The History of Chelmsford Corps

The Salvation Army’s First Year in Chelmsford

Early in 1886, the Salvation Army decided to expand into East Anglia, a campaign closely covered by the Essex Chronicle. I would like to express my thanks to the editor of the Essex Chronicle (E.C. in the following) for his permission to use these reports, which are in italics in this article. The first short reports were in March 1886

E.C. March 5th 1886 p 5

The Salvation Army

The visit to Chelmsford of the “flying column of the Salvation Army” is fixed for Tuesday and Wednesday next when a “two days campaign” will be conducted.

E.C. March 19 1886

The Salvation Army in Essex. Exciting scenes “The Flying Column of the Household Troops” has been continuing its march of 130 miles through the eastern counties this week. In our last issue we reported the progress of the detachment as far as Chelmsford which place they left on Thursday 11th instant.

E.C. April the 2nd 1886 p 5.

The Salvation Army.

As a result of the visit of the “Household Troops” to Chelmsford, a large room at the Red Cow, British Workmen has been engaged for a temporary barracks by converts. The Red Cow was a Temperance Hotel, situated at the junction of Rainsford Road (extension of Duke Street) and Broomfield Road.

Just four months later the Army was ready to move into their new barracks in Springfield Road. Now things started to warm up, and the residents really began to take notice, as did the “Skeleton Army”.

E.C. 6 August 1886 Page 5

Opening of barracks at Chelmsford

The opening of the new barracks of the Chelmsford corps of the Salvation Army and the removal of the head-quarters from the Red Cow British Workman to Springfieldroad has been the occasion of a three days’ demonstration by the Army. On Saturday evening at seven o’clock the members held a “review” in the Cattle Market, and marched thence to the building in Springfield-road, followed by some hundreds of the “enemy”. The barracks consist of the second storey of premises formerly occupied by a coach builder. The room is approached by a steep and narrow staircase. There is accommodation for about 400 persons, but this was quite inadequate for the requirements of Saturday, and a considerable crowd remained outside

during the whole of the service. The entrance to the hall was guarded by three policemen, who with several others, under the superintendence of Mr Raglan Somerset, had accompanied the parade. The proceedings within were carried on with scarcely any show of hostility.

“The presentation of colours” which was the event of the evening, was made by Staff Captain Bennett who, better known as the “Black Prince” (so names by William Booth because of the dark colour of his skin) visited Chelmsford a few weeks since (March) with the “Flying Squadron of Household Cavalry”.

The Captain, in some remarks before the ceremony, regretted that Major McKie, who, it will be remembered, had command of the cavalry, was unable through illness to be present. On Sunday four services were held and were overflowingly attended. They consisted of a “knee drill” at seven o’clock, a “holiness meeting” at half- past ten, an “exhibition of trophies” at three, and “Salvation for all” at half-past six. A monster tea fight” was held on Monday evening.

“Knee drill” may sound particularly painful to people unfamiliar with the Salvation Army, but was simply the ‘military’ phrase used for kneeling to pray.

compiled by Dave Heath