New ministers attract eager congregations in Bognor Regis

The couple, both lieutenants, turn up for their Sunday morning service at The Hub to find eager members of the congregation waiting to be let in.

Lt Jonathan said: "We get there at 9am to prepare for the service at 10.30am and people are already waiting to be let in.

"They enjoy coming along to catch up with each other's week as well as to take part in the worship."

The congregation has averaged about 70 in spite of the distractions of summer and encompasses all age.

"They range from 97-year-olds to five months," said Lt Jonathan.

He and his wife have arrived in the town from Folkestone for their first ministry to succeed Lt Peter Clark.

He had continued the work of his predecessors in involving the Salvation Army at the centre of the town's civic life and making The Hub '“ created at a cost of more than 800,000 in 2002 '“ an important meeting point.

"We are very fortunate to have The Hub. A lot of our colleagues don't have a resource like that," said Lt Jonathan, 32.

"I would say it is used by 25-30 organisations a week, those inside the church and outside, from the Pensions Service to the Big Love meals for the homeless.

"The Salvation Army has a tradition of working with vulnerable people in society.

"In Bognor, we provide food parcels for families and individuals who are having financial difficulties. We can provide accommodation from time to time."

The couple were born into Salvation Army families. Both

had spells away from the church before they decided to commit their lives to it.

Lt Jonathan was a youth and community worker. Lt Marion, 28, was a civil servant.

They spent several years '“ including two at college '“ preparing to take charge of a ministry.

They share their roles equally, though Lt Marion's pregnancy will provide a short-term change in the partnership when her child, due in November, is born.