Service to bid farewell to Salvation Army in Ottery
Ottery's Salvation Army. Ref shs 35 17TI 0302. Picture: Terry Ife - Credit: Archant
The doors to Ottery’s Salvation Army will officially close this weekend after 132 years.
Leaders made the decision to close the Hind Street corps last week after attempts to ‘swell the ranks’ over the last three years failed to boost numbers.
Members will gather this Sunday for a valedictory meeting to celebrate and thank those for their support over the years.
Stella Munn, local officer for the Salvation Army in Ottery, said: “Our numbers have dwindled to the point of being unsustainable on a lengthy and regular basis, both on a Sunday and at our fellowship group on Fridays.
“None of our many attempts to swell the ranks over many years has come to fruition, so a very hard decision had to be made.
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“We would like to express our deep gratitude to everyone who has supported us in any way over the 132 years our corps (church) has been open in Ottery and we have been greatly blessed in so many ways by the people with whom we have entered into fellowship.”
Members will continue to be involved with the Salvation Army’s efforts in Exmouth and Exeter.
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