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Richmond, Calif., Corps celebrates centennial.
by Beth Desplancke –
Captain Frank Desplancke, Richmond corps officer, receiving proclamation from Paul Morris, mayor of San Pablo. |
“Celebrating God’s faithfulness in the past, present and future” was the theme of the recent Richmond Corps’ centennial celebration.
Soldiers, friends, advisory board members, former corps officers, and community members joined for a reunion and recognition dinner on a recent Saturday night. Paul V. Morris, Mayor of San Pablo, Calif., issued a proclamation declaring that The Salvation Army had served in west Contra Costa County for 100 years and would continue to do so for the next 100 years. Awards were given to those who had helped the Army in “Doing the Most Good” in the community: The Dollar Tree, Pinole Fire Department, San Pablo Rotary Club, and the volunteers of The Salvation Army food pantry. Major Eda Hokom, Del Oro divisional commander and former corps officer, brought a message on God’s faithfulness in the past.
On Sunday morning the focus was on God’s faithfulness in the present. During the worship service Hokom challenged the congregation to live a life of holiness.
An afternoon praise meeting was held at the Silvercrest Residence next to the corps. A number of residents attended for the first time, and most of them came to the evening meeting as well. The centennial celebration concluded with a united meeting with other areacorps. As the congregation celebrated God’s faithfulness for the future, Hokom challenged those in attendance to GO, BE and STAND—to go and serve others, to be a holy people, and to stand firm in faith.
Richmond Salvationists believe that God’s work in their community isn’t done; they are going to continue boldly going forward because he faithfully holds them in his hand. Whatever the future holds, we’re in his hands!