The Salvation Army Chatham

The week-end just passed has been one for the brass band enthusiast as our meetings have been led by the Cardiff Canton Salvation Army Band under the leadership of Carl Saunders. Click here to read about the band and the Canton Corps

Canton Band Carl Saunders

Talking about brass band enthusiasts leads me to think there must be fewer of these than there used to be. Our audiences for a concert such as we heard on Saturday are never as large as the numbers who attend our Sunday worship, in the morning at any rate, and this was again true on this occasion. One wonders why. Is it because we charge for admission? Is it because we have become used to quality performances on the media and SA concerts often do not live up to that standard? Or is it because people nowadays think of church as a place for worship, not performance? Who knows. Any comments would be appreciated.

Whatever the reason our concert on Saturday was a very good one with a fine standard of playing achieved. The spiritual content was also evident, particularly the thoughts of Major Paul Main, who added much to the evening’s blessing and enjoyment.

The music performed included ‘Shine Down’, ‘The Triumph of Peace’, ‘Marche Militaire Francaise’ and ‘The Suppliant Heart’. Soloists were Mike Saunders (Tenor Horn - Concertino for Horn), Julian Weaver (Pianoforte), Mel Beynon (Euphonium - Harbour Light) and Barry Price (Flugel Horn - Share my Yoke). The evening was brought to a conclusion with Ken Downie’s ‘Majesty’.

L to R: Mike, Julian, Mel, Barry

Chatham Songsters supported and brought ‘O Happy Day’ and ‘Part the Waters’.

Chatham Songsters in support

Our meetings on Sunday were led by Major Paul Main whose theme in the morning was ‘Mixing Theology with Music’. A packed congregation joined with gusto to sing songs 64 and 203 from The Salvation Army Song Book and 895 from Songs of Fellowship. Selected verses from SA songs 579, 740 and 357 were used to support a testimony period during which Lydia Stone-Fewings and Andy Groenenberg spoke about ‘Music that inspires the Soul’. Paul said ‘music is the vehicle which aids our Christian expression in The Salvation Army - it is part of our DNA’. Using Acts 16 as his scripture he said ‘music has an impact on us and those around us and Salvation Army music is Christ centered and leads us to God’. (Perhaps that is a clue to winning back our audiences.) ‘Let us take Paul and Silas as our inspiration and example’.

Chatham Singing Company supported

Following the meeting the combined Canton and Chatham Bands marched to a place in the main shopping street where a period of music was used to attract listeners who were given leaflets introducing them to Christ.

In the afternoon/evening the Band continued with the theme ‘music that inspires the soul’ and featured testimonies from Craig Keates and Graham Nurse. Music included ‘Land of Song’, ‘On the Road’ and ‘The Light of the World’ with Hayley Beynon featuring the horn Solo ‘Turn your Eyes’ (upon Jesus). The timbrels also took part and Chatham Young People’s Band and Songsters supported.

The meeting began with SA song 141 and concluded with 156 which was followed with the march ‘Goldcrest’ as a finale. Scripture used was Isaiah 53; 1-12 and Philippians 2: 8-11, often found in our song book as an inspiration to our poets.

An interesting week-end full of good music and an inspiring message. We pray God’s blessing on Cardiff Canton Band as it continues its ministry in its home city.