Day 56: Praying for the financing of Christian ministry (1929)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 56 of 150 days of prayer.

• ‘You have saved my life from death. You keep me safe so that I do not fall. As a result, I will serve you, God, as you give me light to live here on Earth’ (Psalm 56:13, EasyEnglish Bible). 

1929

On 13 February 1929 Edward Higgins was elected General of The Salvation Army after Bramwell Booth had been deposed. This was the first time that a General had been elected by a High Council. It is probably the greatest crisis that the Movement has ever endured. General John Larsson has written an excellent account of this watershed moment in his book, 1929: A Crisis that Shaped the Salvation Army's Future. 

While there were a significant number of English and Scottish officers who took part in the first High Council, there is no evidence of any Welsh officers being present. However, Wales was close to the heart of this event. Bramwell Booth was ably defended by his Welsh wife, Florence. Edward Higgins, who – as Chief of the Staff and thus Bramwell’s right-hand man – was personally in a very difficult situation, was ably supported by his Welsh wife, Catherine.

On effect of Bramwell Booth’s deposition was a fall in support for the Army, including financial support. 

The Deliverer reported: ‘The financial position in Wales as a whole adds much to the problems of our work in the city [Cardiff]. Alas, the demands upon us tend to increase, and those who need help come in a more destitute condition.’

Prayer

• Financial resources are vital to every aspect of our work and witness in Wales. Pray that soldiers, adherents and friends will continue to give to the work of their corps.
• Review your personal giving and pray that God will guide you in this matter.
• Pray that members of the public will continue to support the Army’s work.

Closing thoughts on the 1920s

The underlying story of the 1920s is that of poverty. The great depression started in 1929 but Wales was suffering even before it began. The Army’s social services tried to meet need as best they could but vast tracts of Wales were nowhere near a social services centre. Corps were far more widespread. They did whatever they could to alleviate need, including providing the easy-to-underestimate joyful meetings in warm halls.