Bedford Congress Hall
From Sawiki
| Bedford Congress Hall |
 |
| Territory: United Kingdom Territory |
| Division: Central South Division |
| Opened: 1888 |
| Corps Number: 1016 |
| Location: |
| Current Officers: |
Corps History
The Salvation Army was first established in Bedford as Corps Number 1016 on 4th March 1888 by Staff Captain Lawrance and her second-in-command Lieutenant Gwynn leading around a dozen officers and cadets in open-air meetings in the old market place. Musical support was distinctly rudimentary and restricted to just two cornets and a single tambourine.
Nevertheless, there was a spectacular response with an attendance of over 1000 at the evening meeting held in the local skating rink.
During those early hectic months there was a visit from the famous Household Troops Band and a visit from the Army's architect to choose a site for a new hall in River Street.
This culminated in 115 soldiers being sworn in and the first team of local officers appointed and was, in fact, the real beginning of Bedford Corps as a locally organised and supported centre of Salvation Army activity.
On 3rd October 1888 the William Booth the Founder of The Salvation Army came to Bedford and participated in the stone laying ceremony of the new hall in River Street. Incredibly, the new building was ready for use by February 1889 and designated the Bedford Congress Hall. The main hall had an unusual octagonal design being based on the Army's Clapton Congress Hall.
The original hall was replaced by the current Bedford Congress Hall in 1977 and reflects the style of the original building by utilising tiered seats and a central arena.
