From 1877
Much has been said recently about the happenings of 200 years ago and, in particular, the abolition of slavery. The Chatham Citadel Corps cannot yet boast a history of 200 years but here are some quotes from our history 130 years ago (1877 in fact)
Corps Historian Peter Wood who provided the quotes
The 3rd anniversary services were celebrated on Sunday 28th January. In the afternoon open-air service we had a little opposition on the Brook - a big, burly fellow holding his fist within an inch or two of Brother Ridsdel’s face while he was speaking, and threatening to do all sorts of things; but God restrained him. As he turned away he fairly gnashed his teeth with rage; but we sang on!
On 29th January we left the hall at 6 o’clock and sang in procession to Military Road. After one or two had spoken, the publican on the left opened his window and pitched a pail of water on to the crowd. Though the sisters were principally upon that side, and the water fell upon their Sunday hats plentifully, the ring was not broken for a moment, and everybody heard the hearty “Amen” which burst from all as the sister who was speaking wiped the water from her face, and cried: “May the Lord save the dear man!”
In the meantime the crowd had tremendously increased, and God came into our midst. Then the publican gave us another pail of water; but still we kept believing, and the ring was unbroken. There was a solemn influence; no one spoke a word while we sang.
A sailor stepped into the ring and, grasping my hand with tears in his eyes, said: “Oh sir! Can I speak to you?” The arrow of conviction had smitten home. I spoke a word or two, and then a third pail of water from a publican, seemingly aimed at me but missing the mark, fell principally upon his own customers! We sang away, and many followed us to the hall.
At the 7 o’clock meeting everybody spoke as they were moved by God: truly the Lord came down. Many happy, holy and triumphant anniversaries to Chatham!
Cases of Conversion
A ROYAL MARINE said: “I have been under deep conviction for three years, and no one knows but God. I used to go away from the Lecture Hall wretched, not knowing what to do; but, praise God, the first Sunday in the year at the Lecture Hall I left it with Jesus, and I went home happy in him, bless his name!”
A GIPSY’S WIFE: A gypsy brought his wife to the Lecture Hall, and the Spirit of God convinced her of sin. Before she left the hail she could sing: “The precious Blood of Jesus, it cleanses me from sin.” It would do anyone good to see the great change that has taken place in that family. May the Lord keep them faithful!
SELF-RIGHTEOUS: “I used to go to chapel every Sunday. Then the Lord took away one of my children, I thought it had gone to Heaven. Should I meet it there? No, I could not as I then was. But, praise God, I shall now meet it in Heaven, for the Lord has saved me!”
It is good to reflect that souls are still being won for Christ today; over 20 have been added to our roll in the last 18 months. Praise God! We thank our historian, Peter Wood, for reminding us of former days.