about the building designed for the occasion.

Commissioner Shona Forsyth, City of London Liaison Officer and IHQ Chaplain, organized the event.