1884-08-06ay Salvation Army and Drunkeness

“A visitor at the Salvation Army barracks last evening noticed in the address of one of the officers that she pleaded very hard for drunken people, and begged the audience and army members not to ‘pass the poor drunkard by, but hold out the hand of pity to him.’

Hamilton Times. August 8, 1884

In 1884 Hamilton, members of the Salvation Army took their mission work seriously hoping to redeem sinners. Their colorful uniforms, street processions, open air preaching and loud music were elements in attracting people to the Christian message.

Many of the members of the Army were those whose sin had been addiction to intoxicating beverages.

Public drunkenness was a major problem, something that was seen on Hamilton streets any time of the day or night.

On August 6, 1884, at the army barracks, one of the lady officers in the Salvation Army made the plight of alcoholics a major part of her address to the troops. She exhorted her audience to not ignore those who might be seen passed out on the sidewalk, but to show concern and provide help.

After the meeting a Times reporter was heading back to the paper’s office, when he saw an occurrence which showed that the officer’s speech had little effect on two members of the audience, but much more positive effect on others:

“A case in point occurred immediately after the meeting was over (about 11 o’clock) for across the sidewalk on King William street, lay the drunken and bleeding form of a laborer named Hiscox.

“ Four of the Army people came up to the man and tried to arouse him, but, failing in this, they asked several times two of their number, a female soldier and her husband to allow them to put the man in an alleyway leading to their house (it was within an arm’s length). This permission was strenuously refused, saying, with a strong, Hibernian accent “Sure he’s not fit to be put into a respectable yard, it’s better to let the perlice get them.”

“The address of the little officer seemed to have taken deeper root on the other soldiers, for they finally succeeded raising the man and holding him up. They marched him down the street to his home, singing their song, “When the general is called, we’ll be there.”¹

^{1 “}Salvation Army : Advice About Drunkards and a Practical Illustration”

Hamilton Times.           August 6, 1884

A few days the intersection of the Salvation Army and the problem of alcoholism came to the fore again.

On August 10, 1884, an officer with the Salvation Army in Hamilton, Captain Manchester Joe, was back in the city.

Captain Manchester Joe had been extremely popular with the local troops before his relocation to Belleville. His successors in Hamilton, three lady officers, were happy to allow Captain Joe to take over the local corps for the day.

Captain Joe in his characteristic hearty and effective manner led an open air in the afternoon on the Market Square and an evening meeting at the Salvation Army barracks.

At both meetings, a soldier, familiar to all, shared his recent experience. His story caused quite a reaction each time:

“A sensation occurred at the open air services on the market square and at the barracks by the recent experience of a well-known soldier. He told (as tears poured down his face) that previous to the army coming to this city he had been a great drunkard; they had been the means of his conversion, and he had remained true to God for the past two years.

“But the week before last, liquor was offered to him – he took it and during the next two days he drank five quarts of brandy. He was about taking another drink when the bottom of the glass fell out. The medical man who was then sent for gave his opinion that if he (the soldier) had taken another drink, it would have killed him, as he was then in a state of delirious fever.

“He thanks God that He had again spared his unworthy life, and he was determined to prove true to his life’s end.

“The address produced a profound effect upon the audience.” ²

² “The Salvationists”

Hamilton Spectator. August 11, 1884.

It had been an eventful day among the members of the Hamilton Salvation Army corps. The two meetings led by Captain Manchester Joe, each highlighted by the speech about relapsing back to liquor addiction, were extremely electric in their atmosphere:

“At the close of the prayer meeting in the evening, a scene of enthusiasm, emotion and general religious excitement took place. Many people came forward and professed conversion, and the services terminated with enthusiastic songs and banners waving.

“Large audiences were present during the day, and in the evening the barracks was completely packed. “²