SALVATION ARMY MARCH OF WITNESS AND RALLY

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28413, 21 October 1957, Page 7

SALVATION ARMY MARCH OF WITNESS AND RALLY

Flags waved and caps lifted in the keen southerly wind as the 700 delegates to the Salvation Army youth congress, now meeting in Christchurch, began their march of witness from Cranmer square to the Civic Theatre yesterday afternoon. Before half of the marchers had passed the saluting base outside the theatre, the sun faded and a shower of hail began. Younger members of corps units broke ranks and ran for shelter, but most of the delegates completed the march past. Lieutenant-Commissioner R. S. Harewood, of Territorial Headquarters, Wellington, who took the salute, stood on the dais with his face lashed by hail and rain. The last group to approach the dais was a contingent from the Salvation Army Training College in Wellington. Soaked to the skin and cold, its members straightened up and passed Commissioner Harewood in perfect formation singing an army chorus. A small crowd of watchers, huddled under shop verandas, raised a cheer.

Many youth groups from the different corps took part m the march and the sombre tones of navy blue were lightened by the bright colours of scout and. cub. guard and sunbeam uniforms, and the gay ribbons attached to tambourines and berets.

The dismal turn of the weather did not damp the enthusiasm of those who attended the rally in the Civic Theatre. The theatre was filled almost to capacity, and rousing choruses and mass testimonies dispelled the discomfort of sitting in damp clothes.

The stage of the theatre was extended beyond the proscenium and accommodated the Christchurch Citadel Band, the official party, and a choir of more than 100. Corns flags flanked the stage

and the words “Christ Is The Answer” were emblazoned across the foot. Address to Rally

Brigadier Frank Saunders. Territorial Youth Director for South Australia, gave the address to the rally. He praised the founders of Christchurch for their foresight in establishing a city with a church as its central point. "With the rising nationalism of Asia, the tensions of Europe, the indecisions of America, and the cynicism of Australia, the world is in a state of tension today as never before.” he said. "From the times of Nero until Hitler and Stalin, there has been opposition to the church. While the church is true to her given trust, she will rise triumphant and purified from each new opposition.”

Church services and churches could be very beautiful with rituals and adornments. Brigadier Saunders said. However, the only glory Christ wanted in His church was the holiness of its members "The church fears not the opposition of unbelievers, but fears the worldliness of its members." he said. “The principles of Christian living are given i?y the letters of the word ‘church’— Christ. Holiness. Unity. Redemption. Charity. Helpfulness.

“With unity we must have union, and with the need today for church union, we must forget denominationalism.” he said. “The danger of sects and schisms is that they bring care for minor matters of little import.”