Tamaqua Salvation Army hosts final service after 135 years
Mar. 8—TAMAQUA — People united in faith in the Lord gathered Sunday morning for the final service at the Salvation Army — a presence in the community for 135 years.
The late morning service marked the end of an era, said Maj. Gayle Luby, who has run the Tamaqua corps on West Broad Street for nearly two years with her husband, Capt. John Luby.
"That's sad, as it is for any church that is closing," Maj. Luby said, but noted that the Army will remain in the borough serving the needs of community as a service center. "We still are a religious agency."
The army announced plans to sell its building in the heart of the borough's downtown and transition to a service center a week ago, but remained committed to providing for those in need.
Social services, such as food, clothing and emergency assistance, will continue as will the familiar Red Kettle campaigns, said Jesse Durning, who has been involved in the Army's work for many years.
"We're all working together," he said, noting that it's a team effort that won't be lost in the community.
Rebecca Netznik, a regional manager for the Army's Service Extension Department, will be in charge of the operations starting April 5, Maj. Luby told those attending.
More than 30 people gathered for the service, which brought present and past commanders, as well those who called the chapel their spiritual home for many years, together to say goodbye.
Jean Holmberg remembers when a local corps commander came to her home when she was 12 years old and offered her and her five siblings music lessons, if they wanted to learn to play an instrument.
She volunteered immediately, but didn't know the Salvation Army would become a sanctuary for a bullied young girl with a tough home life, she said.
"I found a sanctuary filled with love," Holmberg said, noting that she learned to play a horn.
On Sunday, Holmberg played the tambourine, keeping time with the band's brass as the congregation sang several songs, giving thanks and praise.
Maj. Luby read notes and remembrances from some of the past commanders who couldn't attend. All of them were thankful for the volunteers and community support they had — and which continues today.
Lt. Col. Larry Ashcraft, divisional commander, who attended with his wife, Lt. Col. Janet Ashcraft, shared personal stories showing how God has a plan and provides for those with faith. He will continue to guide those in the congregation as the corps transitions.
The Ashcrafts presented the Lubys with plaques to commemorate their time in the borough and offered their thanks for what they have done.
"This is not about us," Capt. Luby said to the congregation. "It's about you and what your community does for each other."
The Tamaqua corps' building at 105 W. Broad St. is for sale, but the activity will continue at this location, and the hope is that any prospective buyer will continue to rent to the corps, Maj. Luby said.
The Lubys, who came out of retirement to take over the operation in Tamaqua, will officially settle into full retirement April 2 at their home in Harrisburg.
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