Can You Help?

From time to time friends and members send requests for assistance and we are delighted to circulate their requests. Here are two – please help if you can.


Why should the devil have all the good music? 
Studies in the Salvation Army Mission through Music

Major John Martin
PhD – Musicology

Overview

Since its inception, The Salvation Army has discovered and encouraged new ways to express its faith and purpose through worship and music. This dissertation initially examines the historical foundations and developments of mission through music in the United Kingdom Territory. Significantly, it establishes and analyses current practices in the 21st Century, within the United Kingdom.

The Salvation Army is a relevant and active body within the community. As such the approach taken acknowledges the work with current churches, Officers, composers, and departments. The music of The Salvation Army is contextualized using primary source evidence housed at the ‘Music Ministries Unit’ and ‘Alove’; the specific ministry of the International Staff sections analysed. By using ethnographic case studies the dissertation determines how adequately The Salvation Army is responding to both the traditional and contemporary settings of Corps and Centres through its use of music ministry. In recent times, The Salvation Army has promoted the use of music and text from the pop culture and music theatre to project the gospel whilst providing acceptable and culturally relevant performance opportunities for its musicians. 

The aim of this dissertation is to reveal the importance of music within contemporary practice and to critique the various methods at play. As mission becomes more creative, elaborate and diverse, can music be used to good effect? With the commitment to provide mission opportunities through the emerging church, corps plants and cell church, how does and should music play its part? Does the music of The Salvation Army adequately reflect the youth culture of 21st century Britain? What is revealed is that music can act as a preacher to compliment, express and support the mission of the Salvation Army within contemporary society.

If you feel able to help John in any way, he can be contacted via email at John.Martin@salvationarmy.org

Delegate Stamp Booklet

I received a booklet of the 1965 GB Salvation Army stamps that was described as a Delegate Booklet. The front cover is printed in black on white with a royal crest printed in light blue. It opens out to three pages with the SA stamps hinged on the page and information about the stamps on the next page. On the back it is inscribed "With the compliments of The Postmaster General The Rt. Hon. Anthony Wedgwood Benn MP 9 August 1965 General Post Office London".

Can anyone help me with the numbers printed and given to delegates. I can be contacted at kevin_keast@optusnet.com.au