The day this Station was opened, it was announced that at ten o'clock, Major Davey would lead the forces to attack the enemy on the Quay. At about nine o'clock, the people began to gather round the place, waiting to see The Army march aloing with band, flags, etc; but when ten o'clock came, I marched on the Quay with two little Lasses. We began to sing and talk for some time to an immenee crowd. One of the papers says it was the largest crowd ever seen in Torguay: and many say they never saw so many people at a regatta. When we walked to the Barracks, there were thousands of people on the route,
After a struggle, we reached the Barracks (a loft), which we have seated to hold about 900 people, but I should think there were a thousand inside, and about 500 of them men, who, it was evident , seldom, if ever, saw the inside of a place of worship. They ran off the top of the forms, and began to make a noise, and took charge of the platform.
I was firm but kind with them and soon had things right, and these rough men and lads, who were so ready for every kind of sin and devilry, sat and listened as if for their lives, and had to brush the tears from their eyes. The afternoon, we were tremendously packed. Some of the Brixham fishermen gave their experience, and some friends from Exeter did good service. Everyone seemed to feel we were come to talk about eternal things.
We were again packed at night and crowds could not get in. We had nine souls. A man and wife knelt side by side, and they wept and cried sorely for mercy, after which they all told in a few, but simple words what God had just done for them. The police were very kind, and gave us good assistance. God bless and reward them.
MAJOR DAVEY.
From, "The War Cry," page 1, 2nd March, 1882.
For the first time in my life I went into this beautiful watering place, Friday, March 3rd. Captain Richardson had arranged a Holiness Meeting for the afternoon, to which rich and poor, and men and women, of all classes and creeds, soon flocked. Close dealing was the motto for the day; and very soon thirty-one souls fell at the Mercy-seat, and pleaded for full Salvation.
Sobs and tears were very plentiful, and soon followed with beaming faces and songs of joy.
"I will give it up, Oh! Lord, I do surrender myself, my all my idols; do cleanse me. Thou dost do it Lord, I do believe it; I do believe it; I dare believe it," and similar language came from many lips. A similar meeting was held at night, and about thirty more sought pardon and purity.
From, "The War Cry," page 2, 16th March 1882
(Capt. Flo, Richardson).-A private correspondent writes: Thank God for the Salvation Army's coming to Torquay, for my own soul has been cheered, and they have been the means, in God's hands, in the Salvation of my brother, and not only my brother, but hundreds of my fellow townsmen. We have had a mighty shaking of the dry bones. Six hundred have been saved during the five weeks they have been in Torquay. Men and women of all classes, Some are brands plucked from the eternal burning. Men sixty years old, and women as well. Praise God!"
From, "The War Cry," page 3, 6th April 1882.
I do not know where the meetings were held.