With flags fluttering and a bass drum booming, the Salvation Army's South Side Corps congregation marched a mile Sunday to its new $34 million home.
About 50 marchers, including several pushing baby strollers, followed four flag bearers and a man carrying a wooden cross that has hung in each of South Side Corps' past three churches.
The march followed a service during which 120 members said goodbye to their old church facility at 4032 Harrison St.
Maj. Bob Miles encouraged the congregation to talk about the 32-year-old building, which prompted many to stand up in their pews to reflect on what the church had meant to their lives.
One woman recalled her wedding and fond memories of her children receiving the sacraments. A man recounted his first visit eight years ago when a friend “pounded on his door” one Sunday morning and held him to a shaky promise to attend church services.
Chuck and Joyce Kocarnik, officers in the Salvation Army, talked about how they first met — while playing for the church bowling team.
When the 45-minute march was over, the congregation gathered in its new chapel in the Kroc Center at 2825 Y St. to give thanks for a successful journey.
Lt. David Martinez, who will head the church's pastoral corps with his wife, Shannon, said the march was a sign of solidarity.
“I've heard that when soldiers march, it's more for them and their camaraderie than pomp, circumstances and visibility,” Martinez said. “Our march will be more about the soldiers of our congregation coming together and moving into the next phase of our ministry calling here in south Omaha.”
Curt Johnson, the carrier of the wooden cross, said he felt the pressure of “many eyes” upon him during the trek.
“It was interesting seeing all the people coming out of their houses to watch us go past,” Johnson said. “The cross wasn't really heavy, but it gave me a little more appreciation of what that must have been like for (Jesus Christ).”
Ron Hedenskog noted the trepidation in moving from the old to the new. But he said that bringing symbols of the past, such as the cross, will assist in the transition.
“It helps our comfort zone,” he said.
The 121,000-square foot Kroc Center has plenty of built-in comforts, including an indoor aquatic center with a zero-depth recreational pool, a 25-yard pool for competitive swimming, a fitness center, three basketball courts and a computer lab. A large chapel will double as a performing arts center and will be used by a dinner theater group.
The center also boasts a kitchen large enough to serve 5,000 meals a day, said Maj. Herb Fuqua.
The center was made possible by a $60 million gift from the estate of philanthropist Joan B. Kroc. Half of that money went for construction, and the other half started an operating endowment. Local donors pitched in $15 million. The Salvation Army will hold a consecration worship service at the center next Sunday. The center is scheduled to open Nov. 16.
Kroc donated $1.5 billion for similar centers to be built across the United States.
“Part of our challenge will be to follow Joan Kroc's model of helping people find their potential in the four pillars of the arts, education, recreational sports and worship,” Fuqua said. “Those four pillars are what this building is all about.”
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444-1272, kevin.cole@owh.com
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