This is a monthly report from the Salvation Army station here.
Davey reports about a hundred souls the last two months. Last Sunday place fuller than ever; six souls; £3 6s. offerings. A man-o'-wars man says: "I came ashore the other night, and fell in with some pals and got drunk, was robbed by some women; lost my way, nearly lost my soul; but God has saved me.''
The all-night meeting here last week was a time of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. A night to be remembered throughout eternity. Hallelujah!
From, 'The Salvationist', September 1879, page 252.
THANK God the war still rages here against the powers of darkness, and many are the slain of the Lord. Hallelujah! While the half-hearted and lukewarm have stopped to criticise and condemn, or turn and run away, the faithful few have pushed the battle and stood by the standard of the Cross, and we have victory through the blood. The police authorities are helping all they can. To God be all the glory. Many soldiers and sailors have left this port for foreign lands, and they write to say, although the Salvation Army is not there, their Captain is, and He who saved them keeps them. Many homes and hearts that a few months ago were filled with darkness and sin are now lit up with rays from the Sun of Righteousness...
From, 'The Salvationist', December 1879, page 326.
A week of successes.
Hall, full every night. Mid-day prayer meetings well attended; souls saved every day. Yesterday, grand victory; both Landport and Southsea crowded; hundreds unable to get in. Grand meetings; fifty came to the penitent-form. All classes were there. Fifty Soldiers amongst them; deep conviction. We are looking for tremendous victory in Portsmouth. Police are very kind; not the slightest opposition. In the whole neighbourhood, people welcome us. More room is required. The largest building could be filled easily. Juvenile Army Meetings larger than ever. One thousand in procession, with Drum and Fife Band. Gave a free Tea, on Friday, to 1,600. His Worship the Mayor sent letter of sympathy and donation.
From, "The War Cry," page 2, 24th November 1881.
Portsmouth I
(Capt. Lloyd) — These people have been crying out to God a long time, and now He has heard them. Last Sunday morning, 104 met at seven a.m. to get ready for the day. These meetings are something grand. We had Colonel Colvile with us all day. At night, both Halls were crowded; lots outside. The power of God was not only on us, but in us. When the invitation went forth, twenty-three came and gave their hearts to the Lord. Monday night, grand time. Ten more came to the Lord.
From, "The War Cry," page 3, 1sr December 1881.
Portsmouth II
(Captain Strong).—Sunday was a day never to be forgotten; commenced at seven a.m. Soldiers were filled with the holy Ghost, and felt determined five, at the least, should be saved. Circumstances were, seemingly against us, but, at night, oh, the power! While the Captain was speaking of procrastination, he gave an instance of a young man to whom the power was applied. Holy Spirit was working - tears from one end of the Hall to the other. Soldiers were in agony with God, and, at last, yielding came, and seven precious souls found their Redeemer. Angels shouted and we clapped hands, feeling it was glory in our souls!
From, "The War Cry," page 3, 29th December 1881.
We have had a week of hard fighting at this Station. The devil is raging which is a good sign. Sunday, grand day full of power. The Lord visited us by his Spirit at night. Hall packed, many turned away. Three came out on the Lord's side. - Portsmouth 2.
From, "The War Cry," page 3, 12th January 1882.
(also page 3, 9th February 1882)
Portsmouth I
(Captain Pope) —I arrived on Thursday, February 2nd and found a lot of "Blood and Fire", Soldiers willing to fight for God and souls any time and everywhere. Friday night was a good time. Nearly every night souls are coming to the feet of the world's Redeemer and getting a free pardon. Thursday night we felt, from the commencement of the meeting, that God was with us. And, Hallelujah, nine precious souls came out to Him who never casts the seeking soul away. Sunday was a day of wonderful power and cleansing: splendid soul-stirring marches and grand meetings In the afternoon two men came out and found peace. We ran two Halls on Sunday night, both full and hundreds turned away. When we counted up at the close we had thirty precious souls: making sixty since we arrived here. Amen. To God be all the glory.
From, "The War Cry," page 3, 23rd February 1882.
Portsmouth I
(Capt. John Pope).-Lieutenant Hoggard writes: "During the week we have had some splendid meetings. Souls at every meeting. Monday night, nine souls. Tuesday, Soldiers Assembly: splendid time. Wednesday, eleven souls fountain. Thursday, six. On Friday night, we had one of the best meetings we ever had. From the beginning it was felt that we should have a glorious time. God came down and filled us, as we sung the first hymn-
"When I survey the wondrous Cross,
On which the Prince of Glory died"
Saturday night, eight in the fountain. Sunday, good day. Twenty-two souls; making sixty-two for the week. May God keep us going onward and upward.
From, "The War Cry," page 3, 23rd March 1882.
Portsmouth Ii
(Capt. John Strong) The Secretary writes, "Splendid meetings are being led by "Happy Emily," the Gloucester Lass and souls are being saved. Sunday we had mighty power all day: open-air services grand. We had a donkey driven through the ring twice. At night, the power came down with such effect as to make the people shake. The glory of the Lord filled the place, and a holy calm pervaded the meeting, While
"AlI I have I leave for Jesus"
was being sung, the walls of Belial began to totter and precious souls cried for mercy.
From, "The War Cry," page 3, 13th April 1882.
17 Lake Road no longer exists.