"ARMY" JUBILEE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 161, 26 July 1937, Page 8

"ARMY" JUBILEE

Enthusiastic Celebrations at Week-end COL. GRATTAN ATTENDS The Hastings Salvation Army jubilee celebrations opened on Saturday afternoon with a re-union conversazlope. The Lyndon road hall had been daintily decorated by Mrs Hickmott and Mrs C. Neilson, and the small tables from which the afternoon tea was served added a homely touch. The first half-hour was devoted to afternoon tea and a conversational period. At three o'clock, Major Neeve, of Napier, was welcomed and took charge of the proceedings' Old-time choruses and specially-written Jubilec songs from a sing. sheet helped .ill io enjoy some hearty singing. Items wcre provided by Mr C. Campbell, Miss Constance Manning and Miss E. Gook, and bandsman W. Smith provided gramophone music during the tea period. Mr A. J. Gobb, of Wellington, rcceived a splendid reception. He was converted during the first week of the Army's operations in Hastings and visited the town again specially for the jubilee. Mrs. Garnett, senr., an old Army friend and one whom, present-day Salvationists delight to honour, cut' the large birthday cake made by Findlay's Bakeries. Mrs Garnett said that she was pleased to#be present on the occasion of the jubilee and felt honoured in bemg asked to cut the heautiful birthday cake. She was hopeful that these pieasant reunions would continue to be held during anniversary celebrations and that the Army would continue doing the good work that it had been doing for the past 50 years. Many old friends and f ormer Salvationists were pleased to assoeiate themselves with the Salvationists of the present day at this happy function. An open-air meeting was held in the evening, and following a march to the hall a public welcome was given to Lieut.-Colonel and Mrs Grattan, who were paying their initial visit to Hastings. iiieut.-Colonel Grattan arrived in the Dominion in October of last year to take up the position of chief secr'etaTy for New Zealand. There was a spiendid attendance at this meeting, which was presided over by the Mayor, Mr G. A. Maddison. Following the opening hymn and prayer by the JRev. B. B. Gosnell, Mr Maddison was intro(luced by Major M. Marshall. The Mayor was very warm in his welcome to the visitors. He spoke of the social and spiritual standing of thc Salcation Army in Hastings and in the Dominion. He continued by saying that Golonel Grattan caine to us cspeeiaily equipped for his high position, having risen very xaipidly in position in the Army because of hs-charaeter, loyaity and dovotion to his Christian ideals. No doubt, Mr Maddison added, much of this had been made possible by the wonerful inspiration of Mrs Grattan. The Mayor expressed his gratitude to Colonel and Mts Grattan for their presence for the jubilee. Major Marshall welcomed Colonel and Mrs Grattan on behalf of the local coTps, pledging, on its behalf, loyalty and support during the Colonel 's terin of oflice.

On behalf of the churches, the Bev. G. B. Boggis extended a warm farternal welcome, and also words of greeting 011 1 the occasion of the golden jubilee, rejoieing with the corps in the victories won and all the corps had been able to do and every life it had been able to touch during the past 50 years. The band provided musieal nymbers and Mr C. Jackson a vocal solo, "Ncarer my God, to Thee." Mrs Grattan thanked all for their very warm welcome and Colonel Gratlau, in expressing his gratitude for Ihe warm welcome given them and for the tr. uui.es paid to hiiu and to Mrs Grattan, used ihe words of the founder: "Not me, not me, but to God be titi glory. " After referring to the Army's work in this and other lands, the Colonel made a strong appeal to prescntday Salvationists to mamtain the spirit of the ealry-day Salvationists. A vote of thanks to the Mayor, Mr Maddison, for ptesiding was moved by Bandmaster Federson and carried with acclataation. by a very appreciative auience. The outdoor meeting at the cloek tower, announced for 10 o'clock on Sunday morning'was somewhat spoiled by the heavy rain, but a meeting was held under Westerman's verandah and was attended by a surprisingly large number of people. There was a unique and very touching scene at tho 11 o'clock service whott Colonel Grattan ealled to the platform one *£ the junior girls, who was making a personal donation of a golden half-sovereign for the golden jubilee. Following this a thank olfering was taken, with gratifying resuJts. The morumg, afternoon and evening meetings were each largcly attended. The band rendered excellent service, as also did tho songster company. Alr» A. -Hoskings sang the sblo for tlitA njght meeting. Mrs Grattan 's words of council aua testimony were greatly appreciated, and the Colonel delivered Bible addresses at each meeting, forceful, inspiring, making a very strong appeal to God's people to live up to Christian principles and to non-Christians to take their stand on the side of righteousness. It was a happy day of thanksgiving that will live long in the memory ol! all wiio were priviloged to attend. Th women 's meeting was held this afternoon, and the final jubilee programme will be held to-night, when the Napier band and songsters will unite with the Hastings musieal combination. Several friends also will assist with the programme.