Construction is almost finished on a chapel that some members of the Salvation Army in Weirton have been waiting for since 1978.

Members of the Salvation Army have been longing to build a new chapel, not just for them, but for the whole community.

Since the 1950s, services have been held inside an old chapel that Captain Charley Adams said has heating issues and problems with leaking.

Adams said members of the organization have been collecting pledges to build the chapel, which will cost close to $700,000 since 1989.

The new chapel is more modern and will be handicap-accessible.

It will also convert into an auditorium so the public can hold seminars and events.

Adams said the old chapel will be gutted and used during the holidays for distributing toys on Christmas and food on Thanksgiving.

Adams said workers can set up cots and use the old chapel as an emergency shelter during disasters.

Adams said the chapel could be finished as early as next week and in the beginning of April the Salvation Army will hold a community gathering and dedication for the chapel.