The Salvation Army in Canterbury

The Salvation Army in Canterbury www.salvationarmy.org.uk/canterbury - A Christian church in the heart of the city of Canterbury. This page show a little of who we are and what we do.

www.canterburysa.co.uk - A Christian church in the heart of the city of Canterbury, serving its community and loving God. Like us to keep up to date.

140 years. Generations of faith. One faithful God. What a wonderful 140th Anniversary Reunion Weekend! It was a real ble...
08/09/2026

140 years. Generations of faith. One faithful God.

What a wonderful 140th Anniversary Reunion Weekend! It was a real blessing to welcome so many people connected with Canterbury Salvation Army, past and present, to celebrate, reconnect and worship together.

Our weekend began with Bandmaster Yvonne Ferguson from Bellshill Corps joining our First Things First Learners Band for their first practice back after the summer. It was great to see the children engaging with the warm-ups, having fun and learning how to focus together on the music, a lovely way to begin a weekend celebrating our history and the next generation.

Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill led us throughout the weekend, bringing God’s Word and the powerful reminder from Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.

We were also delighted to welcome Bellshill Songster Leader and vocal soloist Marjory Watson with Bandmaster Yvonne Ferguson, who led Saturday afternoon workshops with our Reunion Songsters and Band. The music was then presented in our Celebration Concert that evening, bringing generations together in worship and praise.

Sunday brought another significant moment as we gave thanks for Bandmaster Martin Neeve and his remarkable 42 years of faithful service as he retired from his role. We are incredibly grateful for Martin’s commitment, leadership and ministry over so many years.

As we gave thanks for the past, we also looked to the future. Chris Ward was commissioned as our new Bandmaster, Major Gareth Heward as Songster Leader and Rachel Wilson as Deputy Songster Leader, with Gemma Williams warranted as Songster Sergeant. We pray God’s blessing on each of them as they step into these roles and continue to lead and serve through music and ministry.

The weekend also brought our 140 Days of Prayer to a close. For 140 days we have prayed, listened and trusted God together, and while the 140 days may be over, our prayers certainly aren’t!

Above all, this weekend reminded us that Canterbury Salvation Army’s 140-year story is God’s story. We celebrated faithful service, welcomed new leadership and were reminded that God continues to call and equip each generation.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who travelled, took part, worked behind the scenes, prayed and supported the weekend. It was a joy and privilege to share it with you.

To God be all the glory for the past, the present and all that is still to come. Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.

We were off to a fabulous start last evening, with our special guest, Bandmaster Yvonne Ferguson, leading a warm-up sess...
05/09/2026

We were off to a fabulous start last evening, with our special guest, Bandmaster Yvonne Ferguson, leading a warm-up session for our learners' First Things First band.

This afternoon, we have rehearsals for our reunion band with Bandmaster Yvonne Ferguson and Songsters with Songster Leader Marjory Watson, which will be showcased at a celebration concert this evening at 6.30pm.

Join us on Sunday for our worship service at 10.30am, with special guests Commissioners Gill & Anthony Cotterill.

We'd love to see you.

30/08/2026

Week 20 – 140 Days of Prayer

Days 133–140

We have reached the final days of our 140 Days of Prayer.

What began as an invitation to pray has become an important part of our Growing Together journey. Over these 140 days we have prayed for our church, our community, our families, our children and young people, those in need, our mission and our future. We have prayed individually and together. Our Prayer Tree has become a visible reminder of the many prayers we have brought before God.

Prayer has helped bring us together as a church family. It has reminded us that whatever our age, background or role, we can stand alongside one another in prayer. We have celebrated answers, carried one another through difficult times and learned to look for where God is at work.

But Day 140 cannot be the day we stop praying.

As we celebrate 140 years of The Salvation Army’s work and ministry in Canterbury, we look back with gratitude, but we also look forward. The prayers of previous generations helped prepare the way for us. Now it is our turn to pray for what God will do through us and through the generations still to come.

Day 133 Sunday: A Church Devoted to Prayer

Acts 2:42 (NIV)

They devoted themselves… to prayer.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for everything you have taught us through these months of prayer. Thank you for drawing us closer to you and closer to one another. As these 140 days come towards an end, may prayer remain at the heart of our church family. Help us to become people who naturally turn to you, bringing you our joys, struggles, decisions and hopes. May prayer shape who we are and everything we do together. Amen.

Day 134 Monday: Carrying One Another

Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Carry each other’s burdens.

Prayer

Father, thank you that we do not have to journey through life alone. Through prayer, you have given us the privilege of carrying one another. Help us to notice when someone is struggling and not simply walk past. Give us hearts that listen, care and pray. When one of us hurts, may we stand together; when one celebrates, may we celebrate together. Continue to strengthen the relationships within our church family. Amen.

Day 135 Tuesday: Prayers That Make a Difference

James 5:16 (NIV)

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Prayer

God, sometimes we pray without knowing what difference our prayers are making. Today, remind us that no prayer offered sincerely to you is wasted. Thank you for the answers we have seen during these 140 days and for the things you are doing that we cannot yet see. Give us faith to keep praying for people and situations even when answers take time. May we never underestimate what you can do when your people pray. Amen.

Day 136 Wednesday: Passing Prayer On

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NIV)

Impress them on your children.

Prayer

Lord, we pray for the generations coming behind us. Help us to show our children and young people that prayer is not simply something we do in church, but part of a living relationship with you. May they hear us pray, see us trust you and discover for themselves that they can talk to you about everything. Raise up a new generation who love Jesus deeply and confidently seek you in prayer. Amen.

Day 137 Thursday: Praying Beyond Our Walls

1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)

Petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.

Prayer

Father, don’t allow our prayers to stop at the doors of our church. Keep our hearts open to the world around us. We pray for our community, our nation and our world. Make us aware of injustice, loneliness, poverty, conflict and need. Show us where prayer also needs to lead us into action. May Canterbury be different because your people are praying, loving, serving and living out the good news of Jesus. Amen.

Day 138 Friday: Ready for What God Will Do Next

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for 140 years of ministry, but protect us from believing that our best days belong only to the past. Give us expectation for what you still want to do. Give us new dreams, fresh ideas and courage to follow where you lead. Help us to remain open to change and willing to take steps of faith for your Kingdom. We believe there are still lives to be changed and new stories of your grace waiting to be written. Amen.

Day 139 Saturday: One Church Family

1 Peter 2:5 (NIV)

You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for bringing us together as your church. We are different people, with different stories, personalities, gifts and experiences, yet you are building us together. Thank you for the ways these 140 days of prayer have strengthened our sense of family. Help us to make room for one another, value one another and recognise that everyone has a part to play. Continue building us into the church you need us to be for this generation and the generations still to come. Amen.

Day 140 Sunday: The Prayer Continues…

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.

Prayer

Faithful God,

140 days ago we began this journey of prayer, and today we simply want to say thank you.

Thank you for every prayer spoken aloud and every prayer whispered quietly.

Thank you for every name placed before you, every request added to our Prayer Tree and every situation carried in prayer.

Thank you for prayers answered and for prayers where we are still waiting.

Thank you for bringing us closer to you and closer to one another.

As we celebrate 140 years of The Salvation Army in Canterbury, we thank you for generations of people who prayed before us. Their prayers became part of the foundations upon which we stand today.

Now help us to become that praying generation for those who will follow us.

May we never become so busy doing your work that we forget to seek you.

Keep prayer at the centre of our worship, our mission, our decisions, our relationships and our everyday lives.

Give us courage for what comes next.

Give us compassion for our community.

Give us vision for the future.

Give us hearts that continue to grow together.

And above everything else, keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus.

Lord, Day 140 may mark the end of this particular journey, but let it never mark the end of our praying.

May the prayers continue.

May the stories continue.

May lives continue to be changed.

And may generations still to come discover that God is faithful and prayer matters.

Amen.

Today during our worship service we prayed over every chair in our building, praying for the person who will sit there n...
30/08/2026

Today during our worship service we prayed over every chair in our building, praying for the person who will sit there next weekend as we gather for our 140th Anniversary Reunion Weekend, celebrating 140 years of The Salvation Army in Canterbury.

Our corps family have also been praying by name for those we already know are coming, asking God to prepare each heart and that every person will know they are welcomed, valued and prayed for.

We prayed that everyone who walks through our doors next Saturday and Sunday will experience welcome, warmth and hospitality, with a real sense of coming home, whether you’ve been part of Canterbury Salvation Army for many years, are returning after time away, or are joining us for the first time.

Every chair represents a person.
Every person has a story.
And every person matters to God.

As we prepare for our Reunion Weekend, we give thanks for all that has gone before and look forward with excitement to all that is still to come.

Your chair has been prayed for. We can’t wait to welcome you back.

Preparations are well underway! We’re getting everything ready for our 140th Anniversary & Reunion Weekend, 5th & 6th Se...
29/08/2026

Preparations are well underway!

We’re getting everything ready for our 140th Anniversary & Reunion Weekend, 5th & 6th September!

It’s going to be a very special weekend as we celebrate 140 years of The Salvation Army’s mission and ministry in Canterbury remembering God’s faithfulness through the years and looking forward with excitement to all that is still to come.

Whether you’ve been part of Canterbury Salvation Army in the past, are part of our church family now, or have never been through our doors before, you are so welcome!

Will you be there?

Week 19 – 140 Days of PrayerDays 127–132 We are getting closer to the end of our 140 Days of Prayer and to our Reunion W...
24/08/2026

Week 19 – 140 Days of Prayer

Days 127–132

We are getting closer to the end of our 140 Days of Prayer and to our Reunion Weekend on 5th & 6th September.

That weekend will be an opportunity to celebrate not only these 140 days of prayer, but also 140 years of The Salvation Army’s work and ministry in Canterbury. This week, let us thank God for all that has gone before, pray for what He is doing now, and look with hope towards all that is still to come.

Day 126 – Sunday: Thankful for Those Who Went Before Us

Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.

Prayer

Lord, today we thank you for all those who have faithfully served you in Canterbury over the past 140 years. Thank you for those who prayed, preached, served, cared for people and shared the good news of Jesus. Many of their names we may never know, but their faithfulness has helped build the church we are part of today. Help us to honour what has gone before by faithfully following you in our own generation. Amen.

Day 127 – Monday: Thankful for What God Is Doing Now

Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

See, I am doing a new thing!

Prayer

Father, thank you that your work did not finish with previous generations. You are still changing lives and opening new opportunities today. Help us to notice what you are doing among us and around us. Give us courage to embrace new possibilities and wisdom to recognise where you are leading. May we be ready to join in with what you are doing here in Canterbury today. Amen.

Day 128 – Tuesday: Praying for Every Generation

Psalm 145:4 (NIV)

One generation commends your works to another.

Prayer

God, thank you for every generation that makes up our church family. Thank you for the wisdom and experience of older people, the contribution of adults and families, and the energy and potential of our children and young people. Help us to learn from one another, encourage one another and share our faith with one another. May every generation know that they have an important place in your family. Amen.

Day 129 – Wednesday: Remembering Our Mission

Luke 19:10 (NIV)

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Prayer

Jesus, remind us why we are here. Keep us from becoming so busy with church activity that we forget the people you have called us to reach. Give us a heart for those who do not yet know you and for those who feel forgotten or far away. May our words and actions show people that they matter to you. Keep your mission at the centre of all we do. Amen.

Day 130 – Thursday: Praying for Our Reunion Weekend

Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Prayer

Lord, we bring our Reunion Weekend on 5th and 6th September before you. We pray for everyone who will gather, including those returning to Canterbury and those who are part of our church today. May it be a weekend filled with joy, friendship, worship and thanksgiving. Bring people together, renew old friendships and create new ones. Above everything else, may Jesus be at the centre of our celebrations. Amen.

Day 131 – Friday: Celebrating Changed Lives

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for every life that has been touched through the ministry of The Salvation Army in Canterbury. Thank you for people who have found faith, friendship, practical help, hope and a place to belong. Help us never to measure our ministry simply by activities or numbers, but by lives being changed through your love. Continue to use us as your representatives in this community. Amen.

Day 132 – Saturday: Praying for the Future

Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

Establish the work of our hands for us.

Prayer

Faithful God, we thank you for 140 years of ministry in Canterbury, but we know the story is not finished. As we look towards the future, show us what you are calling us to become. Give us vision, courage and faith for the years ahead. May we continue to be a church that welcomes, serves, disciples and shares Jesus with others. Establish the work of our hands so that future generations will also have stories to tell of your faithfulness in this place. Amen.

As we prepare for our Reunion Weekend, take some time this week to think about this question:

What do I hope people will be able to say about Canterbury Salvation Army in the years to come?

Then pray about the part you can play in making that hope a reality.

We celebrate 140 years of God’s faithfulness, but we also look forward with expectation.

Week 18 – 140 Days of Prayer Days 120–126 Day 120 – Sunday: Courage to FollowDeuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)The Lord himself goes...
16/08/2026

Week 18 – 140 Days of Prayer

Days 120–126

Day 120 – Sunday: Courage to Follow

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that you go before me into every situation I face. When I feel nervous, uncertain or afraid, remind me that I am not walking alone. Give me courage to follow where you lead and faith to trust you with what I cannot see. Help me to take each step knowing that your presence is with me. Amen.

Day 121 – Monday: Faithful in Prayer

Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Prayer

Father, help me to remain faithful in prayer. When I am distracted or tired, draw me back to you. Teach me to pray with an open heart, to notice where you are working, and to keep bringing people and situations before you. May prayer become a natural part of my everyday life. Amen.

Day 122 – Tuesday: Choosing What Is Good

Romans 12:21 (NIV)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Prayer

Lord, help me to choose what is good today. When I am faced with anger, disappointment or negativity, give me the strength to respond in a way that reflects Jesus. Help me to choose kindness over retaliation, patience over frustration and grace over bitterness. Let goodness shape the way I live. Amen.

Day 123 – Wednesday: Growing in Dependence on God

Psalm 121:1–2 (NIV)

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Prayer

God, remind me that I do not have to manage everything in my own strength. When I feel overwhelmed, help me to turn to you first. Be my help, my strength and my steady place. Teach me to depend on you more deeply and to trust that you are able to carry what I cannot. Amen.

Day 124 – Thursday: Making Peace with Others

Romans 12:18 (NIV)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Prayer

Lord, help me to do my part in bringing peace to my relationships. Give me humility to apologise when I am wrong, patience when conversations are difficult and wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen. Help me to treat others with respect and grace, even when we do not agree. Amen.

Day 125 – Friday: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Prayer

Jesus, help me to keep my focus on you. When distractions pull me in different directions, remind me of what matters most. When I feel discouraged, lift my eyes again. Shape my priorities, strengthen my faith and help me to follow you with a steady heart. Amen.

Day 126 – Saturday: Ready for the Next Step

Psalm 143:10 (NIV)

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for bringing us through another week of prayer. Teach me to keep learning from you and to stay open to the next step you are asking me to take. Help me not to become comfortable or complacent, but to keep growing in faith, love and obedience. Lead me forward and help me to follow with confidence. Amen.

Week 17 – 140 Days of Prayer Days 113–118Day 112 Sunday: Available to GodRomans 6:13 (NIV)Offer yourselves to God.”Praye...
09/08/2026

Week 17 – 140 Days of Prayer

Days 113–118

Day 112 Sunday: Available to God

Romans 6:13 (NIV)

Offer yourselves to God.”

Prayer

Lord, today I make myself available to you. Take my time, my abilities and the ordinary parts of my life and use them for your purposes. Help me not to think that I have too little to offer. Show me where you are already at work and how I can join in. Give me a willing heart that simply says, “Lord, I am here. Use me.” Amen.

Day 113 Monday: Noticing People Around Us

Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.

Prayer

Jesus, help me to really notice people today. It can be easy to walk past someone without knowing what they are carrying. Give me your eyes to see beyond the surface and your heart of compassion for those who are hurting, worried or alone. Show me when to stop, when to listen and when a simple act of kindness could make a difference. Amen.

Day 114– Tuesday: Making the Most of Today

Ephesians 5:15–16 (NIV)

Be very careful, then, how you live… making the most of every opportunity.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the gift of today. Help me not to be so focused on yesterday or worried about tomorrow that I miss what you are doing now. Help me to use my time wisely and recognise the opportunities you place before me. May the way I live today show that following Jesus really does make a difference. Amen.

Day 115 – Wednesday: Praying for Our Community

Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)

Seek the peace and prosperity of the city.

Prayer

Lord, today we pray for the community where you have placed us. We pray for our neighbours, schools, businesses, local leaders and all those who serve and support others. We pray especially for people who are struggling or feel forgotten. Show us how we can be a positive presence in our community, bringing your hope, kindness and love into the places around us. Amen.

Day 116– Thursday: Making Room for Everyone

Luke 14:13 (NIV)

Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.

Prayer

Jesus, you welcomed people others often overlooked. Help us to do the same. Show us where we may have unintentionally created barriers that make it difficult for people to belong. Give us generous hearts and open doors. As we grow together, may our church be a place where people know they are seen, valued, welcomed and loved. Amen.

Day 117 – Friday: Ready to Respond

1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Prayer

Lord, help me not only to talk about love but to live it. When I see a need, give me the willingness to respond rather than assuming someone else will. Show me one practical thing I can do today that will make life a little better for another person. May my actions demonstrate something of your love and goodness. Amen.

Day 118 Saturday: God Can Use What We Have

Exodus 4:2 (NIV)

Then the Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’

Prayer

Lord, sometimes I look at what others can do and forget what you have already placed in my hands. Thank you for the gifts, experiences, resources and opportunities you have given me. Help me not to compare myself with others. Instead, teach me to offer what I have to you and trust you to use it. As we continue Growing Together, may each of us discover the part we can play in your Kingdom. Amen.

05/08/2026

Week 15 – 140 Days of Prayer

Days 107–113

Sunday:
James 3:17 (NIV)

The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure…

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are the source of all wisdom. As I begin this new week, help me to see life through your eyes rather than my own. Shape my thoughts, my attitudes and my decisions so they reflect your character. May your wisdom guide me in every conversation, every choice and every opportunity to serve you. Amen.

Day 108 – Monday
Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Let your conversation be always full of grace…

Prayer

Lord, today I offer you my words. Help me to speak with kindness, honesty and gentleness. Keep me from gossip, criticism and careless speech. May my conversations encourage those who are discouraged, bring peace where there is tension and point others towards your love. Let my words reflect the grace you have shown me. Amen.

Day 109 – Tuesday

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content…

Prayer

Father, teach me to find my contentment in you rather than in possessions, achievements or circumstances. Guard my heart against comparison and help me to recognise the many blessings you have already given me. May I live with gratitude, generosity and trust, knowing that your presence is enough for every season of life. Amen.

Day 110 – Wednesday

2 Peter 1:5–6 (NIV)

Make every effort to add to your faith… self-control.

Prayer

Lord, strengthen me to live with self-control in every area of my life. Help me to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Give me discipline in my words, my thoughts and my actions. As your Spirit works within me, continue shaping my character so that my life reflects the likeness of Christ. Amen.

Day 111 – Thursday

Romans 15:7 (NIV)

Accept one another… just as Christ accepted you.

Prayer

Loving Father, thank you for welcoming me into your family. Help me to extend that same welcome to others. May I notice those who feel lonely, overlooked or uncertain, and create space where they can belong. As we grow together, help our church to be a place where everyone experiences your love, grace and acceptance. Amen.

Day 112 – Friday

Psalm 15:1–2 (NIV)

The one whose walk is blameless…

Prayer

Lord, help me to live with integrity in both the public and private parts of my life. May my actions match my faith, and my choices honour you even when no one else is watching. Give me courage to do what is right, humility to admit when I am wrong, and grace to keep growing into the person you have called me to be. Amen.

Day 113 – Saturday

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that true joy is found in you. Refresh my spirit as this week comes to an end. Lift any burdens I have been carrying and renew my strength for the days ahead. Fill my heart with joy that is rooted not in changing circumstances but in your constant love and faithfulness. May that joy overflow into the lives of those around me. Amen.

Have you ever been connected to The Salvation Army in Canterbury?We'd love to see you at our special 140th anniversary w...
30/07/2026

Have you ever been connected to The Salvation Army in Canterbury?

We'd love to see you at our special 140th anniversary weekend in September. We're having a special concert on Saturday 5th, and morning worship on Sunday 6th – led by Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill and the musical leadership of Marjory Watson and Yvonne Ferguson.

Let us know if you can make it in the comments below – and share this post with anybody you think would be interested in connecting with old friends from over the years!

Address

Whitehorse Lane
Canterbury
CT12RU

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+441227472781

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