Quotes from Corps History
Peter Wood brings us two pieces of recorded history.
Peter
From the “Christian Mission” magazine, October 1878
The members of the Christian Mission carried on at Chatham under the superintendence of the Rev. W. Booth, have this week held a series of special gatherings, which have been of a very successful character.
On Sunday morning and afternoon there were Divine Services at the People’s Hall, Brook, in which locality the Mission finds an important and fruitful field for its toils. The Rev. W. Whitfield (resident evangelist) preached in the morning but in the afternoon the Rev. J. Smith, Baptist Minister, delivered the customary homily. In the evening there was a public “love feast” in the Lecture Hall.
A numerous party assembled at the People’s Hall on Monday evening when a public tea meeting was held. The tea was followed by addresses, to which increasing numbers listened , soldiers and seamen forming considerable elements of the audience, while most hearty and devout interest appeared to be taken by all in what was said.
The High Constable of Chatham (A. Stigant Esq.) had undertaken to preside and his introductory remarks were expressive of high appreciation of the ‘modus operandi’ and objects of the Mission. He said he believed it was somewhat unusual for a High Constable of Chatham to preside at a meeting of that kind, but he had great sympathy for the Christian Mission and he thought perhaps his presence there might do good in the way of giving some little countenance and support to the Mission.
He had certainly taken an interest in the Mission. It has been his lot, in his public capacity, to say a word for its members when others, irritated by their presence in the streets, had thought to put a stop to them. He took that not so much as a matter of pride as of public duty, and he should always advocate for his fellow townsmen who stood in the highways and preached the gospel equal rights with those who stood there to commit sin.
Now some comments from General Booth
CHATHAM – Oh’, for this town. I (The General) spent a few hours in it during the past month, and felt something of the Saviour’s yearning over Jerusalem. Oh, what blasphemy, what drunkenness, what harlotry, what devilry of every kind. Surely the hearts of God’s people should bleed, and their tears flow, and their prayers and cries ascend without ceasing for this place and, oh surely, the efforts of The Salvation
Army should never tire.
Our people are doing a little, but considering the years we have been established, I could not but feel disappointed. There were three marches carried right through the heart of the enemies’ territory, and some open-air speaking that was to the point, but much more is needed. More men and more women, full of zeal and fire.
The night service pleased me much with the attendance of so many soldiers, and two souls professed salvation.
Will our friends, through the Mission, pray for Chatham? And will our friends on the spot, unite with Brother Newell, and go in for shaking this wicked town? Only earnest, Godly men can do this, and there are some of this class in The Salvation Army at Chatham, if they will close up and open fire, and stand firm as a rock, in the strength of the mighty God of Jacob.
Will our friends, through this website, continue to pray for Chatham today?
You can read more of the history of this very early Salvation Army Corps through our history pages. Click here to start