Blantyre Salvation Army

Blantyre, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Blantyre history

Blantyre Salvation Army

Salvation Army Citadel
Thomas Dunsmuir Hartman wrote, “On the right hand side traveling north up Forrest Street would be the side entrance into the homes and the Black’s Bakery, after that you came to one of my favourite places as a child, The Salvation Army Hall. My little pals and I used to go down to the hall in a Sunday afternoon for our Ginger and biscuits all free, and you were encouraged to sing at the top of your voice, which I could not do in my own home, it was just great.

We did not know what we were singing about but with biscuits and ginger who cared. We were all little tough guys, so girls always suffered. After we came out of the service, if you can call it that, we would immediately start making fun of the Salvation Army, like singing songs about them. One I can remember went.

The Salvation Army free from sin all went to heaven in a corned beef tin.
The corned beef tin began to smell, so they jumped out and landed in h–l

I have to-day the greatest respect for the Salvation Army, and in my books they are the very best, in all that they do”.

The Citadel, Forrest Street, Blantyre, shortly before demolition.

Back Row: Hannah Nelson, Duncan Patterson, Minnie Conquer, Betty McGill (me)
Front Row: Ann Henderson (later Patterson), Francis Borland and the officers Bindeman (I used to shop for his wife as she did not keep well.) I was 14 years old when the photo was taken and my memories of Duncan Patterson, who was known as uncle to everyone, and what a wonderful person he and his wife were to the young people. He also served as Sunday School Superintendent. In Photo No: 16 he is seen with the younger children.

Photo by Mary Wood, Names by Betty McLean

Names by Betty McLean.

Just below the second crease, second in on the third row is George Baillie. He was also very kind as often he would pay the bus fare to allow the teenagers to attend meetings in Glasgow. Going to the end of the third row is Duncan Patterson. Names by Betty McLean.

Lieutenant & Mrs Binderman & Bramwell, Christmas 1952

Duncan Paterson and Francis Borland, I am not sure of the others.

Names by Betty McLean

Taken at the top of Elm Street, Blantyre

Recognize anyone?

Duncan Patterson, Sunday School Superintendent with some of the younger congregation.

Salvation Army in Hamilton

Photos sent in by Mary Wood

Betty McGaulley says, “The Savation Army operated a Soup Kitchen behind Allen’s Fish & Chip Shop on Glasgow Road in the late 50’s and early 60’s.”

My sister Cathie told me that when our sister Cissie died in August 1951, The Salvation Army were the first at our door in Baird’s Raws.

Blantyre, Lanarkshire, Scotland

The Salvation Army worship meetings are open to anyone – there’s no need to wear a uniform to participate. You will receive a warm welcome at all of our centres.

While you do not have to be a member of The Salvation Army to attend worship meetings, or to receive practical help and support, there are two ways of making a commitment through the church.

Becoming a soldier – a member of a Salvation Army church – is a voluntary personal commitment arising from a personal spiritual conviction.

Adherent members do not wear the uniform but are committed to The Salvation Army as their church and, as such, can identify themselves as members of The Salvation Army. It is the opportunity to explore your faith and how you best express is.

Salvation Army churches are led by officers (ministers). All officers are soldiers who feel they have been called by God into ministry through The Salvation Army. They then begin the process of becoming a Salvation Army officer.

Soldiership

One way to be a member is to become a soldier.

This is a voluntary personal commitment arising from a spiritual conviction. You will be invited to attend classes to explore the beliefs and practices of The Salvation Army, which will include exploration of your spiritual experience and the way in which this impacts on your lifestyle choices.

When a Salvation Army soldier is enrolled – officially joins the church – they publically demonstrate their decision by signing and adhering to the soldier’s covenant. Soldiers make a choice whether to wear the uniform or not based on their personal convictions.

Adherent members

Not only is it important to The Salvation Army that adults find a place to worship and have the opportunity to become members, but that children and young people are included in this.

Children can also make a voluntary personal commitment to serve God through The Salvation Army, too. Through junior soldier classes, children can learn about God and make their own commitment to explore their spiritual experience and the impact it can make on their life choices.

In a public ceremony, they will sign the junior soldier’s promise to become a junior soldier member of The Salvation Army. Whether they wear the junior soldier’s uniform or not is up to them.

Becoming a Salvation Army officer

This calling is tested through assessment, practical experience and reports from various sources inside and outside The Salvation Army and supported by The Salvation Army as a church.

‘I lived a whole different life previously – drinking, partying. I didn’t mind giving it up – I didn’t want it.’

Successful candidates usually follow a two-year residential training programme – with an option for distance learning – to prepare them for life and ministry as a Salvation Army officer. At the conclusion of this training a service of covenant and commissioning takes place and the new officer is appointed to a specific community and church. For the next five years there is continual learning and feedback.

Explore more about our faith, mission and life being a Salvation Army officer through these blogs:

Vision For Today: A New Strategy For Delivering And Supporting Mission

Blantyre Salvation Army

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