Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis
2021

This canvas captures the view of downtown Minneapolis and the Stone Arch Bridge, the only stone bridge to cross the Mississippi River. The Salvation Army builds bridges for those in need by providing social services and spiritual guidance.

On loan from Jolie Diepenhorst

Language Skills
Majors Melissa and Robert Viquez

Immigrants from Costa Rica who experienced the challenges of language barriers, Majors Roberto and Melissa Viquez are fluent in Spanish, English, and the language of love. They know they are in the United States to do God’s work and convey his message of love.

As a teenager, Roberto came to the United States and realized he did not know how to live an American life. But he quickly adapted and became a flight attendant for Pan Am Airlines. When Pan Am closed in 1991, he went to work as a driver for the Salvation Army Family Stores. Recognizing his language skills, the corps officer asked him to start a Hispanic ministry.

When Melissa arrived in Los Angeles, she had experience managing a Salvation Army feeding program. But she was confused with God’s plan. She could not engage with people from other Latin American countries because of the different dialects, and she could not speak English. God asked her to be patient and let Him work.

Twenty-two years later, Majors Roberto and Melissa understand God’s plan: to use their language skills and initiate Hispanic ministries. Today they are corps officers at the Minneapolis (Temple), MN Corps which began in 1882 as a Swedish corps; today, it serves a primarily Hispanic community. During the protests of 2020, the Majors invited the Lake Street community to share in prayer, fellowship, and food. Speaking their languages and impacting lives through God’s love.

Plaque
Others

A gift to Jolie Diepenhorst from the Majors Viquez from the Minneapolis (Temple), MN Corps, the plaque reminds the owner to think about others. It also represents the focus of their work, always serving others.

On loan from Jolie Diepenhorst

An Oasis
Majors Robert and Paula Pyle

Their paths crossed at The College for Officer Training in Kingston, Jamaica. Major Paula Pyle, a Salvationist from the age of eight, and Major Robert Pyle, a second-generation Salvationist, received their calling to officership at different times. Still, Majors Paula and Robert Pyle met while attending the College for Officer Training in Kingston, Jamaica. God brought them together for a clear purpose.

Commissioned in 1999 and 2000, Major Paula and Major Robert served the Caribbean Territory. Their appointments were as diverse as the location, but several long-term assignments resulted in a pattern of providing a safe haven. For six years, they served at the divisional headquarters in Barbados. Major Paula as Divisional Women’s Ministries/Special Services Secretary. Major Robert, as both Divisional Secretary and Administrator of the Lancaster House — a home set up by the government but operated by The Salvation Army to provide shelter for those who lost their home in a disaster.

The Majors then moved to Kingston, Jamaica. Major Robert was named the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Administrator, Major Paula the sponsorship director. A significant social appointment in the Caribbean Territory, they managed a safe haven for the blind children of the Caribbean.

In 2018, the Majors shifted and became international officers at the Minneapolis (Parkview), MN Corps. Their main goal was to create an oasis in a troubled community. Consequently, when a young man sought refuge inside the gym because “It was the safest place for him to be,” the Majors Pyle recognized they were on the right path.

Minneapolis (Parkview), MN Corps
Photos

“We are family.” The men and women of the Minneapolis (Parkview), MN Corps are primarily from the Caribbean, creating a special bond within their corps family. But more than that, they are dedicated to God, The Salvation Army, and each other.

The congregation elders have attended the Parkview Corps for twenty years or more and relish sending soldiers to the College for Officer Training. The corps has produced nine Salvation Army officers thus far. Working with the officers to establish dynamic programs that engage both the youth and adults of the community, the corps continues to grow and is a pillar in the neighborhood.

Flag
Minneapolis (Parkview) MN, Corps 

The flag seen here hung on the flagpole outside the Parkview Corps for many years.

The Salvation Army flag represents the organization with the following concepts: the words “Blood and Fire” refer to the blood of Jesus and the fire of the Holy Spirit. The colors are representative of the trinity. The blue border represents God and purity, the red field represents Jesus and salvation, and the yellow star represents the Holy Spirit and holiness.

Gift of the Minneapolis (Parkview) MN, Corps

Minneapolis (Temple), MN Corps
Photos from George Floyd march and food give away, May-June 2020

Sign
“Free Prayer”
2020  

This sign was displayed during the summer of 2020 when so many searched for answers. The leaders at the Minneapolis (Temple), MN Corps invited all searching for spiritual help to come and pray.

Gift of Minneapolis (Temple), MN Corps

Protest Sign
2020 

During summer of 2020, people across the country and around the world protested the killing of former Salvation Army employee George Floyd. A family from the Chicago area created this sign and captured the feelings of most protestors.

Sign
“Need Payer”
2020  

This sign represent the hand-made signs created by Major Melissa Viquez during the summer of 2020. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests of the killing of George Floyd, she hung signs at the corps building to offer spiritual guidance to everyone during a tumultuous time in American history.