THE SALVATION ARMY’S FORTRESS.

Evening Star, Issue 8767, 7 March 1892, Page 2

THE SALVATION ARMY’S FORTRESS.

Among the officers of the Army present at the flag-hoisting ceremony aud dedication of the new fortress in Dowling street on Saturday afternoon were Colonel Bailey (the chief commander of the forces in New Zealand), Major Rolfe (of the Southern Division), Major Robinson (of the Central Division), Adjutant and Mrs Hoare (junior secretaries for Now Zealand), Captain Osborne (of Christchurch), and Captain Wilson (of Dunedin). Most of the officers of the Southern Division were also in attendance. After a few selections had been given by the band, Colonel Bailey mentioned that it was about seven months since the foundation stone of the fortress had been laid. The Dunedin corps had now got a building which would be a credit to the City and a glory to the Salvation Army, and when they got inside they would see that they never thought it would be so nice as it was. He would now ask Mrs Downie Stewart to hoist the flag. Mrs Downie Stewart having, amidst cheers, hoisted the flag to the top of the pole-erected over the main entrance, said : I hereby hoist this flag as a signal that the Salvation Army takes possession of this building in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the salvation of souls and for carrying on the work of the Army in harmony with the principles upon which it is established for the glory of God and the helping of mankind. .... Formal possession of the building having been given to the Army by Mr Lambert, the architect, the doors were thrown open and the public admitted. A number of officers gave brief addresses, all the speakers expressing their high appreciation of the building, and their joy at being present at its opening. Dorlflg intervals between the speeohes several vocal selections were given, including a solo by Mrs Hoare j and collections were taken up in aid of the building fund. A “ free and easy,” held in the evening, was attended by about 800 persons, and was of the usual demonstrative character. Several “soldiers” testified to having been converted, addresses were given by Colonel Bailey and others, and there were vocal and instrumental selections. Four services were also held yesterday, a “ Salvation meeting being held in the .evening, when the building was unable to accommodate all those who sought admission. It is expected to raise something like L6OO by the present demonstratipns. To-night there will be a musical festival, when the “ junior singers will give the pnblio a taste of their quality; and to-morrow afternoon there will be a gift auction in aid of the building fund, numerops gifts .have been F e^ d b y friends of the Army. 4t Qi ? ht a monster tes meeting will be held. '