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was changing as people living there prospered and bought bigger houses elsewhere. Many houses were sold to private landlords. Churches throughout the country were closing and becoming carpet warehouses, nightclubs or, even worse, being demolished for new roads.
‘The members of the church were sad but practical about the closure and decided to take it to the Lord in prayer. I remember quite clearly saying, “Please, Lord, let someone or some organisation come forward that will love this church and the community around it as much as I do. And please do not let it become a carpet warehouse!”
‘Imagine my joy when The Salvation Army came along, accepted the ageing congregation and set to work in a community that needed their compassion and skills. My parents continued to worship at the hall until 1982, when they moved to live near us in Stockton-onTees. They loved their time with the Salvationists and were welcomed and loved in return.
‘In August 2021, Ian and I – accompanied by my daughter and her family – went back to where we had been married 50 years ago. I wanted to go to the evening meeting but, as we had grandchildren with us, Ian held out – he felt a morning meeting might be more child friendly.
‘We arrived too early and were about to turn away, thinking that the corps schedule was not yet back to normal. Just as we were ready to leave, two ladies appeared and told us that the meeting times had been changed and morning worship would be starting soon. God had surely intended that we would enjoy our special day – and reminded me that, sometimes, husbands make good decisions!
‘We shared worship with Salvationists who worship, care and do the work of the Lord in a community of people in need. We had the warmest of welcomes and, once again, I was back in my spiritual home. ‘The Lord works in mysterious ways and often the events of today are set out for a purpose to be fulfilled when the time is right. He heard our prayers and, because the community surrounding the church was in need, he sent The Salvation Army to bear witness to his love.’
After 50 years, the Warrens returned to the building they were married in and confirmed that God’s plans for Sunderland Citadel, which began almost 40 years ago, were indeed perfect. The prayers for the corps moving from Lambton Street were not only from the Salvationists making the move, but from like-minded Christians who were fervently praying for their spiritual home to continue to be occupied by his people and for God’s Holy Spirit to remain in that place.
Elizabeth found that there were a number of church members from her past that we knew. Songster Diane Smith, born in the area, attended Sunday school at Cairo Street IM before she and her brothers began attending the citadel on Lambton Street. Elizabeth and Diane enjoyed reminiscing about the wonderful saints who had faithfully served in the building blessed by two denominations since 1880.
