Oswego Salvation Army Dedicates New Citadel

May 17, 2010 Steve Yablonski

OSWEGO, NY – The Oswego Salvation Army dedicated its new home on Sunday afternoon.

Captain Kenneth Hayes and Major Corinne Hayes welcomed huge crowd to the newly renovated Oswego Salvation Army, 73 W. Second St.

Major Corinne Hayes welcomes everyone to the dedication ceremony. Seated in front are Captain Kenneth Hayes and Barb Bateman of the Salvation Army’s advisory board. Seated on stage next to Major Hayes is Salvation Army commissioner (territorial commander) Lawrence R. Moretz.
Major Corinne Hayes welcomes everyone to the dedication ceremony. Seated in front are Captain Kenneth Hayes and Barb Bateman of the Salvation Army’s advisory board. Seated on stage next to Major Hayes is Salvation Army commissioner (territorial commander) Lawrence R. Moretz.

Approximately 100 people took part in the building dedication ceremony, worship service and tours of the new facility.

Special guests were Salvation Army commissioners (territorial commanders) Lawrence R. and Nancy A. Moretz and Major Donald and Captain Renee Lance.

“I’d say we had between 75 and 100 for the morning worship service,” Major Hayes said.

It was a day long in coming, she added.

“We just kept plugging along. There were so very many people who helped us get to this day. I’d like to thank them all,” she said.

Jeremy Wardell, 15 months, tries to get a good grip on his dedication program Sunday at the new Oswego Salvation Army Citadel.
Jeremy Wardell, 15 months, tries to get a good grip on his dedication program Sunday at the new Oswego Salvation Army Citadel.

The Citadel offers not only something for the body of those in need, but also something for the soul, Capt. Hayes added.

The new facility is nearly twice the space of the former location.

The chamber will recognize the Salvation later this month with a ribbon cutting.

Barb Bateman, chair of the Salvation Army’s advisory board, recognized the Hayes for having the vision to initiate such a plan.

They were presented with three proclamations honoring their achievement.

Oswego County Legislature Chairman Barry Leemann presented a proclamation of behalf of the entire county. Third Ward Councilor Cathy Santos offered a proclamation on behalf of the city and Paul Santore (standing in for Assemblyman Will Barclay’s office) presented a proclamation on behalf of the state.

Commissioner Lawrence Moretz officiated at the dedication ceremony.

Tom Ciappa performs ‘Amazing Grace’ during the dedication ceremony on Sunday. Watching through the window from the other room is his mother, Mary.
Tom Ciappa performs ‘Amazing Grace’ during the dedication ceremony on Sunday. Watching through the window from the other room is his mother, Mary.

“It’s a pleasure to come to what we call the front lines of the Salvation Army; where life and service are genuine and connected to the people,” he said. “This is a mission station, where the Salvation Army mission and service are carried out under the fine leadership of the Hayes.”

The Salvation Army, he said, are foot soldiers, people responding to what God has laid upon their hearts to do and are doing it with grace and determination.

“So, you’ll find the doors here wide open. We have a message. It is the message of hope and it is the message of the Gospel, it says life doesn’t have to be as it is for you it can be transformed,” he said.

“I believe in you! And, I believe in you believing” he said alluding to the Oswego Salvation Army’s ‘I Believe’ motto for its capital improvement project. “The strong belief of this community really touched my heart.”

missing or outdated ad config

Print this entry