THE SALVATION ARMY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 30, 27 May 1914, Page 3

THE SALVATION ARMY.

ANNIVERSARY social.

The Stratford corps of the Salvation Army held a social last evening in the Hall, Fenton Street, the occasion being the twenty-first anniversary of the founding of that body in the town. The hall was crowded, there being present many visitors from Eltham, Inglewood, and other districts. Adjutant Scotney, manager of the Army’s Boys’ Home at Eltham, was in the chair. The Rev. Header, in the course of a short address, said it was pleasing to note that the Salvation Army had, in the course of twenty years, kept up with the times. Stratford, he said, was well-known for its moving population, but he considered that in both secular and religious work the ‘‘sticker” was the most prosperous. The Army was eminently practical in its Christianity, and he wished that institution a happy and pros-

perous neve year. The llev. Pattison said that his first impression of the Salvation Army was that a great number of people cast ridicule upon it. He himself always felt at home with the soldiers of the Army. He wa s very glad to see the progress which the body had made since its inauguration by the late General Booth. It was a worldwide movement, making “a girdle of salvation.” He considered that other churches might well learn a lesson from the Array. They were too apt to overlook the outcast, who was the especial care' of the Army, which acted the part of the Good Samaritan, thus displaying the true Christian spirit in recognising the value of each soul. In respect to giving testimony, Mr Pattison said that more of this was wanted in the churches: when we had a good thing we should tell others of it. Everybody would be diligently canvassed for votes in the coming Parliamentary election, and with how much reason should we canvass religion? There were crowds of people who never went to church. These people should be canvassed, and then the churches would be full. He concluded by wishing the Army prosperity during their present year.

Songs were rendered by the following Mesdames Caney (Inglewood) and Richards, Misses Richmond (Eltham), Moon and Brimmercombe, and Messrs Nelson and Russ (with chorus by Methodist choir). Recitations were given by Mrs Arthur (Inglewood), Miss Moon, Mr W. Thomas, and Ida and Leslie Rogers, of Inglewood. Mr, Kirk man played the accompaniments. The Chairman thanked those who had contributed to the evening’s enjoyment with songs and recitations, and also the Revs. Reader and-Patti-son for their addresses. It had been said by some that owing to General Booth’s death the Army would go to pieces. This had not proved the case, and not only was the Army continuing its. good work, but there were to-day a greater number of workers in the field. At the recent conference in Wellington over a hundred volunteers had come forward prepared for mission work in any part of the world. He mentioned that it was “on the cards” that during the next year they would receive a visit from General Bramwell Booth. After the conclusion of the musical programme supper : was partaken of.