The Battle for the Bull Centre
SALVATIONISTS SENT TO PRISON!
In 1908 this actually happened to Salvationists from our neighbouring corps at Dartford.
On Saturday 13 September Chatham Band will be taking a prominent part in the celebration of this historic and important event.
The Band
In its publicity material for this celebration Dartford Corps says:
It is 100 years ago that, in August 1908, Dartford Salvationists were imprisoned for holding open- air meetings in the town centre, in what was to become known as “The Battle for the Bull Centre”. In July that year, the local police instructed The Salvation Army that no further meetings would be permitted because of the obstruction of the highway. Dartford Salvationists ignored the police instructions and in August 1908 received a court summons. Local magistrates found the Salvationists guilty and issued a fine, but they refused to pay and were sent to prison. Public outcry led to their release and they returned to a hero’s welcome with thousands of people turning out to support the Dartford Salvationists. The events of that period were well documented in the local press of the time.
“The Battle of the Bull Centre” is today commemorated by its inclusion on one of the Dartford Heritage Trail display panels sited near the Bull and Victoria Hotel and this month is featured in the exhibition at the Dartford Borough Museum, where a large display board has been devoted to the event.
from September 1908
How could we at the corps possibly allow the centenary of this event to pass without a celebration of securing our right to public open-air ministry? On Saturday 13 September 2008 we will do just that with a day of celebration when Chatham Citadel Band will be with us to mark this occasion and will feature in three special events:
1.30 pm March of Witness through the town. Setting off from the SA Citadel in Hythe Street and going via Home Gardens, the High Street, Market Street and Lowfield Street to One Bell Corner.
2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Open-Air Service at One Bell Corner
6.00 pm A Festival of Music – Through the Ages – Music Old and New at SA Citadel with Chatham Band, Dartford Singers and Guests
The March of Witness and the Open-Air meeting in the town centre on a Saturday afternoon will be sure to attract great interest, giving the people of Dartford the opportunity to hear of the events of 1908 and hear the gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed in a powerful way. “Why should the devil have all the best tunes?” said William Booth. Well, the festival on Saturday evening will certainly feature a few interesting numbers from the song book used back in 1908!
The Salvation Army in Dartford is proud of its heritage and “The Battle for the Bull Centre” is an historic occasion we wish to commemorate. “Come join our Army, to battle we go……”. 100 years later, in 2008, the ministry of Dartford Corps still goes on – there is still work to do – still souls to be won for Jesus.
Chatham Band is proud to support the Dartford Corps on this historic occasion. Why don’t you join us as well.