Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010
On Sept. 26, 1894 William Booth stood at the pulpit of the Trinity United Church, formerly a Wesleyan Church, in Charlottetown P.E.I. and preached to the salvationists of the Island.
On Friday, Sept. 24, 2010 commissioners William and Marilyn Francis stood at the same pulpit.
They were not preaching, but it was a profound moment for both and the beginning of their P.E.I. visit to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Salvation Army on the Island.
From the standing at the pulpit at Trinity, to enrolling nine new soldiers into the Army, to having cake on the altar, the commissioners knew they were a part of something important.
It was their first trip to P.E.I., but it won’t be their last, said Commissioner Marylin Francis.
The commissioners were joined by area commander major Stan Folkins, division leaders majors Larry and Velma Martin and Charlottetown corps officers lieutenants Ian and Deanna Scott.
A visit to the soon-to-be-opened thrift store was another highlight on Friday.
The Charlottetown Corps hasn’t had a thrift store since 2004 when it was closed because too many donations received were not good enough for resale.
That problem has been solved, said lieutenaunt Ian Scott.
The Corps has an agreement with a New Brunswick company to truck away any excess.
“Primarily, we hope people will bring useful things,” he said.
The store is being renovated and should open by Christmas.
A visit to the Summerside thrift store was also on the agenda for the weekend.
At the reception, mayor Basil Stewart offered his congratulations and thanks to the Army.
“We have a better world in which to live because of your efforts,” he said.
Stewart gave special notice to the Summerside church receiving the city’s volunteer of the year award in 2009.
Summerside Corps officer Major Willis Drover said the impact they have in the city is in a large part due to the support they get from the community through volunteers.
“We need to wrap our arms around each other and serve together,” he said.
The soup kitchen, food bank and thrift store in Summerside are all manned by volunteers.
While in Summerside, the commissioners received gifts from two of the youngest soldiers in the corps.
Youth were also a big part of the main celebration held Saturday evening.
A dinner and Christian Concert were held at the Murphy Centre in downtown Charlottetown.
Guests were greeted at the door by members of the anniversary committee who passed out mementoes.
A large selection of photos and documents were on display just beyond the entrance.
The Army’s history in P.E.I. began in the early 1880s with the first recorded church service on Feb. 8, 1886 at the homes of Dolly DesRoches and Helen Alvert.
One month later, several Summerside people traveled to Charlottetown to hold a service.
Today, the churches have a combined enrolment of over 300 people.
Back at the reception, both church goers and members of the public made their way past a portrait of William Booth painted by local artist Henry Purdy, standing guard at the entrance to the seating area.
The portrait was done by local artist Henry Purdy at the request of board member Gerry Cranford and donated to the Charlottetown Church in 2008.
Purdy became intrigued with Booth while searching for pictures.
Sometimes it can be hard to get a sense of someone’s personality just from photos, Purdy said, but Booth’s fiery character shone through in his life’s story.
That character showed in Booth’s portrait sitting on an easel in the history display.
The evening was highlighted with Christian songs led by church members young and old, which were sung out with all those there on their feet joining in.
The worship team was joined by the Fairview Citadel Band.
The band played a major part in the celebrations.
The evening began with a number of selections played by the 20-piece brass band.
Commissioner William Francis encouraged the church members to keep God in the forefront.
“Every corps, every church, has all the spiritual gifts you need. It’s up to you to use them to work for God,” he said.
The celebration is more than to say look what we did for the last 125 years, said Scott.
“The goal of the celebration is to remind people we are here and people still need our help,” he said.
Poverty, homelessness and addictions are part of life in P.E.I.
“We’re hoping the excitement reminds people the issues are still around,” he said.
Local government and church leaders thanked the Army for all the work it does.
Environment Minister Richard Brown praised the Army for working with the province in the home heating assistance program that helps low-income Islanders with heating costs during the winter months.
“I really would hate to imagine what those people would have had to endure if it wasn’t for the program,” he said.
Father Floyd Gallant spoke on behalf of the churches of P.E.I., adding their congratulations and hope for continued success in the Army’s community outreach.
While Saturday was a celebration with the community, the Sunday morning worship service was a time of renewal.
Major Larry Martin’s message to the congregation was one of reflection.
“We need to focus intently inside ourselves and find out what it is God has in store,” he said.
During the enrolment of nine new soldiers, Marilyn Francis’ message was one of renewal.
“The Salvation Army is a beacon light all around the world.
Help the children be beacons for the Army,” she said.
From youth to the elderly, the service concluded with P.E.I.’s two longest serving soldiers Dolly DesRoches and Betty Savidant and the commissioners cutting the anniversary cake.
The celebrations are over, but the Army’s work will continue for many years to come, said Folkins.
The Surveyor 