Citadel.

Major Wilson Noble said last Saturday's dedication of the new building on North Street in Hamilton also involved the unveiling of the cornerstone.

Premier Pamela Gordon and deputy opposition leader Eugene Cox were on hand for the ceremony which was conducted by Commissioner Donald Kerr, Territorial Commander for the Canadian and Bermudian territory of the Salvation Army.

Major Noble said Commissioner Kerr flew in especially for the Saturday event.

"I think he came to bless the building because the Territory headquarters gave us $1 million towards the building,'' he explained. "We don't send any money to Canada but they recognised the fine work we do and support our work.'' The new building will open in July and will house the Hamilton Citadel congregation.

"They used to use Booth Memorial Hall on the corner of Court and Reid Streets, but we sold it three years ago,'' Major Noble said. "Since then they were worshipping in various schools.'' And he said the multi-purpose building will also provide community programmes for the area's children and seniors.

"During the summer we will be doing a needs assessment of the area to see what type of programmes will best suit that area.'' ALMOST READY -- The almost completed home of the Salvation Army's Hamilton Citadel congregation was dedicated last Saturday.