Earlier this week, the Salvation Army officially opened its brand new international headquarters in London. The launch of the new headquarters is very historical as it is the original site of 101 Queen Victoria Street, which was acquired by the organisation’s founder, William Booth in 1881.

To mark the grand opening, the UK’s Princess Royal, daughter of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented the ceremony. A “working building” but also a “worship building” is how Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal described the Salvation Army’s new International Headquarters.

The Princess Royal delivered her acknowledgement to the contribution of the Salvation Army to the worldwide community, and that it recognises the importance of having its headquarters in London, one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Later, she unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion while the Commissioner Freda Larsson (World President of Women’s Ministries) offered a prayer in which she articulated the hope that all IHQ staff would be “representatives for God”.

General John Larsson also gave his address on the celebration. On behalf of the Salvation Army, he gave thanks and paid tribute to Mrs Elizabeth Orr Bell, the purchaser of the site back in 1891. He also gave thanks to the team of professionals involved in the IHQ project.

“We thank and praise God in whose name we work and serve. To his glory this building is dedicated,” General Larsson concluded.

International delegates from all around the world were invited to the celebration, making the celebration enriched by a wide variety of cultures. The internationalism of the IHQ staff itself was reflected during a time of creative worship which featured prayers in five different languages. Dance which accompanied a vocal duet enhanced the spirit of worship.

Former Chief of the Staff Commissioner Earle Maxwell brought greetings from Australia, he said a blend of competence and compassion is the essence for how a headquarters can also be a “heart-quarters”.

The celebration was closed by a prayer from Commissioner Amos Makina, the International Secretary for Africa, IHQ. Situated in ultra-modern surroundings - a glass transparent building, the Army has shown clearly that it still values its past.