PRESS RELEASE
The Salvation Army Opens $2.4 Million
Chapel in Downtown Minneapolis
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – June 25, 2009 – The Salvation Army Harbor Light Shelter in downtown Minneapolis (1010 Currie Ave.) will open its new $2.4 million chapel Sunday, June 28 during a church service and dedication ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m.
Ground broke on the 6,050-square-foot chapel last July. The new addition will not only allow Harbor Light to boost Sunday worship attendance, it will allow the state’s largest homeless shelter to offer added services through several community partnerships. These services include employment and housing assistance, legal aid, health care – even basketball games. Harbor Light currently serves hundreds of people a day with its overnight shelter, rehabilitation programs, transitional housing and cafeteria.
“This chapel is a bold step in beautifying downtown Minneapolis and will help many more people in need get back on their feet,” said Envoy Bill Miller, Harbor Light administrator.
Construction of the chapel would not have been possible without key donations from three Twin Cities residents: Larry Bachman, Arnold Meleen and Walter Johnson. Meleen and Johnson, both of whom passed away about two years ago, each left The Salvation Army more than $1 million to support Harbor Light and other Salvation Army ministries.
Bachman, a former board member of the Twin Cities Salvation Army, gave $70,000 for the chapel’s immense stained glass window, which can be seen from the new Twins stadium several blocks away. He donated the money in memory of his wife, Louise Bachman, who passed away a year ago.
The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people. Donations can be made by calling 800-SAL-ARMY or by clicking below.
