By Sydney Barson| The Bulawayo Temple Salvation Army church has been praised for its faithfulness in mission in the past 100 years.

Addressing thousands who thronged the Bulawayo Temple yesterday to celebrate 100 years of the church’s existence in Makokoba, Bulawayo Metropolitan Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube said the church’s spiritual and social work has been trully visible.

‘’I believe that Ladies and gentlemen “uBulawayo omuhle” can only be built by institutions such as the Salvation Army, whose works we have seen in this city, from the band marches, assisting in times of disaster such as cyclone Idai and also to social homes that this Church has dotted across not only in Bulawayo but the country of Zimbabwe at large.‘’ said Ncube

The minister went on to heap praise on the church for its originality.

Said Ncube, ‘’There are a lot fake things nowadays with fake prophets too but we have not seen this in the Salvation Army.‘’

Speaking at the same occasion, Zimbabwe Council of Churches Presiden Bishop Khanye urged the Salvation Army to remain faithful to its calling in spiritual, education and health.

‘’As President of the ZCC with 28 member churches, I bring you ecumenical greetings. The Salvation Army is an important member in the ZCC and besides your spiritual work you have been very instrumental in providing education and health services in the country. Today we celebrate your faithfulness to God’s call and urge you to continue being the salt of the earth.‘’ said Bishop Khanye.

In his Bible message the Salvation Army’ s Territorial Commander Commissioner Joash Malabi challenged the congregants to be relevant and continue marching forward to the next 100 years.

‘’Are we still relevant in our programs as a church？We must stay relevant, vibrant and health so that we could be sincere to our Lord. ‘’ said Commissioner Malabi.

The event was also attended by Senator Matson Hlalo and Councillor Shadreck Sibanda, church members from other denominations and several people from all walks of life.

The Bulawayo Temple was established in late 1918 starting in a small shop rented for a hall. With the encouraging signs for a vibrant corps, a stand was obtained in the Location from the Bulawayo Municipality and with funds sourced from International Headquarters, London, a hall was hastily erected. The hall was officially opened in 1919 and consecrated the William Booth Memorial Hall by the indefatigable Colonel Allister Smith, then Chief Secretary for African work). Captains Mazinyo from Zululand, South Africa were the inaugural Corps officers, （Pastors）