SALVATION ARMY CELEBRATES CENTURY

Commissioner Robert Watson, national commander of the Salvation Army, is still a little uncomfortable being head of America's favorite charity.

"It's a little embarrassing to have that title," he said. "But we pray that God will help us live up to the trust and confidence you have in the Salvation Army."

Watson spoke to about 150 people during the centennial civic dinner Monday night at the corps community center in Cape Girardeau.

The local Salvation Army has plenty to celebrate. In addition to being part of the community for 100 years, the Cape Girardeau unit has paid for its community center in just four years.

"This is a historic occasion," Watson said of the anniversary, "but there's cause for rejoicing anytime a building is paid for."

The 17,000-square-foot building at 701 Good Hope became the Salvation Army's home in 1994. In just four years the capital campaign drive raised more than $1 million to pay for the building's construction.

Fred "Rock" Wilferth, who headed the drive with his wife, Judy, said: "I was one of the worriers. But Judy calmed me down. She said it was all in good hands and we give many thanks to God, who shined down on us."

The Wilferths were honored for their dedication and work with the Salvation Army's Others Award. The honor is not awarded to many people. It is only the second time in four years that Lt. Col. Gordon Spicer, divisional commander, has given the award, he said.

Helping others is the job of the Salvation Army, Watson said.

"We believe that man can radically, miraculously change because we've seen countless illustrations that a man's life really changed," he said.

Watson shared stories of meeting dozens of people around the nation who have benefited from the Salvation Army's various programs. Whether it was through a warm meal, disaster relief, Christmas food basket or drug rehabilitation program, the Salvation Army has helped people in need.

"We are not only in the business of rendering services that have a dramatic impact and bring change, but we are in the prevention business," he said. "We celebrate when people move from the bread lines to become breadwinners. We know it costs less for children to play in this gymnasium than to send them to prison."

Capt. Robert Gauthier recognized several civic clubs and organizations for their work with the 1997 Tree of Lights campaign. The campaign raised $176,000, which helps the Army continue its community programs.

The Salvation Army was founded by William and Catherine Booth in 1865 in England. It came to the U.S. in 1880 and to Cape Girardeau in late December 1897.