Mission House opens door to a 'new beginning' in Bathurst
Mission House opens door to a 'new beginning' in Bathurst
6 April 2022
At the front gate of the newly-purchased Mission House in Bathurst – (from left) Lieutenant-Colonels Laurie and Simone Robertson (Area Officers), Paul Toole (Member for Bathurst), Steve Medved (Mission Leader), Major Mark Brooks (Springwood Corps Team Leader), Major Colin Young (Orange Corps Officer), Colonel Winsome Merrett (Chief Secretary), and Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas (NSW/ACT Divisional Commander). Photos: Kate Young
The Salvation Army’s presence in the NSW Central West city of Bathurst has been reignited with the dedication and opening of a new ministry centre and induction of a mission leader.
Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett officiated at the ceremony, which was also attended by several NSW/ACT Division leaders and local dignitaries, on Friday 1 April.
Bathurst Corps has not had a ministry space for 12 months. Previously it served the city for two years from the corps Family Store, which closed on 1 April 2021. The corps building in Stewart St had been sold in 2019.
The new centre in Bentinck Street, known as the Mission House, comes under the leadership of Steve Medved, who will also oversee the Army’s operations in Mudgee, 120km to the north.
Lieutenant-Colonel Laurie Robertson, Central West and Far West NSW Area Officer, said the Mission House signified a new emphasis in mission methodology for The Salvation Army in the region.
“The corps will be based on small groups with life-journeying ‘Community Table’ groups and ‘Discipleship Huddles’ being at the core of Jesus-focused relationship building and disciple-making,” Laurie said.
“These groups can happen anywhere from parks, coffee shops, and homes to being facilitated in the Mission House. It is a bold transformational plan that we pray will relate to many, many people in the university town of Bathurst and the more rural setting of Mudgee.”
Absolutely committed
A meaningful moment during the ceremony was the enrolment of Steve as a senior soldier of The Salvation Army and his recognition as the new Mission Leader.
Steve Medved proudly holds his Articles of War Soldier’s Covenant alongside Major Mark Brooks.
Major Mark Brooks, Team Leader at Springwood Corps in the Blue Mountains, enrolled Steve, which was the culmination of a two-year Jesus-led journey.
“Steve has ‘absolutely’ committed himself to serving Jesus with every fibre of his being as he builds relationships within the region,” Laurie said.
During the dedication and opening, Winsome clearly outlined the vision of the Australia Territory to live, love, and fight alongside others to bring individual and community transformation with the love of Jesus. Lieut-Colonel Miriam Gluyas, Divisional Commander, then delivered an inspiring Bible message.
Community support
The Federal Member for Calare, the Hon. Andrew Gee, and Bathurst Mayor Robert Taylor both strongly expressed their support for The Salvation Army’s community work and ministry with their attendance.
Deputy NSW Premier and Member for Bathurst, the Hon. Paul Toole, also greatly encouraged Salvation Army personnel present and expressed his thanks for this new beginning in Bathurst.
Several volunteers from the former Family Store also attended, and some volunteers from the Lithgow Family Store.
Salvos Stores is working with the Army’s property department to identify a site to open operations. When this occurs, this will also include an opportunity for the corps to interact with staff, volunteers, and customers.
“This has been a very long journey, but it allows us a brand new start,” Steve said. “We also continue the search for a new site for our Salvos Store, but we have been blessed, and God is good.”
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