Day 101: Praying for The Salvation Army throughout Wales (1974)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 101 of 150 days of prayer.

• 'I will sing and praise you, Lord! I will sing about your faithful love and your justice' (Psalm 101:1, EasyEnglish Bible). 

1974

The War Cry of 16 November 1974 carried a report of the Welsh Centenary Congress titled, Sixty-Eight Surrender During Welsh Congress’:

‘Although the morning sunshine broke into the torrential downpour by the time more than 1,000 Salvationists gathered to form for their march in Museum Avenue, Cardiff, this in no way lessened their enthusiasm or sense of occasion as they marched through the streets of Cardiff towards the Sophia Gardens Pavilion.

‘Every corps in Wales was represented … The Centenary Festival of thanksgiving opened with a presentation of flags from corps in Wales … Major William Davies, of Swansea Citadel, referred to the wonderful works of God through the history of the Salvation Army in Wales and called upon all present to be available for service in the future, however costly this might be… 

‘Following the General’s opening remarks, time was spent in a silent tribute to Bandsman Dai Barry of Abercarn, who, whilst carrying the corps colours during the march of witness in the afternoon, was promoted to Glory. Throughout the Sunday, the Abercarn corps flag held a special place of prominence, in reminder of the faithfulness of a loyal Salvationist, representative of so many who serve their Lord faithfully.

‘The contributions made during the programme, whether from the united bands or the centenary chorus (both conducted by Major George Whittingham), or in the youthful but characteristic contributions of the Welsh School of Music … reminded many of the loyalties which have helped maintain the work in Wales for so long.

‘Salvationists from North Wales, Wrexham Band and Connah’s Quay timbrelists – also contributed to the festival programmes…

‘In the holiness meeting General Coutts clearly gave definitions, not only of the doctrine of holiness, but of the experience of walking with Christ.’

The same War Cry included a ‘Message to Wales’ from the British Commissioner, Geoffrey Dalziel:

‘I write not only from historical fact but also from personal experience. Mrs Dalziel and I have marched those same streets with Welsh comrades in the years of depression, when it was the song on the lip that kept hope alive in the heart and on into the early war years when we could join in rendering service to the needy in those dark days.

‘When stationed at Williamstown, in the Rhondda Valley, we climbed a hillside one early morning to catch a first glimpse of the dawn as it shot its glory into the sullen sky and with that radiance in our hearts we could descend to the darkness and depression of the valley below but with this vision splendid always before us.

‘So, the radiance of an inner glow has kept the fires burning in the hearts of Salvationists from Wales and in this centenary year we rejoice in the vitality of the witness being made and believe the second century can see some of those greater things for which we all pray.’

Prayer

• Pray for ‘the radiance of an inner glow’ as Commissioner Dalziel put it.
• Pray that the ‘fires burning in the hearts of Salvationists’ will continue to glow with vitality in this our 150th celebration year.