Salvation Army
The members of the Salvation Army Home League (Buntingford Branch) had an enjoyable outing on Monday last.
Starting for Southend early, a half for refreshment was made at Chelmsford.
The party arrived at Southend soon after 10 a.m., and spent the day by the sea.
Returning from Southend at 6 p.m., Buntingford was reached about 10 o'clock.
It was a most enjoyable day for everyone.
Buntingford
Armistice Day
Armistice day at Buntingford was celebrated in a very solemn manner.
At 10.30 a.m. a procession was formed in Church Street. The procession comprised the Town Band, under Bandmaster E.Smith; strong muster of Ex-Service men, under the command of Captain G. Scaborough Taylor; the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, under Scoutmaster C. Miles; Girl Guides, in charge of Miss N. Ashford; and a section of Special Constables.
The procession marched to the town War Memorial, where the Ex-Service men and other bodies took up their allotted positions. The Rev. A. Howard, the Rev. Byers-Jones, Mr F.J. Cole, and the Buntingford Corps of the Salvation Army joined the parade at the War Memorial.
A large number of townspeople took part in the memorial service, which opened with the hymn "O God, our help in ages past."
The following a stirring address by the Rev. A. Howard, who said: "We are assembled here this morning around our War Memorial, first to thank God for victory and peace, and to remember the truth of the words on the Memorial on the wall of St Peter's, "Theirs is the Victory." Then we must remember and be thankful for the splendid courage of the men who laid down their lives for their King and Country, their home, and we hope also, their God.
We need to pray that we may show our gratitude by leading fearless, selfless, Christ-like lives. That those still sorrowingg over the empty place, or places, in the home may be comforted by the "Father of mercies, and God of all comfort." We will pray, too, specially for the Ex-Service men and others still suffering in various and grievous ways from the effects of the unspeaklably awful war."
He concluded with the striking words of General Smuts: "We semm once more to be hanging [?] into a dark night, and the outcome of the new adventure is hid from everyone but God. Yet I have a conviction that out of all this evil, good will come. The great moral causes of humanity were born not in victory but in defeat, and they are all being defeated today."
The Church paper from which called comments as follows: "What braver text could there be on which to found an appeal for the re-dedication of our country to the will and purpose of God in faith, that his kingdom will come."
After the address, Captain G. Scarborough Taylor read out the names of the glorious dead, whose names are perpetuated on the War Memorial. At stroke of 11 a.m. the Ex-Service men, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides were called to attention, and the two minutes' silence observed.
After the hymn "Fight the good fight" had been sung, prayers were said by Mr F.J. Cole, the new minister at the Congregational Church.
A large number of beautiful wreathes were laid at the base of the Memorial. The Ex-Service men's wreath consisted of laurel leaves and Flanders poppies, tied with the national colours. Other wreathes were from the members of the Congregational Church, the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides, the Senior School and the Special Constables.
After saluting at the foot of the memorial, the parade marched up to the Market Hill. The band played the National Anthem, after which the parade dismissed. Many persons attended the Special services which were held at St Peter's, and at the Congregational Church, immediately after the ceremony.
The Boy Scouts Shrine, which throughout the year has tributes of flowers, due to the kind attention of Miss Lushington, was specially decoated with evergreen and Flanders poppies.
A special Memorial Service was held at the Congregational Church during the evening. There was a croweded congregation, and the Buntingford Town Band accompanied the hymns.
The new minister, the Rev. F.J. Cole preached an inspiring sermon. He took for his text "Oh, for a drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate." The collection at the evening service amounted to £3 4s., which was devoted to Church funds, and the British Legion Local Relief Fund.
Salvation Army
Capt. Pollock and Lieut. Peacock, of the Buntingford Branch of the Salvation Army, left the town yesterday for new appointments. They succeeded Capt. Sweet and Lieut. Moore 12 months ago.
A special farewell meeting was held in the Salvation Army Hall on Monday evening, when the good wishes of the members was extended to the officers. The Salvation Army Home League also extended good wishes.
The new officers, who take over today (Friday), are Capt. Green and Lieut. Andrews.
S.A. Anniversary
The local corps of the Salvation Army celebrated their 34th anniversary by a successfil tea, which was admirably arranged by the local officer, and took place on Saturday afternoon October 30th at the S.A. Hall.
In the evening Col. Zealley from headquarters gave an address, and he also conducted two services the next day at the S.A. Hall. By kind permission of the Minister and Deacons, Col. Zealley on Sunday gave an address in the Congregational Church on "The Romance of the S.A."
There was a full congregation, and the address dealing with incidents connected with the Salvation Army from its start, was most interesting. Mr H. Cutts kindly presided at the organ, and the hymns, from the hymn sheets distributed, were sung with great heartiness. All enjoyed the service.
At the close Capt. Winifred Green, senior local officer, thanked the Minister and Deacons for permitting them to hold the service in the Congregational Church.