Weekly report from the Salvation Army station here.
Glory to God we are going ahead having crowded streets; great excitement, with great power. Friday night was one never to be forgotten; 253 persons were admitted by ticket; 73 came out for a clean heart.
The Saturday night free and easy was better than ever, brothers and sisters testifying of the power. On Sunday, 37 were at 7 o’clock prayer meeting; we had nearly a 100 in the band all day...
From, 'The War Cry', April 1880
A special week was commenced by captains Broadbent, Talbot and George on Sunday the 18th. Great excitement was occasioned, the streets been crowded and the place packed. The policeman told us that 30 yards each way outside the Temple was crowded. Glory to the King! 17 souls left the ranks of the enemy that day. On Monday night 29 gave their hearts to the Lord. On Tuesday 14 professed to find peace through the Blood and on Wednesday 17. On Thursday we had a mothers' meeting at 2:30, when over 100 with their babies availed themselves of the privilege, which resulted in three souls for heaven. Lord keep the mothers! A grand time at night, with 12 more weeping their way to Calvary. Friday, another meeting for mothers, which was better than ever, three starting for the better country. We then had a grand meeting of perfect love casts out fear; about 400 were admitted by ticket. A few sinners were there also and four came out and got saved. Everybody seemed filled with love to God and man. This closed the 6 days services with our Brothers, the result being 99 lost sheep being brought into the fold. On Saturday night the dear Lord sent us a few more. On Sunday the 21st we had a regular “smash,” for 53 professed to find peace.
From, 'The War Cry', May 1880.
On Saturday the 11th we had a glorious time at our Free and Easy; several who have lately let the enemy testifying to God’s power to keep them from sinning and to take away the desire for strong drink; at the close of the meeting we had 18 souls for our hire. God indeed answered our prayer in a marvellous manner; many who had led lives of sin and wickedness and who have hitherto spent their Saturday nights at the public houses, came boldly forward and surrendered all to Christ. The Old Chariot is indeed kept rolling along at this station.
Sundays mornings open-air was well attended and some shots were fired into the enemy's camp and at our inside meeting at the Temple scores testified to the good the Army had wrought in their individual cases. In the afternoon we had 280 present in the procession and when we reached the Temple it was packed in every part, many of the band not being able to get in at all. The sisters spoke with great power and a large audience seem deeply moved.
At night the procession was as large as ever and Temple again crowded; and at the close of the day's work for the Lord, very many again surrendered to Christ.
Monday Tuesday and Wednesday’s meetings were crowded in every part and at the close of each night's meetings we had very many souls in the Fountain.
From, 'The War Cry', September 1880.
Grand smash here yesterday - 50 souls!! Hall packed all day. Crowds had to go away, could not get in.
From, 'The War Cry', November 1880.
By October 1881 4,500 had been saved in Hull. It was one of the most successful works of the Salvation Army. They had at least 4 centres in Hull.
Hull I
God is at work in this Corps, drawing each one closer to each other in the bonds of Christian love, and revealing Himself as the purifier of the hearts, and regulator of the lives of the Soldiers individually.
There is a deeper anxiety for the Salvation of souls, and greater earnestness for the work of God - a deep and yearning pity for the wretched slaves of sin is taking hold of many of our Soldiers.
Tuesday, good muster of troops, eight Sisters with Brass Instruments, heading the column on its maze to the Temple, with Captain Condy commanding. The excitement was great in consequence of the sisters sounding their trumpets, etc., to the glory of God. The Lord is giving His power to the sisters, enabling them to rescue five of the lost ones, and lead them to Calvary.
Wednesday, precious time, about ninety testified. Brother Captain Lucas having an hour to spare, joined himself with us, and was joyfully received by the Soldiers; three stepped from darkness into light, and on Saturday, eight more came out for Salvation.
Holiness Meeting on Friday, great heart-searchings; many received a deeper and richer Baptism of the Spirit of the living God.
Sunday, a good day. After the morning meetings, at 1.45. p.m., a strong muster of Soldiers, with full Brass Band, including four sisters with cornets, &c., took up position in Courtney Street, new ground, densely populated. Crowds attending; some telling shots were fired by the sisters. Many saw The Army for the first time, and wondered, apparently, with great amazement. On the return march, doorways and windows were filled with eager listeners to the singing and music. Arrived at the Temple to find it already packed, such crowding. Guard-rooms upstairs and down filled; two meetings at the same time. two more souls for Jesus. At night, the power of God came down upon the people, very many pricked to the heart, nine seeking Salvation. To God be all the glory. Capt. CONDY.
Hull II
Victory! victory! and no surrender," is the cry of our brave Soldiers at this Station.
On Saturday, we had a large Tea "Muster," when upwards of a thousand sat down. Everybody seemed in good spirits, and after tea I gave an invitation for anybody to provide us with horse and dray, for a march round the town. It was soon done, our Secretary, Brother Ford, a cab proprietor, who is fully saved, fetched a horse and dray. On the dray we put the banner bearer, Captain Mason, myself, and about twenty brass bandsmen, including big and little drums.
Then off we started at six o'clock, followed by from four to five hundred Soldiers in procession with a crowd of people on both sides. We marched through some of the principal streets. The crowd was very good, thousands of people on the line of march, shopmen left their counters, businessmen of all sorts ran to the doors, to see the wonder of all wonders, The Salvation Army; but on we went, and our horse, driven by the "Hallelujah Cab Proprietor," almost danced to the tunes played by the Hallelujah Band, so that the procession had to put on a good walk to keep up with us.
We went into the Barracks, at half-past seven, and had a grand Free-and-Easy Hallelujah Meeting, everybody was happy except a few sinners. We turned out again at nine o'clock, without the horse and dray, and had a grand march, with over 400 in procession, led by the Little Navvy whom Jesus loved. Came in at ten, had a real Salvation Meeting, and finished this grand day with ten souls and two backsliders in the fountain. At eleven o'clock we went home to get ready for Sunday.
Glorious times all day on Sunday. God, the Holy Spirit, came down into the meeting and into the hearts of the people; then there was a yielding, then a coming out, until twenty-four had forsaken the devil and declared themselves on the Lord's side, making sixty-four for the week.
Monday, 14th November, had a blessed meeting from seven a.m. until 9.30; the power of God came down upon us, I felt like carrying everybody to Jesus, (who has not often felt like this?) ten souls came out for pardon.
We then went home to come again at half-past ten for an All-night of Prayer. Doors locked at eleven, Major Cadman with us, Capt. Condy, Capt. Malthouse, Capt. Mason, and others.
How to describe this meeting I confess myself at a loss, About 900 present, all expecting something great from God, and very many got what they looked for. The Major read and talked about an hour, then some good speaking by the Captains and Lieutenants, Mrs Halliday, and a Quakeress from York. When the pool was opened, I never saw anything like it; they ran fit to break their necks lest they should not get room. Oh, the praying and the searching of hearts, the singing, the Hallelujahs, and even dancing, the rejoicings, the declarations to live and work for God; that time will never be forgotten in Hull.
Tuesday night, full of glory, eighteen souls. Oh, Hallelujah! we shall win with the "Fire and the Blood!" Oh, Lord, send us victory after victory! Capt. CASE.
Hull III
The work is going on here. Big men and wicked women are seeking Salvation, and although we have to part with a great many, they being sailors, fishermen and bargemen or 'keel men' as they are called here; nevertheless, we rejoice that this blessed Salvation is being carried thus far and wide. During the past week, we have seemed to have one continual victory. Souls at every meeting. On Sunday last, God was, indeed, with us. In the morning, we put in a neighbourhood abounding with houses of ill fame, and, as we sang "Bright Crowns," we noticed more than one poor girl weeping bitterly. Then away for the Free-and-Easy, and it was a grand go, indeed. A hundred testimonies, Keel-Men, Butchers, Slaughtermen, Drunkards; all sorts. One man told how, on the first Sunday we opened, he came in wretched, and got worse, till he came and súrrendered.
Another told us that he had been over fifty years a drunkard; but was now saved and happy Then a little Soldier sang a verse, which seemed to electrify the folks, and we closed up with four in the fountain.
At night, our Barracks were full an hour before time, and God crowned our labours with thirteen souls, making thirty-one for the week. Scores going away under conviction.
Monday, Barracks full; ten souls more, among them three poor girls; and, again on Tuesday, nine more volunteered for the Saviour. Again, on Wednesday, although the wind roared and the rain came down in torrents, our brave lads and lasses turned out, and God rewarded us with nine more precious ones for Himself.
All three From, "The War Cry," page 4, 24th November 1881.
Hull II
Sunday last was a glorious day in the Ice-house, and we had some grand marches through the worst part of the town. Doors flew open, and windows went up, It was terrible to see the women, with their eyes black, and the skin off their faces. By God's help, we mean to have these people in the ranks of The Salvation Army; they will make good Soldiers.
We had quite a Pentecostal day in the Ice-house. The penitents crying for mercy, and our Soldiers were full of glory. Some jumped for joy and gladness of heart, and such a wave of Salvation came over the place, that we felt we were revelling in the glory.
One of our comrades said in a meeting, the other night- "A man asked me this morning. what I called "Sanctification; ' I told him I was so full of God that I couldn't help it; I must go out and speak for Jesus; and neither can I help it. If my voice was right, I would shout for Him; but, as it is, I must speak." Thank God, many have got the "I can't help it" complaint here. Another Soldier said, "I was walking through the town, when a man called upon me to fight him. I would not and he swore at me, and hit me in the mouth. I did not return it; I bore it as a man should, and told him I was not going to lose my soul for the sake of fighting, and, glory be to God, I felt saved all the time, and I feel saved now, and never mean to lift my hand to strike anyone. God bless you all."
We are having good times, and mean going on. Lord, send the power. Capt. MASON, for Capt. Case.
Hull III
Sunday was a splendid day, we had a real Hallelujah Meeting in the afternoon, and the people said we had all gone wrong, but we know better, and as we have found out what it is to enjoy ourselves with the boundless love of God in our hearts, we mean to do it, and hold back for no man. At the close of the meeting, six came out to make their peace with God.
At night, it was better still, at the close of a good Salvation Meeting the Captain told those who did not want Salvation to leave, and those who were anxious to stay behind, so a number cleared off; somewhere about fifty souls came out and sought the pardon of their sins.
We are going in for more souls. Hallelujah! Although this is a new Station, some of the worst characters in Hull have sought, and, as their happy lives now testify, found Salvation. Praise God! they found out that although the devil's apples had a fair shine they had a bitter core, and they are now on their way rejoicing in Jesus, the Mighty to save.
Private MorrIs for Capt. Byford.
Both from, "The War Cry," page 4, 1st December 1881
STONE LAYING NEW BARRACKS
On Saturday morning, in the Town of Hall, might be seen men and women of all ages, bustling to and fro, evidently with the intention of getting their work, marketing, and other Saturday et ceteras done as early as possible. They are, without a doubt, bent on some kind of pleasure in the afternoon. Between twelve and one o'clock, these self-same people might be seen hurrying their way to what is well known as the Salvation Ice House. They enter here, and now the object of their hurry and bustle is plainly seen. There is to be a grand procession of The Salvation Army. The Officers and Sergeants are busy marshalling their Soldiers as they come up.
It was a grand sight to see the soldiery bearing of the troops as they came up and took their places in the ranks. At 1.30, The General and Mrs Booth put in an appearance, when volleys made the place echo again.
A Vast Procession.
The procession being formed, we marched off as follows:-Captain Condy and Temple Colour-Sergeant on horse-back, followed by the Temple Corps and large Banner, next came the Ice House brass band and Corps (which was an immense one, lead on by Captain Case and his Colour-Sergeant on horse-back, then came the "Northern Light" in a light conveyance, dealing out 'War Crys.' Then came the attraction of the procession, the General and Mrs Booth, clearly indicated by the remarks made all along the line. "That's them!" and then a demonstration in the shape of the waving of handkerchiefs, or anything else that was handy. Behind them came
The Latest Addition,
the Fort Corps, led by Captain Byford. This Corps was not the largest, it is young and growing, and will very soon compare with either of the others. The tail of the procession was brought up by crowds upon crowds of people.
The turn-out was an imposing one, and demonstrated to every honest witness of it, that The Salvation Army is marching along. A great feature of the procession was two large targets, at which everybody was invited to "Fire away," with any of their superfluous wealth.
On we go. A triumphal march of about Half-a-Mile of Men and Women, four deep, witnesses for Jesus. Hundreds of whom have been picked out of the very depths of the gutter of sin.
About 100 Soldiers, principally sisters, were rushing along the streets, "Pushing The War Cry." A very noticeable feature was the emptiness of the public-houses. One publican had lifted his dog up to the window, to let him see the people who ran away with most of his company.
Arrived at the new building, the Corps were wheeled into their appointed positions. The General having taken his stand on the platform called for a volley, which was responded to by a sky-piercing "Amen!" About 10,000 people had, by this time, settled into order and quiet, and now the song, "Lift up the Banner," was sung. At its close, the General prayed for the blessing of God on the Meeting; after which, another song having been sung, Commissioner Sherwood read the 1st Psalm.
After a short address from the General, the ceremony of stone-laying commenced, by G. H Lennard, Esq., laying the first one, followed by - Brooks, Esq, — Haller, Esq., and Col. Pepper, who all addressed a few appropriate words to the immense crowd.
Mrs Booth expressed her great delight at what her eyes had seen during the afternoon, and declared that it was the intention of The Salvation Army to get all the people in Hull, man, woman, and child, to give their hearts to Jesus.
By this time, T.A. Denny, Esq., of London, had arrived to lay the centre stone, which he did in a hearty Salvation style, which pleased everybody. Having expressed the pleasure it afforded him to be there, and the gratifying sight he had seen, this picture in the great Salvation panorama was brought to a close with prayer, and the crowd dispersed.
Saturday Night in The Circus,
Everything was on a large scale. The General, Major Cadman, Commissioner Sherwood, Captains, Lieutenants, Soldiers, sinners; praying, singing, testimonies, all on a large scale. Praise God! It was glory. Everybody at home, enthusiasm beyond description.
The Sunday morning, at seven a.m., a lot sought an early blessing, and were not disappointed.
At ten, a grand march from Drypool Green to Circus and Ice-house. It was, in reality, The Army marching to Zion. We thought Hull would, to all appearance, contribute largely to the marches up there. What a procession! Sweeping all before us, we arrived at the Circus, which was soon packed, where we had a foretaste of Heaven.
Afternoon, no marches, both places packed. More glory, more blessing, more Hallelujah!
In quite a dull and steady downpour of rain, throughout the greater part of the day, crowds came.
Five p.m., crowds assembled outside. the Circus, and increased so rapidly that the streets were quickly blocked. When the doors were opened, the place was jammed, in a few minutes, with a living mass of 4,000 people.
Ice House then filled like bees in a hive. They clung to the pillars, or any place they could get. About 7,000 people in both places, and thousands outside. Inside, a glorious time. God blessed the Word, and altogether, about seventy professed Salvation. Hallelujah! It was glory. Joy on earth, mingled with the rapturous joy in Heaven, over returning prodigals. These meetings will never be forgotten, and eternity alone will reveal actual results. Capt. Sowerby, A.D.C.
From, "The War Cry," page 4, 15th December 1881.
Hull III
Last Friday about forty came out and gave up all, and of course got the blessing. Sunday at Knee-drill God made bare His arm and gave us one soul. In the afternoon we went with banner flying, music playing, and Soldiers singing, through some of the worst streets of the town. After a good half-hour's march we arrived at our Barracks, where close upon a hundred testified to the saving power of God, closed with three in the fountain.
Before six our little Barracks were full, then began our usual wedging, till over a thousand crowded into the fort which is supposed to hold 600. The heat was intense. At the close, although the old devil tried to take advantage of several fainting to make a disturbance, a lot of souls got blessedly saved, making nineteen for the day, fifty for the week. Oh, Lord keep us at it, Amen
From, "The War Cry," page 4, 19th January 1882.
(also, page 2, 9th February 1882)
(also, page 2, 16th February 1882)
(also, Hull II, page 3, 23rd February 1882.)
Hull I
Monday 6th, doors of the old Temple thrown wide open for prayer at mid-day. A surprise to everybody and the devil. Two hundred and twenty on their knees, the best sight I ever saw: scores of factory Iasses with shawls over their heads shouting and praising God. The people say, "What ever is coming next?": Some say this is striking proof that the end of the world is near. Glory, Hallelujah! we are ready for it. At night seven more sinners were brought to the feet of Jesus.
On Tuesday our prophetesses were at it again. Temple crammed out to the doors. The people came in flocks to hear those Soldiers. At the close four seekers at the Mercy-seat, one of whom had had to pay a fine the day before for getting drunk. She signed the pledge. May God ever keep her prayer. Wednesday was our Assembly Night; eight or ten Soldiers on their feet at one time. The "Prize-fighter" said, "I was never so happy in my life. I was saved last Wednesday and if I had known this way was so good before, I would have got saved years ago."
Saturday, at our Free-and-Easy, seven souls found peace, and a drunken navvy ran out wounded. The Lord save him!
Sunday morning. Knee-drill. One hundred and ten Soldiers pleading for the Salvation of sinners; very blessed time. At nine o'clock, on Dry Pool Green, it was a glorious sight. First on the spot were our Soldiers and brass band, then our string band or jubilee singers, then four Keel men carrying the large flag, followed by their mates, and a procession of 300 "Blood and Fire" Soldiers. We formed a monster ring, and in ten minutes 1,500 stood and heard about Jesus. We wound up the day with fourteen souls in the fountain. Hallelujah! Capt. CONDY.
From, "The War Cry," page 4, 23rd February 1882.
Hull II
We are still going on at Hull II in the name of our conquering King and father. It has been victory all the week. Hallelujah! 40 prisoners and lots of deserters have been caught and brought back and reconciled to the King. Glory to God! All the meetings have been grand especially Friday night's Holiness meeting. Oh! What a meeting, from 16 to 18,000 (this should probably read hundred) people present. The Holy Ghost took hold of the meeting and 100 came out to the mercy seat and consecrated their all to God. Five sought Salvation. It was a time of real dealing with God and a time of great rejoicing. Saturday night, Free and Easy, 133 reclaimed drunkards, swearers, wife beaters, rogues and all sorts testified for God. Glory to his name!
Sunday, past description, over 200 at knee drill and one saved. Morning Holiness meeting grand. Afternoon, roused the neighbourhood by the band and over 400 real “Blood and Fire“ soldiers on the march; Good time. Inside, sisters meeting and three babies to give to the Lord.
...Glory to God! We finished with 21 souls and nine deserters taken from the enemy.
Hull III
Sunday was a glorious day. We commenced at 7 o’clock with a grand time on our knees and when we arrived we felt ready for a day of real fighting. Grand marches all day.
In the afternoon 100 in ranks and with colours flying and music playing, we marched through some of the lowest slums of Hull, where music is very seldom heard except a stray barrel organ or the low filthy song of the musical. Glory to God! We had some of the devil's own in our ranks who a few weeks ago were in the tap room, but now are singing and shouting and praising God and smiling at the publican's rage as we march past the door.
Night was beyond description. Everybody felt the power of God. Sinners tremble all over the place.
Finished up with 40 precious souls in the Fountain; making 60 for the week and we are believing for still greater victories. Glory to Jesus!
From. 'The War Cry', page 2, 2nd March 1882.
Hull I
On Monday night the Barracks were crowded out, platform filled with keelmen in their guernseys. It cheered our hearts when we heard them tell how themselves, their wives and families were all saved, and happy in the Lord. At the close of the meeting, ten fish were hauled to land; and, on Tuesday night, when the keelmen's wives occupied the platform, nine more.
Wednesday, Asembly, testimonies full of interest, Over 200 drunkards, liars, thieves, harlots, backsliders, and moralists, told us how God, for Christ's sake, had saved them, Great shouting in the camp, and oh, it was glory in our souls! More at the Mercy-seat.
Thursday, a monster Holiness Convention, held at half-past two pim. in the Cambridge Barracks, and led by Major Cadman and Officers of the District. Soldiers and people came in crowds from each Station. Barracks soon full, and gallery thrown open, The Major spoke with real power and influence; Officers' experiences were clear and definite. When the pool was opened, there was a rush, and hundreds sought the blessing of a clean heart. Wonderful power, and a great Yorkshire shout of praise to God. When we wound up, all seemed dancing for joy.
On Sunday, the Temple was crowded throughout the day. Twenty-one souls at the Mercy-seat, making a total of fifty-three for the week. Hallelujah!
From, "The War Cry," page 2, 9th March 1882.
(Also, Hull II and III page 2, 9th March 1882)
Hull II
As soon as we got to Hull, the train had no sooner stopped than we lost all our luggage; and a fine brass band, three or four hundred Soldiers, and about one thousand people were waiting in the station yard. The band struck up, and away we went, "lost in wonder, love, and praise."
The Soldiers here soon made us feel at home. Oh! what a noble band of workers they are. The merry meetings that we had here beggars all description, the Holiness Meetings, the processions, the prayer meetings, the "Hallelujahs," the "Amens" at this Ice House we shall never forget, neither do we wish to forget them.
In five months we had 1,056 souls independent of backsliders, who professed to find peace, but better still, we entered 680 into the roll-book glory! glory be to God! Surely the vision of the white horses was from the Lord... It was a heart-breaking job to leave this place, but when you have promised the Lord that you will go anywhere without murmuring, you must go like a good Soldier. Well, we began to pack up. A Tea Meeting of Members was called, 700 sat down to tea, then with a procession of 500 strong, we marched round the streets, and the old "Hot" House is again packed to the ceiling; glorious meeting...
From, "The War Cry," page 1, 16th March 1882. (part of the story of Captain Valentine Case.)
Hull III
Thank God, we are having grand times at this little fort. Sinners are coming to Jesus every night. A grand reception was given to the new Officers. There were a lot of "Blood-and-Fire" Soldiers in Waterhouse Lane, or the Devil's Flower-Garden, waiting their arrival, when up they came. Then shouts of "Amens," and "Hallelujah!" Then into it we went, firing red-hot shots at the singers, inviting them to leave the devil and come to Jesus. We marched to the fort and found it filled. Hallelujah! grand meeting inside, some of the biggest drunkards thanking God for what he had done since The Army came.
At the Sunday morning Knee-drill, we had the power of God with us. We asked the Lord to bless us, and to save souls, which He did, morning, afternoon, and night; nineteen for the day.
On Monday night, Waterhouse Lane again; guns were charged, and we commenced firing away at the sinners. Seven souls again for Jesus. Tuesday night, Lowgate End; although it was wet, we were there inviting the sinners to come to Jesus. Thank God, they did, twelve more in the fountain. Capt. George, Kilbey.
From, "The War Cry," 30th March 1882.
Hull IV
Great battle, devil defeated, another fort taken. On Sunday the battle of Drypool was fought. This has been a stronghold of the devil; regiments with brass bands marched over 6 miles. Drypool Green and Corporation Field are large centres. Thousands of people assembled. The beating of drums, blasting of bugles, firing the volleys, shouts of warriors and waving of banners, past description. Devil fled; prisoners captured. New barracks packed inside all day, crowds wanting to get in. Morning, hundreds stood upon their feet in the presence of the King, declaring they would fight or die for his Kingdom. Afternoon and night were the scenes of slaughter. Rows of wretched men and women slaves of the devil, were captured and brought into the Castle of the King and received pardon, were then made soldiers and commenced firing upon the enemy. The four places were packed. The list of the slain is not yet made up.
From, 'The War Cry', August 1882.
I do not know where the meetings were held.