Guelph Citadel Encouraged to Grasp a Larger Dream
On March 30, Guelph Citadel celebrated its 130th corps anniversary with special guests Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley, chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries. Sunday morning’s service included joyful musical presentations by the singing company, young people’s band, songsters, senior band and Colonel Sharon Tillsley.
In his sermon, Colonel Mark Tillsley congratrulated the corps on its many years of faithful service to the community and beyond. Using the Apostle Paul’s example and message to the Christians in ancient Phillipi, he exhorted the congregation to victoriously handle the “failures, dead end streets and changing circumstances of life.” He reminded the congregation that “there is no such thing as a perfect church” and we would be wise to choose to cultivate a thankful heart, including viewing any hurts we might receive within the fellowship as opportunities to mature in our faith. “The church is for the broken and God uses life’s detours to guide us in the right path,” said Colonel Tillsley. “Trials can wreck us or enable us. God is able to redeem our failures. We must ask him to teach us to say no to a lesser dream and to grasp a larger dream.”
After the morning service, the staff of Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Homes served a celebration luncheon. Major Morris Vincent, divisional commander, expressed gratitude especially for all of the local leaders in the corps and encouraged them and others present to keep their focus on Jesus Christ who justly judges our service to him.
Reg Broughton, retired corps sergeant major, captivated the 240 people present in recounting significant corps events, including the opening of the Army’s ministry in Guelph by a band of Salvationist who conducted an open air service on March 9, 1884, in St. George’s Square, downtown Guelph, with 1,500 people present. He said that in 1886 a Guelph Salvationist was arrested and put on probation for playing a tambourine in public! Reg encouraged the young people to dream for an even brighter future and reminded them that their commitment and leadership now will be be the legacy they pass on to the next generation.
During the luncheon, Major Bertha Abbott, corps officer, acknowledged the presence of Olive Hamilton and her adult children. Olive is the granddaughter of Captain Emma Churchill (later married to Envoy Charles Dawson) of Portugal Cove, NL, who led the pioneer group that started the Army’s work in Guelph.
Before General Bramwell Tillsley (R) closed the day’s activities with prayer, Colonel Mark Tillsley reminded those present that the Army’s ‘glory days’ were not restricted to the past. He said that in travelling throughout Canada and Bermuda he’s been encouraged by signs of a spiritual reawakening, especially among young leaders who are seeking a deeper experience of personal holiness. He related, for example, that “Some corps previously dormant are now coming back to life, the territory is fiscally sound and the annual territorial music camp at Jackson’s Point has grown in attendance from 75-85 to 200. Colonel Tillsley strongly encouraged Guelph Salvationists to attend the upcoming territorial congress in Mississauga, Ontario, stating he was especially delighted at the large delegation from Quebec already registered for the event.