The Salvation Army Chatham

As you will have read in Monday Spot we now have a new CSM taking over the role from Nigel Day who relinquished the position at the end of 2006

Tim Scott, new CSM

For those who are unfamiliar with The Salvation Army rank srtucture let us explain that CSM (Corps Sergeant Major) is the most senior rank which can be filled by local Salvationists. He (or she) is the ‘right hand man’ to the Commanding Officers who are appointed by Headquarters. Hence, you will understand, that this position carries great responsibilities.

Born in 1965, Tim was brought up in Hartlepool, in the north-east of England. At the age of 20 he moved to London and attended Regent Hall Corps (on Oxford Street, Central London) where he remained for 10 years. In 1989 he married Heather (a Gillingham girl, just down the road from Chatham) and also joined the British Transport Police with whom he is employed to the present day.

Having transferred to Bromley Corps in 1995 the ‘Scotts’ moved to Chatham in 2001 where Tim has, for some time, held the position of Band Sergeant. Tim and Heather have three children, Jessica (13), Joseph (9) and Florence (6). Tim’s musical tastes include jazz, classical and brass bands and he enjoys collecting old books.

In his testimony, given on the occasion of his commissioning last Sunday, Tim spoke about the uncertainties and even fears that surround the taking of new responsibilties. He quoted from a poem read to the nation by King George VI at Christmas 1939, three months after the outbreak of World War 2. This included the exhortation to ‘go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way’.

As a corps we offer our congratulations to Tim on his appointment and pledge our support whether the days be dark or light. With his hand in the hand of God the unknown way will be safe.