(Capt. Elizabeth Barker) Lieutanant Crowe writes: "Thank God we are going ahead in this great city of Durham. God has wonderfully blessed us this last week. On Saturday night we had a grand Free-and-Easy, while the young converts got up one after another and told the people what God had done for them. The words went home to the sinners hearts and at the close of the meeting twenty-two souls fell into the fountain. On Sunday we met at seven a.m, for Knee-drill. God came down and filled our souls with the Holy Ghost, and nine came to the Masters feet. We had grand meetings all day. In the afternoon both places were packed. Scores could not get in. Glorious meeting inside and fifty-one souls out for Salvation. Praise God! soms of the worst of sinners are seeking mercy. During this last week over 150 souls have found peace in Jesus.
From, "The War Cry," page 3, 23rd March 1882.
Sunday, March 5th.—After years longing for an opportunity to capture the ancient city, the happy day has come, and we have entered it with our fores and commenced operations. The opening day was grand. Victory! At seven a.m. we commenced with Knee-drill and sharpening our swords for the day's fight. We had thirty present and a crowd around the door. When I asked them to come in they fell back as if a bombshell had burst amongst them. They wondered what Knee-drill meant, and sharpening our swords. They could not understand it at all. At ten a.m. a Detachment from Spennymoor, and a Brigade from Chester-le-street, under the Command of Capt, Stocker, formed up on the ground. In the afternoon, whilst we were holding an Open-air Meeting, a second Company came in leading a procession of "Blood and Fire" Soldiers, with shields and "S. S" glittering in the sun, down through the city from Chester-le-Street. Everybody seemed scared, and wondered whatever would happen next. As we united and marched away in a grand procession, with music and song, everbody seemed to say, The Salvation Army has got the city at last, and no mistake, streets crowded, doorways and windows open and full. Publican struck with amazement, as his poor customers left the bar and ran to see the triumphant procession taking the city for King Jesus, Our singing went well in time and tune, and every Soldier was fired with determination and victory. The Town Hall and Barracks packed. Both places far too small to hold the people. Thousands could not get in. The order was good, and the attention all that could be desired.
We finished up the day with fifteen souls, and numbers in a state of alarm. The first week we had 170 prisoners; fifty-three last Sunday, and at every meeting souls are seeking pardon.
From, "The War Cry," page 4, 30th March 1882.
(Capt. Elizabeth Barker).— Lieut. Crowe writes: 'Praise God! Praise God! for what is being done here. The work is going forward here in a mighty manner. Last Tuesday night forty-three souls came to the fountain which cleanses from sin; and drunkards, liars, swearers, gamblers, and respectable sinners kneit at the same Mercy-reat. One says he has not prayed these thirty years, but now he is saved and cglad to pray. On Sunday thirty-four souls sought the Lord, and the next night twenty-seven nore. To God be all the Glory! We mean victory or death."
From "The War Cry," page 3, 6th April 1882.
I do not know where the meetings were held.