O n Wednesday, the Salvation

Army celebrated 130 years of service in the Bath community.

Since the late 19th century, the organization has served the community in a variety of ways, from food and clothing to utilities and disaster services. To celebrate, the international charitable organization put on a show for the community at the Library Park Gazebo. Entertainment included a brass band, dance, tambourines and a magic show.

The Bath contingent of the Salvation Army began in 1886, barely two decades after the Army was founded in 1865 in England.

“To start as early in this community as 1886 is pretty remarkable in itself,” said Major Jean Marie Henderson.

Major Kenneth Henderson, Jean’s husband, served as the evening’s emcee. The couple has led the Salvation Army in Bath for 11 years, and plan to retire next year.

“The uniqueness of the area is really what sets it apart,” said Jean Henderson.

While the presence of Bath Iron Works and historic properties set Bath apart, she admits that the area has its own unique problems as well.

“Our particular Salvation Army covers with a lot of homeless population whether it be housing, or securities and rents and foods, and often times when we put together a food box it would be depending on what the situation is where the person is located. So it’s not unusual to have somebody come in who is homeless and they have to have a box that’s made up with things they cannot cook or whatever the case may be,” said Jean Henderson.

The evening’s festivities also included a number of awards for members of the community. The U.S. Marine Corps was honored for their Toys for Tots programs, which provides presents during the holidays for children whose parents cannot afford them.

“I know that here in Bath, every single year since I’ve been here, and long before, they have been right there to help out the needs of the community at Christmastime,” said Kenneth Henderson.

Bath Bus Service also received an award for its generosity. The company offers their buses at no charge to transport children to Camp Sebago in Standish, a Salvation Army camp for children.

The final award of the night went to Jean Henderson and Pete Watson for their years of service through the Salvation Army.

“This honor is on the level of the last honor I got, when I received the alumni chair from Morse High School for volunteering, and I am so proud to be the recipient of this award,” said Jean.

With only two part-time employees, Henderson pointed out that the Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers.

“You don’t run an organization with this many people that helps this many people without volunteers — so we need volunteers,” she said.

nstrout@timesrecord.com

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