SALVATION ARMY, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2167, 24 February 1891, Page 2

SALVATION ARMY, GERALDINE.

HALLELUJAH WEDDIKSK The first hallelujah wedding in con* nection with the eminently successful Geraldine corps of the Salvatisn Army I was that of Captain Rattray, of Geral- , dine, and Captain Noble, late of Akaroa, which was celebrated in the : Volunteer Hall last Sunday afternoon. 1 A great amount of publicity had been 1 given to the affair, and the event ‘ attracted by far the largest audience | that has ever gathered within the , walls of the Volunteer Hall. Every'y r seat was packed, aud a great many ; persons had to be content with stand* > ins room. Soldiers were present from 3 all over the district, a good number ' coming from Temuka. A big march was held, many of the visitors joining , in. The platform was well filled with 3 soldiers, the band occupying the front i seat, aud altogether there must haye ? been fully 800 people present. The * hall was decorated for the occasion with evergreens, ti tree, and flags. 7 Above the platform were three ’ bannerettes, bearing the mottoes , "Victory,” “Union for War,” and “ All Glory to God.” Punctually at I the appointed time Major and Mrs ( Rolfe came upon the platform with i Captain Eattray, attended by Lieut, t Scott as best man, and Captain Noble, 7 attended by Sister Maberley, 1 of 5 Waimate, as bridesmaid. The bride 3 was attired iu the usual uniform worn j by the Army captains, and across the t right shoulder wore a broad sash of 3 white satin, upon which was worked p the motto " United for War.” She f looked exceedingly well, and was, of 1 course, the cynosure of all eyes. The bridesmaid also wore a handsome sash of white satin. The appearance of , the contracting parties was the signal v . for a terrific “volley,” I by a stamping of feet . and t clapping of hands, both the contracting ■ parties being well known and popular 1 ip the district. Proceedings were-* | commenced I? by the whole audience ( joining in singing the hymn, “ Are you Washed in the Blood of the t Lamb.” Prayer was offered by Major » Eolfe, after which Bister Maberley sang a solo. Major Rolfe read a 1 portion of Scripture. The articles of 1 marriage in use in the Army were then read over to Captains Rattray and Noble by Major Rolfe, after which the contracting parties stepped to the front, and under the yellow red and blue were made one in true Salvationist style, • the ceremony, which was very impressive, being watched with intense interest by the large audience present. The conclusion of the marriage service and the completion, of the knot was the signal for a great burst of applause. A hymn was sung and the collection taken up, during which a child was dedicated to the Salvation Army by its parents, Major Rolfe performing the ceremony usual on such occasions. A number of testimonies were given, by the soldiers aud officers, including the bride and bridegroom, both of whom were received with a Volley, ■ Mrs Rolfe also addressed the meeting and sang a solo. The announcement was made that on the following (Monday) evening Captain McCormick, formerly of Geraldine, now of Otepopo, would in all probability be present. It was also announced that the new officers for Geraldine, Captain Murray and Lieut. Purdhoe would arrive afc Geraldine about March stb, The takings at the door amounted to the respectable sum of £8 17s and the collection realised £2 7s 4d, total £ll 4s 4d.] THE NIGHT MEETING. At the meeting held at night there was again a very large attendance, Major Rolfe was in command, and the platform was well filled with soldiers. The meeting was of the usual description, hymns being suug andf addresses delivered by Major and Mrs Bolfe and others. Captain Eattray and Lieut. Scott farewelled from Geraldine 1 The former goes to Akaroa, and.the latter to Cambridge, Auckland, i A hearty { invitation was given to all present to • the tea to be held the following evening fn the OddfellowV Hall. An after meeting was held, to which , a considerable number stayed.