1884-11-24erg Salvation Army

“Yesterday the two Salvation Armies marched up King street in one procession, the secessionists following close after the loyalists”

          Hamilton Spectator.  November 24, 1884.

          There had been dissension among the members of the Hamilton Salvation in late November 1884. Indeed, there had been a total split in the ranks.

          However, for Hamiltonians on the downtown streets on Sunday morning, as a large procession of Salvation Army ‘troops’ noisily paraded along King street east, it appeared that there might have been a reconciliation:

          “A great crowd at the corner of King and James streets thought that the divided Salvationists had been amalgamated, and a rousing cheer went up from the sinners on the sidewalk.”¹

                ¹  “The Diurnal Epitome : What Goeth On In and About the City”

Hamilton Spectator. November 24, 1884

The parade was not an expression of restored unity:

“ The seceders turned off down James street, and again the two armies marched to heaven by different roads.”¹

The parade was only the first of the day, a day that was important to the local Salvationists as their Canadian Commander, Major Coombes, was in the city. While he had some significant formal public duties to perform, the major certainly would have taken the opportunity to learn more about the schism.

The main events of the day for the Hamilton Salvation Army involved three major street processions, an open air meeting on the Market Square and climaxing with a massive “Hallelujah Jubilee” in the Drill Shed.

As the Hamilton Times reporter noted, that despite the rainy weather, the spirit of what he called “the irrepressible Sals” was high:

“Salvationists never seem so happy as when they are lustily shouting a sacred verse, set to a popular song tune.”²

^{2 “}The Jubilee : Big Time Amongst the Salvationists Yesterday”

Hamilton Times.   November 24, 1884.

The reporter for the Spectator along noted the color, noise and enthusiasm of the Salvationists on parade:

“Amidst the clangor of brass instruments, beating of drums, waving of banners, and shouting of hymns, Major Coombes, the Canadian commander, headed his officers in the regular Sunday marches yesterday, and, notwithstanding the very rainy weather, thousands of people witnessed the services on the market square, and followed the fantastic procession as it passed along the principal streets.”²

² “The Salvation Army : A Hallelujah Jubilee in the Drill Shed Yesterday”

Hamilton Spectator.   November 24, 1884.

The processions of the Hamilton Salvation Army on November 23, 1884 were particularly animated :

“The occasion of the major’s official visit was marked by the acquisition by the corps of a large and handsomely painted banner, which was carried by two of the soldiers, and in conjunction with the many bright colored uniforms, gave the parade anything but the appearance of a religious procession – though the opinion would probably not be shared by the Salvationists themselves.”²

The major event of the day was an affair called the “Hallelujah Big Go” held at the Drill Shed. Thousands of hand bills advertising the event had been distributed throughout the city.

For both the afternoon and the evening services at the Drill Shed, thousands of people attended to witness what the Salvationists would have to offer:

“The great point of drawing a crowd having been gained, chorus, song and jest frequently intervened to keep them amused and entertained.”²

Although the huge Drill Shed was unheated, and it was a cold, rainy day outdoors, the Salvationists had no trouble warming the crowd up with their boisterous behavior:

“Taken from an army view of sacred matters, these services were eminently successful, all the participants appearing to be highly delighted and gushing over with enthusiasm which they poured forth on the slightest pretext.”²

One popular Salvation Army soldier, who had been instrumental in the establishing the army in Hamilton, returned for the special occasion.

Captain Bill Cooper, also known as “Happy Bill” was a tall man, and very, very animated in behavior :

“However much opinion may vary as to the good done by his extravagant style, it cannot be denied that he draws large audiences, keeps them well-amused and in full attention during the course of his utterances.”²

As part of his testimony made reference to the time when he was stationed in Brooklyn, New York :

“ ‘I have borne more prosecution in the City of Brooklyn during the past four months than in all my previous life,’ from which it may be gathered that Happy Bill’s style was not over acceptable to the wicked citizens of Brooklyn.”²

One of Happy Bill’s typical remarks appearing in his speech was “Salvation is like the old man’s candy-stick, the longer you suck it, the sweeter it gets.”

Major Coombes also spoke feelingly and also teach the Bible lessons using First Corinthians 14 and Matthew 5:

“His expositions of these chapters were very good, and secured perfect attention.

“In the course of his remarks, he said : If people would only occupy themselves with thoughts of Christ and salvation, what a different world it would be and how much more good would be done. If men and women have the Spirit of God with them, it is not necessary to tell the world, for all see it in their words, looks and actions.’” ²

A speaker  who received plentiful “volley firing” (amens) during his address was Prof. Wiggins:

“His manner is altogether different from the regulation army style, as he speaks in a quiet way and uses cultured language. His conversion affords a striking example of the work done by the army people, as, notwithstanding his education and ability, he has been a most pronounced drunkard for many years, and although in receipt of a salary of between $2,000 and $3,000 a year, he reduced his family down to positive want.

“ When in this position, he chanced to attend one of the army services, and their earnestness secured first his reformation, then his conversion, since which time he has been one of their most ardent advocates.”²

  Prof. Wiggins, termed by the Times reporter as a one “ardent admirer of Bacchus” finished his appearance by singing several moving songs in a clear baritone voice.

Local Staff Officer Manton raised the energy of the event when he made his appearance as he spoke energetically :

“Happy Bill’s companionship appears to have the effect of taking Captain Manton off his legs frequently, as he dances and bounds along the platform like a rubber ball as he is singing. It was predicted that he will do himself bodily harm through this habit.”²

The Salvation Army meetings at the Drill Shed were a pronounced success in terms of attendance, and in terms of the number of people so moved that they publicly professed their turning away from sin and toward Christ before the huge gatherings dispersed.