Tamworth - Salvation Army

THE OPENING OF TAMWORTH

I arrived in the town on Saturday, January 7th, and found the town full of excitement, everybody expecting great things. One old lady stopped me in the street and said she had walked six miles to see the Army come in. I went to see the Chief of Police: he was very kind to me, but said he was a little afraid we should have a noise, and promised to render us all the help he could. As night came on the excitement increased, especially when l, with four *Hallelujah Lasses" and three "Hallelujah Lads" marched through the town selling the 'War Cry.'I was followed by three hundred men and lads, who surrounded the house where I was about to lodge. However, they allowed me to pass quietly in, and no harm befell me. Hallelujah!

Sunday morning we met at ten o'clock, and marched through the main streets of the town and were treated with the greatest respect. We did not meet with the slightest opposition, but everything passed off well. A great crowd followed us to the Hall, which has been used as an arcade or market. We announced we were going to the wholesale Salvation market, and so it turned out to be. The first Meeting we had 1,000 people present,i in the afternoon, 1,500 and at night, the newspapers said we had 2,000 present. But, what was best of all, we had a tremendous slaughter among the King's enemies, I never saw such a rush out to the feet of Jesus; and we found at the close of the day we had recorded 120 names, All the week the steam was kept up.

On Monday night we had eighty-four of the Sunday recruits in the ranks, marching through the town. The first seven days we had 322 converts. Hallelujah! God save all Tamworth! Amen.

From, "The War Cry," page 2, 2nd February 1882.

(also page 3, 9th February 1882)

(Capt Rees) —F. H. W. writes

Many poor colliers here never before dreamt that anyone thought of them. Hundreds have found peace. Popularity increases and prejudice is all gone among the critics. Lady Hope has on one occasion given an address at The Army Meeting. Her ladyship said she would never forget it. The Mayor in council, is said to have rebuked the sneers of a member and to have defended The Army. The people are jubilant. Christians are thankful. Often two thousand hearers come. Cleanliness is now exchanged for dirt, song for oath, praise for beer, peace for anxiety, gladness for pain. This substitution is the common subject of congratulation in the town. Great God!  We praise Thee! Amen.

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

We are conquering through the Blood of the Lamb. Glorious times all the week, souls nearly every night. The devil is being defeated on every hand. Glory be to God! One brother, who is in the Queen's army as well as being a soldier in the great King of Kings' army said he remembered the time when his coat as well as his boots went to the pawnshop to get drink with, but now he Is saved and in his right mind, sitting at the Master's feet. Hallelujah!

Splendid time on Sunday; we had five brothers, who have been the biggest drunkards in the town, walking in the front, one of them carrying the banner and all of them singing with all their might – whilst the publican was peeping at them over the blind, looking sorry enough to part with them; but they declare they will not buy any more legs of mutton for publicans' dinners. Hallelujah!

Great salvation meeting at night, after which 26 precious souls made a full surrender to God. Victory is ours!

From, 'The War Cry', August 1882.

This is just one example of what was happening here. More reports can be seen from the War Cry in future months/years.

I do not know where the meetings were held.