In times of need
It’s often said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence” – of being there in times of need.
With the outbreak of World War One in 1914, The Salvation Army set up a tent at the Liverpool Camp at Holdsworthy (pictured right) to service the troops in training to go overseas. In his book, The Army that went with the Boys, Lieutenant-Colonel Bond wrote: The tent was later replaced by a temporary hutment with two towers as a better place to provide services. This hutment was a means to bring cheer and blessing to the soldier. The Institute comprised a reading room, refreshment bar, and a meeting room; there was also other aspects such as a cloak room, in which a soldier might store his gear, a writing tent etc. By 1918, there are reports of this hutment being the centre for a Sunday School for those children outside the camp.
When a train crashed near Liverpool station in November 1965 a team of Salvationists set up a refreshment post and served tea, cool drinks, biscuits and scones to the workmen engaged in clearing the wreckage. The team, led by Liverpool officers, Major Dot Hyde and Mrs Major G. Merton, were able to provide emotional support to the workers, as well as practical refreshments.
Today, The Salvation Army in Greater Liverpool provides relief from poverty through its welfare services, Moneycare financial counselling, low-cost Family Store and two Food 4 Life markets in Warwick Farm and Busby.
