A History of the Salvation Army in New Zealand, 1883-1929

Abstract

I was cradled in The Salvation Army. My parents stood under The Army Flag and dedicated me to God and The Army. Among my earliest recollections are those concerned with Salvation Army activities. I can remember struggling against the desire to sleep in a Salvation Army prayer meeting battle, about nine-thirty at night, with men and women going forward to kneel at The Army's Penitent-form; I can remember seeing my father carrying the Army Flag at the head of The Army's procession, and can well remember him starting, on the march, the singing of Would you know why I love Jesus, Why He is so dear to me? 'Tis because my Friend and Saviour, He will ever, ever be. From my earliest years, therefore, I had heard the stories of Salvation war in New Zealand. I talked with some of the officers and soldiers who had pioneered The Army's operations in this land. Later I became a Salvation Army officer, served as a field officer, as a welfare officer with the troops during World War 2, and also later filled administrative posts on The Army's Territorial Headquarters. I learned much concerning the inner workings of The Army's military machine; I was called upon to study its history, and to examine all phases of its work.