The Salvation Army will kick off its 75th anniversary in Greenwood this weekend with a revival, recreation, refreshment and reunion.
Corps officers Lt. Tami and Lt. Jamaal Ellis, who relocated from Atlanta last year, said the weekend celebration is a kickoff to a whole year’s commemoration of the Army’s social and spiritual ministry in Greenwood and the beginning of a new era of service.
The festivities begin on Friday with a revival service at the Salvation Army church, 209 N. Stone Ave.
Musical guests Mark and Alana Rice are Christian hip hop artists from Atlanta. They will be joined by local gospel group The Men of New Zion, and Tami Ellis said she hopes other local groups will participate as well.
Any local Christian musical acts interested in performing at Friday’s revival service should contact Ellis at (662) 466-6434.
On Saturday, the Ellises will lead local Salvation Army members, volunteers and everyone in the community that supports their work in an “open air” event, a Salvation Army tradition.
“Essentially, it is taking the Gospel to the streets,” Tami Ellis said.
Participants are invited to join the Open Air and March of Witness Parade at 10 a.m. in the section of Rail Spike Park just west of the farmer’s market pavilion, along the trail that parallels Johnson Street.
“We invite groups to come and wear T-shirts that tell who they are,” Ellis said. “Family reunion groups, civic groups, school groups, pastors, anyone who would like to walk should come wearing a shirt representing their cause or affiliation.”
Individuals are welcome as well.
Ten to 15 members of the Salvation Army’s Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi brass band will play, and a brief open-air worship service will be followed by a one-mile march down Carrollton to Stone Street and the church.
There, an afternoon communitywide event will commence with free food, music and “simple, low-key fellowship.
“We’ve contacted some people to have booths there,” Ellis said. “If anyone wants to put up a tent or a booth, they are welcome to bring things to sell or share.”
Retired pastor Major Denny Hewitt will be on hand with his praise ministry and saxophone.
“Some former pastors of the Salvation Army Greenwood church will be coming as well,” Ellis said.
“It’s a good old homecoming revival.”
Ellis suggests that guests bring chairs to sit on the lawn. Musical participation will be encouraged, and information about the Salvation Army’s mission project will be available for anyone interested in participating.
On Sunday, the weekend’s activities will culminate with an 11 a.m. dedication service.
Ellis emphasized that this is a chance for everyone in Greenwood who cares about the Salvation Army’s ministry to the poor to celebrate and show support.
“Anybody who has participated in the Salvation Army’s work, or who feel the calling to do this work, we’d love for them to come.”
•Contact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
