A SALVATION ARMY WEDDING.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3041, 27 December 1882, Page 3

A SALVATION ARMY WEDDING.

Williamßramwell Booth, “chief of staff” of the Salvation Army, was married recently to IVdEiss I 1 lorenco Eleanor Soper, who has been associated with Miss Booth in the Paris work of the Army at Claptown. Although admission was by ticket, and a charge of one shilling per head made, the hall was crowded, as many as 6,000 persons being present, probably Ihree-fourihs of whom were women. Many of both sexes wore the sober dress of the army, which was in contrast to the fashionable attire of a number of ladies present. At 11 o'clock the Generals procession was met by the band,which played with more vigor than melody, “ Strike, Oh! Strike for Victory.” Mrs Booth, the Misses Booth, the bridegroom and other relatives were with the General, and they were accompanied by .the majors of the army from all parts of the country and Paris. The audience rose on the entrance of the procession, and waved their handkerchiefs and uttered vociferously the exclamations peculiar to the Army. One enthusiast, applying Scripture in a startling fashion, hoisted a placard with the words “ Behold the bridegroom cometh!” As soon as the General and h'B friends had taken their places on the platform the bride’s procession arrived. The bride, who was supported by her father, was dressed simply and quietly, her sole adornment being a flower in her breast and the badge of the Army. The proceedings were opened by the singing of a hymn and prayer, interspersed with ranning comments by the General. Having placed the bride and bridegroom on his left and right respectively, Mr Booth read the marriage service, which was almost similar to that used by the Church of England. One distinct innovation, however, was , the pledge to “do nothing to prevent him doing or giving anything in bis heart to do or give to help the Salvati m Army, and to promote his constant self-sacriQce to the salvation of the world." This vow each made separately, the bride uttering the words in a most composed and distinct manner. A chorus of “Amens” signalled the clasping of the hands and the placing of the ring on the finger. The General having declared the parlies duly and lawfully married, the [Rev. Mr Byder, a clergyman of the Church of England, offered up a prayer, and was followed by Mrs Booth. The General then made another speech, in which he spoke of the marriage as a pledge and guarantee of the perpetuity of the movement. It was not, ho said, intended to make the Generalship of the Army hereditary, but it would bo assuring to friends who contributed to

•heir support to know that if he pas-c iway his B<>n w. uid *»t P i"t • hi pace. Referring to the dem-.rtd ilia the properly of the Army should hi placed under trustees, he said lie "a anxious to conserve all its properties f"i the purposes tVr which they had been given, and they were all as tiuly settled on trust as they emild possibly he, A collection was then made towardthe purchase fund of the Grecian Theatre, the General bluntly observing hat tho-e who wished to give a wedding present to his son would best do it in this fashion. Short addresses and more singing followed, and the meeting afterwards dispersed—“ Pall Mall Gazette.