Potomac Division dedicates new headquarters building

By: Karen Yoho

A sea of officers, soldiers, employees, and friends of The Salvation Army gathered to officially welcome the Potomac Division to their new divisional headquarters on May 9, 2023. Located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, the headquarters at 1555 King Street is now home to the Southern Territory's newest division, serving Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

The inauguration and dedication event began with a flag raising and ribbon cutting. Lt. Colonel Allan Hofer, Divisional Commander, shared the story of how the Potomac Division's leadership team visited several potential properties, but 1555 King Street stood out.

"After we toured the building, which looked very different than it does today, we gathered as a team around the lamppost and began to reflect," Lt. Colonel Hofer said. "We asked, ‘Is this place?' We felt an overwhelming sense of peace that this was the place that God was giving us. We bowed our heads and prayed, asking if this was His will, that He open all the doors to make this happen. This is why we want to give all the honor, all the glory, and all the praise to our God and Savior Jesus Christ."

Colonel Deborah Sedlar, Chief Secretary of the USA Southern Territory, unveiled the dedication plaque in the building lobby. This plaque includes an immense red shield logo embedded in the concrete floor of the rotunda. Lt. Colonel Hofer invited everyone to stand on the shield.

"This is the ground that the Lord has given us," he said. "We have engraved in stone a constant reminder about God's guidance, faithfulness, and to all who enter, the mission of The Salvation Army."

Those in attendance flowed to the third floor for the official dedication service that included worship and praise, as well as recognition to individuals and organizations that played a part in the project. This ranged from designers, architects, and contractors to the staff transitional team, and territorial staff.

Colonel Sedlar spoke poignantly at the event, providing a charge for the Army's work in the Potomac Division.

"A building cannot serve people. A building cannot feed people. A building cannot change the lives of people," said Colonel Sedlar. "Only God working through people can do that. Unless we the people are willing to rededicate ourselves to what will happen across this great division, it has no meaning. The building is a tool to make a difference in the lives of people. We want to see positive change affected in the people who walk through the doors of every Salvation Army building, so we need to be revitalized, renewed, and changed to fit the purpose of God's work in supporting this newly formed division."