Wednesday 2 September 2015

1884-09-11 Trouble in the Ranks - Hamilton's Salvation Army (Part 1)



“A split in the ranks of the Salvation Army has caused quite a sensation, and was “all the talk” upon the streets yesterday afternoon and last night.

A TIMES representative investigated the matter thoroughly this morning.”

Hamilton Times.   September 10, 1884.

The Salvation Army was still a very new presence in the Hamilton of 1884.

The army’s street parades were almost daily occurrences with colorful uniforms, brass band, booming drums, and the popular songs of the day sung loudly attracting considerable attention. (The popular songs retained their tunes, but the lyrics were changed to reflect  Christian sentiments.)

The Salvation Army conducted meetings both at their own large meeting hall but also in the open air, usually the market square. Many Hamiltonians had professed conversion at these meetings, many of whom foreswore further indulgence with beer and liquor.

Outwardly it seemed like the local Salvation Army corps was a smoothly-run, united organization.

However, that outward appearance did not reflect the actual internal dissension which was the case with the Hamilton’s Salvation Army corps when stories of s break in the organization surfaced on September 9, 1884.

The following morning a reporter for the Hamilton Times was able to determine what had happened :

“A leading member of the Army states that a few of the women soldiers have been discontented at having female officers placed over them. This discontent they evinced before even the officers arrived.

“This feeling of opposition has been maintained towards Captain Smith since she came here. The latter disagreed with her lieutenant, Miss Annie Howell, and caused that officer to be removed and replaced by one possessed of more energy.

“Miss Howell had made a great many friends in the corps, and the malcontents gladly seized the chance to use this as a lever against Captain Smith. As a consequence, the number of malcontents greatly increased.”1

1 “The Salvation Army: Suffer a Defeat from the Enemy Within : A Division in the Ranks : Women’s Rule Distasteful to Many of the Soldiers”

Hamilton Times.  September 10, 1884.

Captain Bertha Smith, also known by her Army nickname, “The Weeping Willow” tried to calm the waters but to no avail. The tension, back-biting and open rebellion against her reached such a level that she decided on drastic action.

On Saturday September 18, 1884, she, decided, with the blessing of her commanders at a more senior level, literally struck the names of everyone on the roll of the Hamilton Salvation Army corps, effectively ending the organization.

The following Monday, a special meeting was held at the Salvation Army barracks at which Captain Smith informed those in attendance the way things would proceed:

 “About 100 soldiers attended the meeting in the barracks.

“Captain Smith delivered a long address, explaining the painful position in which she had been placed. She concluded by sharing that if the former soldiers desired to belong to the Salvation Army, it would be necessary for them to kneel down at the penitent form, and pray to God for more grace, and then acknowledge her as the captain and be obedient to her.”1

At that point, the split in the ranks became painfully manifest as about half the soldiers followed the captain’s suggestion, while the other half stood up and walked to the back of the hall where they held a meeting of their own:

“The captain scarcely expected this manoeuvre, but her self-possession never forsook her. She ordered her soldiers to take the platform, and quietly walking down to the opposition party, stated that she would wait until they had concluded their service and left the hall before conducting her regular meeting.

This course was adopted, and when the malcontents had all disappeared, the regular meeting was held, during which the captain’s action was enthusiastically endorsed by the soldiers.”1

The Times reporter caught up with Captain Smith for an interview:

“Captain Smith was seen at the officers’ headquarters on King William street, below Ferguson avenue, this forenoon. She did not seem anxious to talk on the subject, but said that “Some of the soldiers were rebelling and did not seem willing to comply with the rules of the army as enforced by headquarters, but it was useless. They would either have to comply with her as captain, or be disowned.’ ”1

Later, there was a lively encounter between the seceding soldiers on the streets, followed by two meetings :

“Last night the regular army and the malcontents made things lively on the streets. To say the least, the spirit of opposition shown evinced very little Christianity.

“Barrett and those with him met at 80 Hughson street north. The numbers in each party are about equal. The regular soldiers had a successful meeting at the barracks

“It is said that several of the soldiers returned to their first love.

“Captain Smith was assisted by Capt. Mrs. Fisher and Divisional Captain, Mrs. Madden. Both these officers were especially sent from headquarters.”1

The opposition between the regular army members and those who had seceded was made manifest in no uncertain ways on the streets:

“Captain Smith’s portion of the corps assembled as usual last evening. The march was headed by some brass instruments which were blown with the utmost vigor

“Near the corner of Hughson, on King street, the captain was struck by balls of mud and stone. One struck her upon the head, another upon the hand. The missiles were thrown from the dark.

“No person but the captain was struck, but the force with which the missiles were thrown caused the mud to splash on those near her.

“No such accident has occurred to any of the present officers previous to the present disruptions in the army.

“The meeting in the barracks was conducted in a happy manner and several persons professed conversion.

“The officers express the utmost confidence in the result of the present trouble. They believe that the seceders will all return to their duty. “2

2   “The Salvation Army Trouble”

Hamilton Times. September 9, 1884.

The seceding soldiers had decided to focus their efforts outside of Hamilton rather than within the city:

“The malcontents, under Sergeant Barrett, have taken possession of the two outposts at Millgrove and Waterdown. The services at Waterdown were led by him last night, notwithstanding the presence of Divisional Captain Madden and Captain Hand and his lieutenant officers especially sent from headquarters to lead the meetings.

Sergt. Barrett says that the people of Waterdown chose him as their leader in preference to the above named officers. “1

Another street incident involving both factions resulted in an uncomfortable intersection of both groups:

“Captain Bertha Smith and her sixty followers, headed by brass instruments and drums, paraded the streets again last night. The malcontents were also out marching and the two forces met on Hughson street.

Salutes of “Amens” came from the latter. Both parties then marched together down King street, the one on the right, the other on the left side, singing Army hymns.”3

3 “The Salvation Embroglio : Major Coombs and Staff to Be Here Tonight to Settle the Dispute – The Faithful Alarmed”

Hamilton Times. September 12, 1884

After the parade, a key meeting of the regular Salvation Army corps took place:

“At the barracks, a very large audience was present, probably 800 people, similar to a Sunday night congregation. The meeting was led by Capt. Madden, D. O.; Capt. Jack Addis and Hallelujah Bertha., “The Weeping Willow.”

“The whole of the services were conducted in a very happy spirit, and the soldiers claim now that the element of discord is now out of the corps, they are stronger than ever.

“Lieut. Grace Hill, “The Merry One,” gave her farewell address. She has been removed from this corps to Strathroy.

“After the meeting was over, Captain Madden addressed the soldiers privately.

“They then separated; but some of the soldiers being alarmed at “The Merry One” being taken away from them, they seemed to take it as evidence that the Major is weakening towards the malcontents. They conferred privately together and expressed their determination to stand by the Army if Major Coombs stands by it also. They say they have stood by him and his officers, and in the event of his weakening and giving in to the malcontents, they will secede from the Army. It seems perfectly certain that Major Coombs cannot please both parties.

“The whole matter will be finally settled at the meeting tonight. Major Coombs will be present, supported by a number of his staff. The utmost interest is existed, and all look forward to final and positive action.”3

(To Be Continued)




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