Editorial

Welcome to the first edition of The Christian Mission Historical Association's journal. This publication reflects the growing interest in the history of the Salvation Army, not only at local level but also at national and international levels. The aims of the Association are: To assist and encourage the recording of Salvation Army history and the preservation of heritage. To publish an Annual Journal providing news of historical research in Salvation Army and related fields. To facilitate the exchange of historical material. To take Salvation Army history to a wider audience. To publish occasional papers. The Association has already answered a number of local, national and international queries and will help any individuals, groups, Corps, Divisions and Territories that request it to do so. Such help is free of charge and is conducted by volunteers whose interest (possibly passion) is Army history. As part of the aim to facilitate the exchange of historical material, our first sales list contained over 125 books and items of interest. 20% of money raised went to the Association. Over 50% of the items were sold and a number of 'wants' have been recorded. Another list is in the process of being drawn up. It must be stressed that we are not in opposition to the Salvation Army's own Heritage Centres but rather in support of them. We hope that the United Kingdom Territory will establish a Historical Commission to safeguard the history and heritage. This could even be an International Commission, thus reflecting the pivotal role of the International Heritage Centre. The Christian Mission Historical Association was initially launched with considerable publicity in late 1998 as the Salvation Army Historical Association and received widespread interest and support from a variety of Army and non Army sources. A meeting was arranged with the Heritage Centre in London to see how we might work together. It was surprising therefore that some months later (February 1999) a letter was received from Colonel Houghton (Chief Secretary) by the Association's Secretary. In it we were asked to desist from using the Army crest, to stop using the name Salvation Army and cease from asking for contributions. He further suggested that the Association might collaborate with the Heritage Centre as they had asked us to do. He offered to meet with the Association and the Heritage Centre to see how we might further our mutual aims. Colonel Houghton is a very gracious man and we immediately had a meeting in London to discuss the then named SAHA. He accepted that he had been misinformed about SAHA for instance it was SAHA who approached the Heritage Centre and a meeting was already arranged. He also accepted that the word "contributions" in our literature referred to this journal. We explained that our use of the crest and the words "Salvation Army" were based on past precedence, including the use by a recently established private collector. Colonel Houghton accepted that we would drop the crest and the name so that despite our literature clearly stating we were independent, there would in future be no possible confusion. This was communicated to all concerned along with an official request to consider how the Association and the Salvation Army might work together. It is regrettable to say that well over six months later we still await a reply! Membership and Subscription Notes As of 1 November 1999 CMHA has 23 fully paid up members around the world. There have also been several recent enquiries. The money raised by membership subscription and the sales goes on the printing and postage costs for the journal and sales lists. Membership will fall due in January of each year and because of our initial success, the 2000 membership subscription rates will be £4.00 for the United Kingdom, £5.00 for the rest of Europe and £6.00 for the rest of the world (journal and Sales lists). Convention There have been a number of suggestions that a Convention be held next year. It may well be possible to have such an event in the Autumn of 2000, perhaps in Southern England. Those who would like to present a paper or have any comment on the idea are invited to contact the Editor. Occasional Papers The Association is always willing to hear from anyone with suggestions for an occasional paper. Manuscript guidance is available from the Editor. Copyright All articles are copyright and may not be reproduced without the consent of the author and the Editor of this journal. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor, Christian Mission Historical Association, 3 Sandringham Villas, Wilder Road, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9QA, United Kingdom.