Remembering the Empress of Ireland

May 29, 1914 is a day forever tied to the history of The Salvation Army.

On that day, in the chilly early morning hours, Canadian ocean liner Empress of Ireland sunk in the St. Lawrence River, taking with it almost 150 Salvationists.

The regal ship was a reliable one, having made 95 transatlantic crossings between Canada and Europe before its tragic sinking. The ship was bound for Liverpool, England, carrying 161 Salvation Army personnel and their families to the International Salvation Army Congress in London. A westbound Norwegian coal carrier, SS Storstad, collided with Empress on its starboard side, sinking it in just 14 minutes. Of the 1,477 people on board, just 465 passengers and crew survived. Among the almost 150 Salvationists lost were the Territorial Commander, the Chief Secretary, and 29 of the 41 Canadian Staff Band members.

On August 11 of this year, more than 150 people gathered on Manitoulin Island to learn about The Salvation Army’s ties to the Empress of Ireland. Taking place at the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong for History Day in Kagawong, the Empress of Ireland’s story was featured at the museum thanks to Rick Nelson and the local historical society team.

“The Salvation Army is deeply grateful to Rick Nelson, and the Old Mill Heritage Centre for honouring the Salvationists lost in the sinking of the Empress of Ireland. This extraordinary exhibit is a wonderful tribute to those who live on in our memory,” said Glenn van Gulik, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations with The Salvation Army Ontario Division.

Historian David Saint-Pierre told the story of the Empress while Major Ron Millar, Director of The Salvation Army’s Archives spoke of Army’s connection to the worst peacetime marine disaster in Canadian history.

The exhibit runs for the rest of the summer at the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong.