Plymouth Salvationists demand: 'We want our army back!'

Salvationists in Plymouth are expressing frustration over the series of changes affecting their church, formerly known as Plymouth Congress Hall. 

The Salvationists, also known as Soldiers, were compelled to relocate to a different site at Plymouth Barbican due to safety concerns with their previous building.

The frequent changes have resulted in many members leaving the Army, either ceasing attendance altogether or finding alternative places of worship at other Salvation Army Churches. 

Some members feel misled after initial plans for the new Plymouth Barbican site, including the addition of a hairdresser and charity shop, were abandoned. 

ABOVE: The new site of the rebranded Plymouth Barbican church, right of Plymouth Gin. (Image: © Copyright N Chadwick)

Furthermore, the impending departure of the current ministers in the summer, with no replacements scheduled by the Salvation Army, has left the church without leadership.

Expressing their discontent, one Salvationist remarked: “It is a mess. I feel the Officers being trained now seem to focus on work not people. We have had a very horrible time within the last three years, to which we have ended up leaving and finding another place of worship elsewhere.

“I think the Army needs to go back to basics. William Booth, the founder, would be horrified at what is happening now. The Army needs to take a good look, and tell us why places are closing. We are so disappointed, we have been Salvationists all our lives - nobody seems to care anymore.”

ABOVE: Congress Hall in 1956

The history of the church dates back to 1885 when the first Congress Hall was constructed in Plymouth. 

Subsequently destroyed during World War II, a second Congress Hall was erected in 1960 and served as a focal point for Salvationists until its condemnation in 2020 due to safety issues. 

Congress Hall and the neighbouring Mayflower House is now due to be transformed into a hotel and flats as part of a £20 million scheme. 

Reflecting on the past glory of the Plymouth Congress Hall, one member reminisced about the vibrant community that once congregated there, with hundreds attending worship services and active participation in various musical groups and youth programs.

ABOVE: Congress Hall in 1984

However, the current state of the Plymouth Barbican church paints a different picture, with declining membership and concerns about its viability.

Despite efforts to adapt to changing times, including a name change from Plymouth Congress Hall to Plymouth Barbican, the sentiment among members remains one of uncertainty and disappointment. 

With fewer ministers available and a decline in membership, the future of the church hangs in the balance, prompting calls for reflection and action from the Salvation Army leadership.

Another member shared their concern: “There are a lot of army’s without a minister now. Fewer and fewer are now becoming ministers.”

The soldier told The Moorlander that large numbers would come in their hundreds to Congress Hall right up until about 2005/2006, when there was a mass walkout and many left the Army to find other places of worship around Plymouth.

David Coe, who retired near Saltash, said: “My wife and I have been active lifelong members of the Salvation Army taking part in all aspects of its ministry, until we retired to Cornwall some 22 years ago. We are still salvationists but no longer regular attenders but have a keen interest and are happy to support local initiatives, however there seems to be a paucity of any practical projects in the Plymouth Corps (Church) to which we are attached. In the past 20 years we have seen a departure of the band and songsters and many of the other traditional activities. 

“The substantial church building decayed through neglect to such an extent, that it was condemned, the replacement building which is on a lease requires extensive repairs some 18 months after it was occupied. It may well be that other Corps in Cornwall and Devon may be thriving but the overall perception is one of decay. Its traditional activities such as bands, songsters (choirs), youth activities etc. are disappearing.

“It would now seem that the only substantial Corps near to Cornwall is Exeter Temple which supports a full traditional Army programme.  A thought is, that rather than support tradition there has been an ambition to move with the times and modernise, the result regretfully seems to be causing the demise of the Salvation Army. 

“One significant example being the minimal number of officers (ministers) it now trains, the numbers are significantly lower than officers retiring each year, leaving Corps without officers. No doubt the Army management may be able to point to a number of success stories but it would be interesting to see how they compare to the perceived demise of the organisation in Cornwall. 

“I would be both happy and encouraged if proved incorrect in my perception of the situation.”

There are two other Salvation Army churches in Plymouth - Whitleigh and Devonport.

But, the soldiers have expressed that they do not want to move churches as they were brought up in the Congress Hall church. 

A spokesperson for The Salvation Army said: “We’re sad to hear some of the members of our Plymouth community are feeling concerned about the future of our Plymouth Barbican church. Our members and volunteers are really important to us and we’re here to listen.

“Our divisional leader for the south west of England, who has previously spoken with members of the community, will be in Plymouth in the coming days to meet again to listen to their concerns and understand how we can better meet their needs.

“With three Salvation Army churches in Plymouth and a lifehouse which offers supported accommodation for people who are homeless, we’re very much committed to continuing our work for the most vulnerable people in the city.”