Moody Family Center for Worship & Service dedicated in Texas City

By: Philip Burn

The Salvation Army Moody Family Center for Worship and Service in Texas City was dedicated on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. Donors, community leaders, DHQ and local officers and staff gathered to celebrate the completion of the project that has been in the planning for more than three years.

Rather than a new construction, The Salvation Army successfully purchased and renovated an existing church in a prime location with great visibility in the city. The facility includes a beautiful chapel, classrooms, administration offices, a new Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club and a park. The Moody Foundation donated $1.5 million to the project and was represented at the event by Allan Matthews, grants director of The Moody Foundation. Also donating gifts were The J.E & L.E Mabee Foundation, Richard and Susan Anderson, Valero, The Meadows Foundation and Chris Doyle, advisory board chair, and his family. Former Texas City Mayor Charles Doyle, along with his wife Mary Ellen Doyle, Chris Doyle's parents, came forward to make the crucial final gift ensuring that The Salvation Army qualified for a matching foundation gift.

Texas City Mayor Matt Doyle presented a proclamation to Majors Nathanael and Lucila Doria, commanding officers, and thanked The Salvation Army for renovating a church that may have otherwise sat vacant. The City of Texas City has partnered with The Salvation Army throughout the project and invested significant resources in landscaping and a water line. In addition, the city built a beautiful park on the lot next to the building named The Salvation Army Park.

In his dedicatory address, Lt. Colonel Ronnie Raymer, Texas divisional commander, presented an award to Chris Doyle recognizing his leadership, vision, and work in support of The Salvation Army as chair of the advisory board. He also challenged the board and community to continue their support as The Salvation Army operates the facility and expands its work and programs in Texas City.

"We're so grateful to the citizens of Galveston County and particularly Texas City that have made this amazing gift possible to The Salvation Army. This is going to a beacon of hope for this community, and a beacon of God's love for the whole area," Lt. Colonel Raymer said.

After the dedication service, The Texas City/La Marque Chamber of Commerce led a community ribbon cutting signifying the opening of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. The Salvation Army has worked in Texas City since 1981, and the new facility will provide additional service opportunities to the community, particularly in youth work at the new Boys & Girls Club.