Divisional Farewell to Candidates

The London South East Division of The Salvation Army said farewell to seven candidates for officership last Saturday. The event took place at Croydon Citadel and included our own Steve and Mel Scoulding.

Croydon Citadel (Medium) Croydon Citadel

CandidatesFarewell 001 (Medium) Steve & Mel Scoulding

Other candidates preparing to enter the William Booth College in south London, and become Cadets, were Clare Hayward (Ashford), Ashley Prodgers and John Clifton (Bromley), Sian Radford (Canterbury) and Xander Coleman (Dartford). This is the largest group from the Division for some years.

William Booth College (Medium) William Booth College

The meeting was led by Divisional Leaders Lt. Cols. Anthony and Gill Cotterill and included support from Chatham Band (Carl Woodman) together with Bromley Songsters and a Joint Kids Choir comprising Ashford, Canterbury and Dartford Corps. Prior to the meeting the Band and Songsters set the scene with music which included a slow swingtime arrangement of ‘I surrender all’ by the Band thus promoting reflection on the commitment being confirmed by the new cadets.

CandidatesFarewell 006 (Medium) Chatham Band

CandidatesFarewell 004 (Medium) Bromley Songsters

The cadets entered to the march ‘Silver Star’, the composition of Lt. Col. Ray Steadman-Allen who has given so much support to Steve and Mel during their preparation for college.

CandidatesFarewell 011 (Medium) CandidatesFarewell 014 (Medium) The Cadets

Each cadet spoke of his/her feelings at this important time and the congregation was moved by the expressions of commitment made. Contributions from the Band and Songsters included ‘Church on Fire’ and In the Distance’ (Songsters) and ‘God of Justice’ (Band). The childrens’ choir brought ‘Love the Lord your God’ and ‘May the God of Hope’ (sorry, no photo permission). Using Psalm 24 Lt. Col. Anthony Cotterill gave a short address and dedicated the cadets with prayer. The gathering concluded with the song ‘The Lord is King’ to the tune of ‘Jerusalem’.

CandidatesFarewell 042 (Medium) Dedication of Cadets

In conclusion we would like to record our prayerful support and love to Steve and Mel as they begin this huge challenge which had its birth right here in Chatham, and at the same time would include Clare, Ashley, John, Sian and Xander in our thoughts. We shall follow progress with interest.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

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2 Comments in “Divisional Farewell to Candidates”

  1. This occasion brought another connection between Chatham and the Wellington City Corps in New Zealand – Cadet John Clifton was enrolled as a senior soldier here during his parents’ time as our territorial leaders – I think that must have been 2004. I’ve seen some of these photos on Carl’s Facebook page – is there any video, eg on YouTube?

    Andrew Smith said this on September 21st, 2009 at 1:11 am

  2. It was our first experience of a large Army gathering – and what an inspirational occasion! We wish Steve and Mel every blessing as they begin their training. They are truly special people.

    Sue & Peter said this on September 18th, 2009 at 6:41 pm