Volume Four   . . . .
Volume Four Contents  

An Unusual Record Label  - Colin Waller
August 201h 2002 marked the ninetieth anniversary of General William Booth's promotion to Glory, the news of which sent not only the Salvation Army but the whole nation into mourning, such was the esteem and high regard in which he was held by the general population. Contemporary photographs show dense crowds, five or six deep, lining the route of the funeral procession, which consisted of some seven thousand Salvationists and forty bands, as it made its way to Abney Park cemetery. Queen Alexandria attended the memorial service which was held at London's Olympia. Little wonder that within a few days of the Founder's passing, he was commemorated in a secular song.

"He was a grand old man, 
Who did a world of good. 
He was a soldier of the cross, 
Who died as a soldier should. 
For ever with the Lord, 
His earthly task is o'er. 
The victory's won. 
God's will be done. 
But we shall meet on that beautiful shore"

Written in the form of a heroic ballad, the melody, like the lyrics, incorporates complete phrases of For ever with the Lord, and In the sweet bye and bye. The song quickly found its way into the Music Halls and onto record, Winner 22Q7, the label of which is reproduced over the page and shows colours which even after ninety years are still vibrant.

The reverse side of this acoustic record features Nearer My God to Thee, the hymn inextricably linked with the sinking of R.M.S Titanic on 14/15 April 1912. Throughout the country Salvation Army Corps and Bands in particular responded to that tragedy, held memorial services and solemn marches and collected in excess of one thousand pounds for the Titanic Disaster Widows and Orphans distress fund.

Commander Evangeline Booth was present on the dock side in New York, when the rescue ship Carpathia docked. Among the survivors she greeted and ministered to were Sister Elizabeth Nye (see CMHA Journal Vol. 3) and Sister Mrs Abbott, both uniformed Salvationists. Mrs. Abbott was rescued after five hours drifting on a raft, during which time her two teenaged sons drowned before her eyes. It was reported that "..they died like true Salvationists".

Also among those who perished was W. T. Stead, Editor of The Pall Mall Gazette, a great friend and supporter of The Army, who had actively and successfully campaigned with Bramwell Booth to raise the age of consent. Elizabeth Nye's story has a happy ending, for along with Evangeline Booth on the dockside was another officer, George Darby, the recently appointed national bandmaster. He obviously made an impact on Elizabeth, because she entered training and the following year became Mrs. Captain George Darby.
Editorial
The Salvation Army Philatelic Convention 2002
A Year in The Life Of The International Heritage Center
Corporal William Clamp V.C.
The Start Of The Salvation Army In Croydon
1985 Carols at Christmas Benham's Silk Covers
Building The University Of Humanity In Camberwell
An Unusual Record Label
A Forgotten Hero
Book Reviews
S.A. Regal 78 Association
Salvation Army Films