The Salvation Army has maintained a centre for Christian worship at Whitehorse Lane, Canterbury, since the corps was opened there on 3 February 1886, which immediately made quite a stir in the city. An account in the Kentish Gazette of proceedings on that day was headed 'INVASION OF CANTERBURY - OPENING OF THE BARRACKS'. The so-called Barracks were described by the newspaper as being 'an old rag cutting factory', which was soon converted into a place of worship.

Before The Salvation Army took over the building, the upper storey had been fitted out for public worship with a platform and benches to accommodate about 500 people. The hall was crowded for the lively meeting held on that first evening, during which a large mob assembled outside in Whitehorse Lane and engaged in shouting and horseplay. When some of the congregation left the building, attempts were made to throw them down by holding a rope across the road about a foot from the ground.

A number of supporters had come over to Canterbury from Whitstable, where the Army had commenced eight months previously. On their way to the railway station to return home they were molested by the rabble. Mud and stones were thrown at them and several of the women and girls were struck. At the station the scene was described as being of the most disgraceful character. From the beginning of the station road the Salvationists and their friends were hustled and knocked about in the most cowardly manner by a gathering of close on 500 roughs. One woman suffered a broken arm and a man sustained a severe blow on the mouth.

This was the beginning of a very lively period for The Salvation Army locally, but they rapidly made converts and by the end of the first four months sixty members had been enrolled.

We still worship in Whitehorse Lane. Methods may have changed, but the message of the Gospel is still the same and lives are still being transformed by the grace of God.