Torquay - Salvation Army

The day this Station was opened, it was announced that at ten o'clock, Major Davey would lead the forces to attack the enemy on the Quay. At about nine o'clock, the people began to gather round the place, waiting to see The Army march aloing with band, flags, etc; but when ten o'clock came, I marched on the Quay with two little Lasses. We began to sing and talk for some time to an immenee crowd. One of the papers says it was the largest crowd ever seen in Torguay: and many say they never saw so many people at a regatta. When we walked to the Barracks, there were thousands of people on the route,

After a struggle, we reached the Barracks (a loft), which we have seated to hold about 900 people, but I should think there were a thousand inside, and about 500 of them men, who, it was evident , seldom, if ever, saw the inside of a place of worship. They ran off the top of the forms, and began to make a noise, and took charge of the platform.

I was firm but kind with them and soon had things right, and these rough men and lads, who were so ready for every kind of sin and devilry, sat and listened as if for their lives, and had to brush the tears from their eyes. The afternoon, we were tremendously packed. Some of the Brixham fishermen gave their experience, and some friends from Exeter did good service. Everyone seemed to feel we were come to talk about eternal things.

We were again packed at night and crowds could not get in. We had nine souls. A man and wife knelt side by side, and they wept and cried sorely for mercy, after which they all told in a few, but simple words what God had just done for them. The police were very kind, and gave us good assistance. God bless and reward them.

MAJOR DAVEY.

From, "The War Cry," page 1, 2nd March, 1882.

I do not know where the meetings were held.