In the basement of the Macomb, Ill., Corps, below the chapel, is another place of ministry of sorts – the gym. “There is no other gym like it,” said Tim Piper, who joined the gym in 1990 and became its director in 2000. “We don’t turn anyone away. Our gym slogan is, ‘Be kind, lift heavy.’ Our goal is to build strength and build better people.”
It was 1980 when Macomb residents Roger and Judy Gedney, a couple with ties to The Salvation Army, opened the gym. Judy, a powerlifter, at one time held the title to 40 different world and American records. The Gedneys ran the gym until Tim, a competitive weightlifter, powerlifter and coach, took over.
The gym is free and open to the community from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Participants, ranging in age from 12 to 70, take part in competitions and/or focus on fitness and weight-training. Those who have any role in competitions (including judging) are considered to be part of The Salvation Army Lifting Team (SALT).
Captain Ron Felt, who leads the corps, likes to use the strength-based weightlifting machines. “This gym has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere,” the captain said. “It’s a safe place to be. I was down there the other day, and everyone was working out together, talking with each other and erasing age-gaps.”
Tim has established some firm rules. No music or earbuds are allowed. There is no drug use or swearing. “Tim reminds people that there is a chapel above them, and they need to be respectful,” said Captain Ron.
When Tim first arrived, there were just barbells, dumbbells and a bench press. Over the years, he has purchased more competitive weightlifting equipment. There are now six platforms designed for Olympic lifting and squats, three platforms for bench-press exercises and other stationery equipment.
SALT members compete around the world, and some meets are held in the Macomb gym. Seven members and one judge were in Cape Cod, MA., in November for a world competition.
The SALT team (and other gym regulars) help the corps with a number of projects. When semi-trucks loaded with supplies for the corps’ food pantry arrive, the weightlifters get to work. About 20-25lifters line up in a human “conveyor belt,” Tim explained.
“We set up tables and load the boxes of food up and down the stairs. We don’t mess around. We can usually unload the semi-truck in less than an hour,” he said. “It’s our workout. We are lifting, twisting and turning. We always enjoy it.”
At Christmastime, the crew helps distribute bags of toys to families.
“We have lifters who have moved out of Macomb who come back to the corps to help us with these events,” Tim said. “There is real camaraderie.”
People in the community often stop Captain Ron to talk about the gym. “They talk about the impact it’s had on them and how it’s changed their lives,” the captain said. “It has been used by generations. People come to the gym, and their children come after them.”
“The reason I am still here in Illinois is this Macomb gym,” Tim added. “I could not find a place like this anywhere. My main thought being here is that I am investing in others’ futures.”
Captain Ron says the gym’s ministry brings people into the corps, where they can hear about Jesus.“The gym gives me the opportunity to talk with members, let them know I’m praying for them and build a relationship of trust that will hopefully bring them into a closer relationship with the Lord,” he said. “As long as we’re here, this gym will be here.”
