The Salvation Army celebrates new home in Sleaford
New venue after 140 years
The Salvation Army in Sleaford has celebrated the opening of its new building on Grantham Road, marking a significant new chapter in the story of a church that has been part of the town for 140 years.
The new Sleaford Salvation Army premises is housed in the former St Botolph's church hall, built in 1932, on Grantham Road, NG 24 7NB.
The special opening event on September 4 brought together members and friends of The Salvation Army, local dignitaries, supporters and guests, including the Town Mayor Coun Dave Darmon, Territorial Leaders of The Salvation Army - Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main, East Midlands Divisional Leader, Major Carelle Daws, and Richard and Sue Vigar of the Michael Cornish Trust which gave a grant towards the building’s purchase, alongside many others who have helped support the church and its work.
The occasion was an opportunity to celebrate the new building while reflecting on a remarkable history that began in Sleaford in 1886. The ribbon was officially cut by Faye Bailey, the longest attending member of the church.
The new building has been a long sought-after development for the church. Its previous premises on West Banks Street had become increasingly unsuitable as the church’s community programme grew, with limited space and accessibility, inadequate storage, and a kitchen that was too small to support the activities taking place.
The new premises, acquired from St Botolph’s Church in April 2025, is fully accessible and provides much needed additional space and facilities, giving the church greater capacity to develop its programme, welcome local people and respond to the needs of the community. It also provides a more practical base for activities involving children and families, worship, community groups, social activities and opportunities for people to meet and build relationships.
Major Dawn McGarvey, church leader of The Salvation Army at Sleaford explained that refurbishment work started in earnest in February this year, with them able to begin moving in during August, holding a couple of open days for neighbours before bringing in their growing CAMEO Club and parent and toddler group.
Major McGarvey said: "We have inherited a remarkable story. For 140 years, people in Sleaford have prayed, served, worshipped, welcomed others and kept the flame burning through times of change and challenge. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this point.
"There is something incredibly special about seeing this building finally opening and knowing how many people have played a part in bringing us to this moment."
She said they are keen to build on their children’s activities offer, with a community garden to the rear of the property where there will be some raised beds and seating, as well as hopefully a hobby shed.
There is a refitted kitchen, new toilets and a small meeting room as well as plenty of storage, air conditioning and a reconfigured curved ceiling for better acoustics. She was particularly pleased to now have her own office. They had also had their Mercy Seat refurbished.
“We are hoping to be able to do light lunches and breakfast clubs thanks to the nice kitchen,” added Major McGarvey.
They will be using it as a warm space for residents and will re-start the games club where people can have a drink and a biscuit, play games and chat. There are also plans for a Lego group, messy play and other social groups. It will also be rented out for Weight Watchers and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, as well as still being used as a polling station for elections.
Immense gratitude goes to the Michael Cornish Trust, The Salvation Army Legacies Unit, New Life Church, and other organisations, members and friends of the church who contributed in different ways to make the new building possible.
The Salvation Army in Sleaford currently offers a range of activities throughout the week, including a regular Sunday Service, CAMEO group, quilting group, Stay and Play for children and their parents and carers, adults' craft group and Saturday coffee morning.
The church also has a strong tradition of supporting people during the Christmas period, providing treats, toys and vouchers for families and people experiencing homelessness or living in supported accommodation in Grantham. For more information, follow on Facebook.