The chapel of the Salvation Army worship and service center in Brooklyn Park is set to reopen on Sunday, one year after it was intentionally set on fire.
It was November 3, 2022 when Jack Heinrich, 33, of New Hope broke into the service center. Heinrich, who was convicted of second-degree arson and sentenced to three years or probation, destroyed multiple windows and office areas and set a fire inside the chapel using a chair, pew, and new coats meant for the winter coat distribution which was supposed to take place the next day.
"Prayer rocks were used to break the windows," said Captain Daniel Simmons, who leads the Brooklyn Park service center. "There was extensive damage throughout the building."
The Salvation Army has worked with vendors, contractors, and community partners over the past year to renovate, repair the windows, and replace the floor and carpet.
Although the pews are not yet installed, Simmons says they are still able to utilize almost half of the building.
"We can utilize it for our congregation, clients, community people who want to come in, and music instruction," added Simmons. "We have a nice space now where we can begin to grow our connection with the community."
The chapel will hold its first service on Sunday at 11 a.m.
"Brooklyn Park and Hennepin County is a beautiful collection of people who care about one another," said Simmons, who along with his wife was appointed to lead the center in early July. "As we signed up our kids for school, connect with first responders, and other community partners in Brooklyn Park, I can only speak great things about how people care about one another."
Friday marked the annual winter coat drive which benefited from having the space of the chapel.
"Because we've been able to move from the fellowship hall into the chapel, we have these coat racks, a lot of coats, gloves, hats and pajamas. Our volunteers, congregation members, and staff are seeing clients, helping them shop through and pick-up what they need for their children. There are giants smiles from people picking up bags of coats for their kids. It's a wonderful feeling to know that your child is not going to go to school or walk the street without something warm on their body."