Canon Eddie Gubbins said there is ‘genuine joy’ at The Salvation Army officially inheriting a former Roman Catholic Church building as its new home in Eston, adding that the Roman Catholic Church offers its ‘support and solidarity’ as The Salvation Army in Eston begins a new future at the former St Gregory the Great church in Bankfields Road.

Father Gubbins was among many high profile church leaders attending the official re-opening of Eston Corps, including The Salvation Army’s own Divisional Commanders Majors Mel and Suzanne Fincham and civic dignitaries, such as The Mayor and Mayoress of Redcar and Cleveland Councillor Mike Findley and his wife Judith. Around 200 members of the local community, including members of the Catholic church, also helped fill the new family worship and community hall, which underwent a £40,000 refurbishment before officially opening on Saturday 10 January 2009.

Father Gubbins said: “On behalf of the Catholic community there is genuine joy that The Salvation Army has inherited this building and we want to continue to offer our support and solidarity to you here.”