New Radford - Salvation Army

Sunday, scene unparalleled – crowded before procession arrived. Hall packed. Aisles crammed. Platform besieged. Sad to see hundreds turned away. Must have a larger place. Recording angel entered 23 souls. Total finding peace in nine days – 83!

From, 'The War Cry', November 1880.

Since our two dear sisters, Captain Ruffy and Lieutenant Burton, came seven weeks ago, over 200 souls have found peace in the crucified saviour. We had a grand day on Sunday; our place was packed in the afternoon and in the evening there was a great many that could not even get to the door. Oh may the Lord speedily give us a larger place.

From, 'The War Cry', November 1880.

OPENING OF NEW BARRACKS

This Corps has to a very large extent, been crippled ever since its formation, by not having Barracks sufficiently large to accommodate the masses who thronged to the services, thirsting after the "Water of Life." This state of affairs has now been remedied by the opening, on Saturday last, of the new Barracks, which will hold about 1,000 people.

On Saturday afternoon a goodly number of Soldiers and friends soon made havoc amongst the good things provided. A Church of England Clergyman attended the tea, and gave a donation towards the Barracks. Tea over, we fall in for a march round Old Radford and back to the Barracks. Place soon packed, and we set our-selves down for a real "Hallelujah House-Warming." Commisioner Sherwood led the Meeting, which was addressed and kept alive by numerous Officers of the District and Soldiers of the Corps. Of course, the sweep could not be kept still. He danced and sang, and shouted to his heart's content. Several others rendered him very able assistance. Thank God for the joy unspeakable and full of glory, that makes men be natural, and sing and shout, and show their happiness. Halleluja! However, me had to pull up a little after nine, as we had a big day before us on the morrow.

Sunday morning, at seven, a strong muster of Soidiers at the Hallelajah Breakfast. "At ten, a grand march, woke up the people, stormed the devil's stronghold, lifted up Calvary's Lamb, and sang and shouted, and offered Salvation all along the march. Inside, a very nice meeting. Afternoon, another open-air assault. Inside, crowded Free-and-Easy: steam up, on we go, the "Sweep" to the front as usual. Testimony and song intermingled. "Keep things lively!" The band composed of fiddles, flutes, cornet, triangles, etc. make a joyful, if not harmonious noise; at any rate, it pleased the Lord, and we enjoyed it immensely. The "Hallelujah Poet " sang an origina song, composed for the occasion, entitied— "Our New Hall "

It went splendidly. Again we had to put the brake on and pull up, although some six or eight were on their feet to testify. Open-air in the evening At the Fountain; the right place for a good Meeting, and it was a good one; some splendid testimonies, and a lot of listeners. A collection was made for the Barracks and the sum of ten shillings was realised. Hallelujah!

Hall jammed when we arrived. A detachment wheels right about and takes the overflow to the old Barracks.  The Lord is with us in both places. Joy! Joyl Joy! fills our souls at the returning of the wanderer. Seventean leave the husks and are welcomed by the Father. Hallelujah!

Great things may now be looked for from Radford. Go on, Soldiers, remember that this is the victory thal overcometh the world -even your faith.         Capt. Sowerby. A.D.C.

From, "The War Cry," page 1, 23rd March 1882.

I do not know where the meetings were held.