The Salvation Army celebrates 140 years of service in Dunstable
published on 31 Jan 2025
For 140 years, The Salvation Army Church in Dunstable has been a centre of hope for the community, offering a helping hand to those in need and fostering a sense of belonging for all. As the church celebrates this significant milestone, it reflects on the lives touched and an enduring legacy of compassion and service that continues to shape the lives of many in Dunstable.
The church on Bull Pond Lane has organised a series of events to celebrate this anniversary throughout the year starting with a concert held at the church featuring the celebrated Salvation Army Church Songster Brigade from Staines on Saturday 25 January at 6.30pm. There was a church service on Sunday 26 January led by Salvation Army Territorial Leaders Jenine and Paul Main.
Other events to follow in the year include:
- March: An Interactive Exhibition showcasing the history of Dunstable Salvation Army.
- May: Community engagement led by Salvation Army Household Troops Band
- July: A Reunion Weekend for current and former members.
- Sept: Weekend of community engagement led by Salvation Army General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Councillor Louise O’Riordan the Mayor of Dunstable attended the concert night marking the beginning of year long celebrations and expressed the community’s gratitude for the work done by The Salvation Army.
Councillor O’Riordan said: “The Salvation Army plays a huge a part in our community. Not just as a church. The band participates in several town events - the most recent being the Christmas Torchlight event that people are still talking about - it was so good! The building itself has been a home to me as soon as I arrived in Dunstable in 2016. I attended AA in the building which always feels like home wherever it is. But the Salvation Army have always been my first place to signpost street drinkers and people who are homeless to when they need help, and they are always there for a kind word, a shower or a hot meal. This place really changes lives and helps so many.”

In a heartfelt reflection on the church’s anniversary, The Salvation Army Territorial Leader, Commissioner Jenine Main, while leading the main Sunday service in Dunstable, emphasised the enduring power of faith, unity, and legacy urged everyone at Dunstable to draw strength from the past to inspire a future rooted in hope and community.
Commissioner Jenine said: “Let us remember the faith of those who came before us, upon whose shoulders we stand. Their legacy of faithfulness has shaped our present and our future and is a guiding light for our own journeys. Let us commit to strengthening our faith to ensure that our ongoing journey is marked by faith that drives us towards a brighter future filled with purpose, and that together we strive to create a future that embodies hope, belief, and a sense of community. As we do, we will experience the joy and peace that comes from trusting in our faithful God.”
Roger and Jacqueline Coates who have been leading the Dunstable church since July 2023 said The Salvation Army is committed to serving people of all ages and backgrounds and the church will continue building and nurturing relationships in the community.
They said: "it is a privilege to lead this church at such a special time in its history. We're excited to celebrate this significant anniversary throughout the year. The Salvation Army has served our community in countless ways over the years. We'll reflect on the people and events that have shaped us, but more importantly, we'll look ahead to how we can best serve Dunstable in the 21st century."
The church has consistently served the needs of the people of Dunstable, offering a range of inter-generational support services that have evolved alongside the needs of the community.
In addition to church services every Sunday, The Salvation Army runs a group for over-75s who are living alone or are in circumstances where opportunities for meaningful social interaction are limited, to meet and make friends. They meet on Thursdays between 10.30am - 3pm.
On Wednesdays between 7pm and 8.15pm the church’s community kitchen opens its doors to help people who are homeless: serves hot meals, provides showers and laundry machines for people to freshen-up. The community kitchen goes beyond a plate as it serves as a listening post for those feeling alone and excluded.
The church’s weekly programme consists of: Community Care Drop In; Toddler Time; Knit and natter Group; Sally Anns Café; Oasis Fellowship Group; Bible Study Groups; Prayer Walking; Sunday School 4th Sunday each month 10:45; Messy Church 2nd Sunday Each month 4pm; and Sunday worship 11am.
For more information about The Salvation Army in Dunstable visit: Dunstable | The Salvation Army.