Dipton - Salvation Army

This is the first monthly report from the Salvation Army station here.

A COLLIERY district. Pits. Pits. Pits. Four miles from Consett. Implored both by some of our own people and by others living on the spot, to do something there, we at length arranged to take Co-operative Hall for our meetings and succeeded in securing it both for Sundays and the week. It will seal about 600. Sister Lee was appointed to open the attack, and accordingly, on June 29, she commenced in the Lord's name. We have no proper report and can only give brief extracts from one or two letters.

On July 8th, she says: -

"I am very glad to tell you that the work is progressing. During the week we have had a full Hall, and eight souls have professed to find Christ. One dear woman, after struggling and praying, said,' Oh, the load is gone", putting her hand to her side, 'it's gone, the load has gone. Praise the Lord."

"Sunday, Hall packed. Marched through the village. Oh, Hallelujah. The Lord was with us, and we roused the devil. My throat is very sore."

Dated July 17th.

"I am glad to be able to say things are going on well. A good week. Saturday night we had a real Hallelujah meeting. A time of refreshing. Thirty-three spoke in forty minutes. Sunday was wet, but at night we had the Hall filled notwithstanding.

"Sister Yorke arrived last night. Men and women sit and tremble beneath the power of the spirit, and they will have to yield. One dear man said he had been a bad member a long time and he felt wretchedly miserable.''

 From, 'The Salvationist', August 1879, page 207.

This is a new place, right in the thick of the colliers. We have the Co-operative Hall packed every night, and hundreds of souls have been saved.

 From, 'The Salvationist', August 1879, page 266.

(Capt. J. Lynn) - On Monday night, after a powerful meeting, we went home somewhat disappointed, but while on our knees at home, in rushed a young man, and down on his knees he went, and cried aloud to God for mercy; God heard his cry and saved him, Tuesday night, two other big sinners found a great Saviour. On Sunday night, we could not prevail for a time, but at last we all went down before the Lord in silent prayer, and after being there for half an hour, the cry was heard. "What shall I do to be saved?" One young man jumped over the forms; others fell before reaching the Mercy-Seat. The power of God was amongst us, and that to save. We had to praise God for five precious souls, making nine for the week. To God be all the glory!

From, "The War Cry," page 3, 19th January 1882.

(also, page 3, 9th February 1882.)

(Capt. Lynn)- Saturday night, after our meeting was over, some twelve or fourteen of us returned to the Barracks and there we wrestled and pleaded with God for the victory until two in the morning. God heard and answered our prayers. Sunday was the best day we have had in Dipton; we mustered for morning parade at ten, when our sergeant reported forty-three rank and file. Afternoon, good time; but night baffles all description. The power of God came down upon us and off we went to face the enemy. Over fifty in ranks; a victorious march Inside, the Barracks packed, and we finished up the best day we ever had here, with seven souls in the fountain, making ten for the week.

From, "The War Cry," page 3, 23rd February 1882.

(Capt. J. Lynn) -The 98th “Blood and Fire” boys are still in the field doing battle for the King of kings, and victory in ours. The past week has been one of great victory, the devil having lost some of his best men. Spirit mediums, Infidels, drunkards, gamblers, fighters and all sorts have left the ranks of the enemy and enlisted under the blood-stained banner or the Cross. Since Sunday last, twenty-four have come to the world's Redeemer. Glory, glory to His name.

From, "The War Cry," page 3, 9th March 1882.

I do not know where the Co-Operative Hall was.