Chatham Corps Celebrates 130 Years

by The Salvation Army in Canada
Categories: ONG News
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The Salvation Army Chatham Corps recently marked its 130th Anniversary with a weekend of special celebrations.  Guests for the occasion were Territorial Leaders Commissioners Brian & Rosalie Peddle, former Corps Officers, accompanied by the Ontario Great Lakes Divisional Leaders, Lieut.- Colonels Lee & Debbie Graves. Commissioners Peddle were appointed to Chatham in 1988 and spent four years as leaders of The Salvation Army in that community.

MP Dave Van Kesteren presents greetings from the Province of Ontario.

Celebrations commenced on Friday evening with an Anniversary Dinner attended by soldiers adherents and friends of the Corps, past and present, along with a number of dignitaries from the community including Mayor Randy Hope, MP Dave Van Kesteren and a rep from MPP Rick Nicholls.   The Mayor presented a plaque congratulating The Salvation Army in Chatham on 130 years dedicated service to the community.  Commissioner Rosalie Peddle shared a message during the evening.

Saturday morning got off to an early start with a Men’s Breakfast at which the Territorial Commander shared a report on the work of The Army around the world with those who gathered.

Then on Saturday evening, the second annual “Christmas with The Salvation Army” concert was held at the Capitol Theater in Chatham with over 600 in attendance.  The Chatham Corps brass band started off the evening with a rousing rendition of “Chatham 130”, a special march written just for this occasion by Major Ken Smith, Assistant Territorial Music Secretary.  Following the band, the Chatham Timbrel Brigade delighted the audience with a routine entitled “Christmas Joy”.

Also included in the program were several numbers by the Chatham Christian School Junior Choir under the direction of Lynn Tilley of the Chatham Corps who teaches at the school.  Vocal soloist Claudia Davison, a former member of the Chatham Salvation Army, thrilled her listeners with a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night” followed by “My Grown Up Christmas List”.

Commissioner Brian Peddle in his address encouraged the audience to welcome the Babe of Bethlehem into their hearts and to allow God to become part of the “Next Chapter” in their lives.

The sanctuary was filled on Sunday morning for a service of praise and worship under the leadership of the Territorial Leaders.  Commissioner Peddle enrolled three new Senior Soldiers and urged those present to be ‘real’ in their faith during his message.

 

Mayor Randy Hope presents a plaque in recognition of 130 years of dedication service in Chatham. L to R: Capt. Andrew Watkinson, Capt. Stephanie Watkinson, Mayor Randy Hope.

Cutting of the 130th Anniversary Cake. Back Row (L to R): Capt. Andrew Watkinson, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, Commissioner Brian Peddle, Corps Representative Ian Tilley, Capt. Stephanie Watkinson, Lieut.-Colonel Lee Graves, Lieut.-Colonel Debbie Graves.

Commissioner Brian Peddle enrolls three new Senior Soldiers during the Sunday Morning service. L to R: Capt. Stephanie Watkinson, Capt. Andrew Watkinson, CSM Paul Stratton (holding the flag), Commissioner Brian Peddle, Katelyn Wright, Deborah Wright and Larry Schofield.