Royal opening for new Church Army base in Sheffield

The Earl of Wessex will help Church Army turn a new chapter in its 129-year history when he officially opens the charity's new headquarters in Sheffield on June 2.

Church Army has spent the last six months relocating to the Wilson Carlile Centre from its London base.

The Earl will be given a tour of the building, which was formerly Church Army's training college before being transformed into a multi-purpose centre for staff and the wider community.

The £2m building project has seen a wide range of facilities added to the centre including a café, library, bookshop, chapel and 30-bed conference centre which are all open to the public.

Church Army’s training department, research team and office staff will also be based there.

The Earl will also plant a tree in the centre’s new garden and meet the Church Army team.

Mark Russell, Church Army Chief Executive, spoke of his excitement at Church Army's new home.

"It has been a busy few months relocating the charity from London, but I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for us," he said.

"We hope the Wilson Carlile Centre will be a blessing to the community and that it will become a welcoming home for anyone who visits.

"I would like to thank everyone involved with the building project for making this vision become a reality.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Church Army President, said: “Church Army has staff working all across Sheffield making a difference in many people’s lives.

"So I am delighted that the Wilson Carlile Centre will be the new home for Church Army.

"The building will serve the mission of God across the UK and Ireland and we hope it will make a difference to the people of Sheffield.

"I am sorry I am not able to be present at the official opening, but I send my prayers and good wishes for a special day.”

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will lead a service of thanksgiving in the centre’s chapel as part of the official opening.

He said: “As Vice President of Church Army, I am thankful for the work undertaken by many hands in the re-ordering of the Wilson Carlile Centre in Sheffield.

"It is my hope that this centre becomes a hub for mission and a place of warm welcome for all visitors.”