The Salvation Army of Georgia Celebrates Bainbridge Facility Expansion

By: Donald Felice

A heartwarming dedication ceremony marked the expansion and renovation of The Salvation Army Service Center in Bainbridge, Georgia. The event was attended by a supportive crowd from the community, Bainbridge Mayor Edward Reynolds, Karen Tobin (Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce President), Georgia divisional commander, Major Algerome Newsome, acting general secretary, Major James Allison, Jim Morrow, divisional service extension director, and Merreann McDonald, the Bainbridge Service Center director.

The ceremony began with the Bainbridge High School Band playing the "Star-Spangled Banner" while the Bainbridge High School Junior Air Force ROTC color guard presented the American flag.

Major Newsome spoke on the dedication and unity it took to accomplish the renovation and expansion, referencing Ecclesiastes 4:9: "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed." Major Newsome said, "I believe that with the strength of The Salvation Army, and this community, and our Lord Jesus Christ, ‘a threefold cord', there is not anything that we can't accomplish together in this community."

The building renovation and expansion included remodeling and expansion of office space, 1,700 square feet of vitally needed warehouse and to house the emergency disaster canteen, a box truck, food pantry, and increased storage for the Family Store.

According to Jim Morrow, service center extension director, the desire for the expansion and renovation was prompted by the increased needs of the community after Hurricane Michael and COVID-19. He added, "It is a blessing to see a community come together behind the shield of The Salvation Army and work alongside each other to make this community a better place for everybody that lives here."

Mayor Reynolds praised The Salvation Army for its valuable services and unwavering commitment to serve those in need for the past 30 years. Mayor Reynolds stated, "We can all look back to floods, tornadoes, and major, major events that affect our community, but to me, the most important thing is the thing they do every day, and they serve those individuals that are lost in our community as a beacon of hope."