About Us
Bedford Congress Hall

Bedford Congress Hall is part of the world-wide Salvation Army founded in 1865 by William Booth, a Methodist minister. William Booth realised that the church was having little impact on the poor in society. He set out to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to them and to care for their physical needs including food and shelter.

Today The Salvation Army operates in 111 countries around the world and is a growing movement with more 1.1 million members.

The Salvation Army was first established in Bedford as Corps Number 1016 on 4th March 1888 by Staff Captain Lawrance and her second-in-command Lieutenant Gwynn leading around a dozen officers and cadets in open-air meetings in the old market place. Musical support was distinctly rudimentary and restricted to just two cornets and a single tambourine.

Nevertheless, there was a spectacular response with an attendance of over 1000 at the evening meeting held in the local skating rink.

During those early hectic months there was a visit from the famous Household Troops Band and a visit from the Army's architect to choose a site for a new hall in River Street.

This culminated in 115 soldiers being sworn in and the first team of local officers appointed and was, in fact, the real beginning of Bedford Corps as a locally organised and supported centre of Salvation Army activity.

On 3rd October 1888 the William Booth the Founder of The Salvation Army came to Bedford and participated in the stone laying ceremony of the new hall in River Street. Incredibly, the new building was ready for use by February 1889 and designated the Bedford Congress Hall. The main hall had an unusual octagonal design being based on the Army's Clapton Congress Hall.

The original hall was replaced by the current Bedford Congress Hall in 1977 and reflects the style of the original building by utilising tiered seats and a central arena.

Week by week at Bedford Congress Hall there are many activities. On a Sunday we meet twice for lively and joyful worship services. You can find out more about our work by navigating the website via the left-hand panel or the links at the foot of each page.

There's always a warm welcome for you at the Army...and especially at Bedford Congress Hall. You don't have to wear uniform - most of the congregation don't and..you never know, you might even enjoy our relaxed form of worship. We'll be pleased to see you and make you welcome.

If you're a little apprehensive about coming to a Salvation Army hall for the first time there's an easy way to try it out. Just come down to the Embankment any Sunday afternoon around 5.00pm from June to September  and listen to one of our open-air meetings...and you'll get the flavour of a Salvation Army meeting.

In this way you don't have to do anything but stand, or sit, and listen to what is happening. As well as lively songs and tuneful attractive, music you'll hear an uplifting message from the Bible that may well help you during the week - then you'll be ready to take the next step; come and enjoy one of our services at Bedford Congress Hall.

Look forward to seeing you!

Contacts
Commanding Officers
Majors Ian & Jean Loxley 
Telephone 01234 357174
Email
ian.loxley@salvationarmy.org.uk
jean.loxley@salvationarmy.org.uk

Centre Coordinator
Kevin Sandford
Telephone 01234 357 174
Email
kevin.sandford@salvationarmy.org.uk

Bedford Congress Hall • Commercial Road • Bedford MK40 1QS 
and
Elstow Road Outreach Centre • Elstow Road/Kennedy Road • Elstow