SALVATION ARMY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1786, 6 September 1888, Page 4

SALVATION ARMY.

OFFICERS FAREWELL SERVICES.

Farewell services to commemorate tbe approaching departure of the officers of the Salvation Army present stationed at Temuka were held throughout Sunday and on Tues : day evening last at their Barracks. On both occasions the congregations were exceptionally large, for Captain Buick, has, during her stay in Temuka, earned for herself no mean reputation as an earnest and eloquent speaker. As a consequence many besides those immediately connected with the Army have attended ihe services. Her co-workers, Lieutenant Patton and Cadet Munro, have also more than ordinary powers, and all throe have made it their business to strengthen the hold the Army has already gained in the place, by their regular system of house to house visitation. When, therefore, it was announced that they were about “to farewell,” as the the term is, more than ordinary regret was expressed, and the few last services of their term have been attended by visitors from some distance. On Tuesday last this was particularly noticeable, for people were present from Timaru, Pleasant Point, and the outlying country districts. The services on Monday were of the ordinary character, but characterised by exceptional earnestness, and it was evident that both officers and soldiers felt their approaching separation keenly. On Tuesday evening service commenced shortly after seven o’clock, when brief addresses were delivered by Captain Buick, Lieutenant Patton, and Cadet Munro. A passage from the Psalms was read by the Captain, after which Lieutenant Patton, Cadet Fleming (Timaru), and Miss L. Benbow, sang very nicely a Salvation Army song. Cadet Fleming then “ led the testimonies ” and in response to his appeal numbers present expressed the influence for good derived from the services of the Army, and their intention to remain faithful soldiers. Of many striking testimonies, those delivered by Col-Sergeant McClellan and his Pleasant Point contingent were noticeable. At brief intervals verses of the more popular Salvation songs were sung, the congregation joining in most heartily. Shortly before nine tho first meeting was brought to a close, and the meeting room having been cleared, tables were quickly laid for a coffee supper. A capital spread, catered for in Mr T. Barr’s usual first-rate style, was provided, and partaken of by at least two hundred persons. The tables were provided over by Mesdames Uden, Higgins and Washington, assisted by numerous soldiers. The supper over, the tables were quickly cleared away, and another brief meeting held. After more testimonies bad been given and a hymn sung, the officers each made her final farewell address. Each expressed the pleasure experienced during tbeir stay in Temuka, and the lively interest they should aver take in the future of the friends they had made there. The Benediction having been pronounced by Captain Buick, the majority of the soldiers present took an opportunity of shaking hands with their officers before departing.