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A 78,000-square-foot campus in Phoenix, Ariz.
The Southwest Division dedicated the new Herberger Campus, a 78,000-square-foot complex including the divisional headquarters and the social services and shelter facilities, March 27 in Phoenix in front of more than 450 people, including national leaders Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts and territorial leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs.
The Salvation Army first dedicated the Southwest Divisional Headquarters in March 1985. Over the past 26 years, the Herberger Campus has been a place of hope and salvation for thousands of individuals and families who have utilized the facility. Phoenix Vice-Mayor Michael Johnson spoke of the importance of the Army’s work in Phoenix and its ability to withstand the times of change over the years. “Lots of buildings have gone through here,” Johnson said, “but The Salvation Army stands strong.”
Lt. Colonels Joe and Shawn Posillico, current divisional leaders, noted the Southwest Division’s appreciation for the memory of Kax and Robert Herberger, who gave the funding that brought The Salvation Army to the campus. Kax Herberger was a member of the National Advisory Board and Phoenix Central Advisory Board.
Former divisional commanders Colonel Bruce Harvey, now retired, and Lt. Colonel Doug Danielson, chief secretary in the Mexico Territory, shared history of the center in Phoenix and the development of the new facility. Lt. Colonels Doug and Rhode Danielson began plans for the new campus during their assignment with the division. During the dedication, the Southwest Divisional Band honored Lt. Colonel Rhode with an arrangement of one of her favorite songs, “My Tribute.” A plaque remembering Lt. Colonel Rhode, who was promoted to Glory in 2010, will be placed inside the new headquarters.
Carolyn Knaggs, territorial president for Women’s Ministries in the West, read from I Corinthians 3. She spoke of the importance of laying the foundation of God in the Army’s work and new buildings. “The Salvation Army is way more interested in building lives than in building buildings,” James Knaggs, territorial commander in the West, said. “We build buildings so that we may build lives.”
In closing, William Roberts offered a prayer of dedication.
The wall inside the foyer displays the words from I Corinthians 3:11: For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
