“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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