Page 63 - WW1 - 1917

Redditch Local History Society Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1

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The Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch Messenger – Saturday 7 July 1917

The Salvation Army – On Sunday Redditch received a visit from Mrs Branwell Booth,
wife of General Booth of the Salvation Army. The Palace theatre was taken for the services,
and unusual interest was shown in the day’s proceedings, the theatre being crowded at each
of the three meetings. In the afternoon the chair was taken by Mr A. C. Milward (chairman
of the Urban District Council, and he was supported by representatives of all the churches in
the town and the Superintendent of the Police. The platform also included major de Groat,
who had only a few days previously returned from Japan and Holland. – Mrs Booth kept the
audience spellbound as she spoke of the work of the Army during the war, and the help they
were able to render on the field of battle. They had one hundred and one huts, and they
were endeavouring in every way possible to alleviate the suffering and help the men at the
front. She also spoke of the work on the foreign field, and the great demands made upon
them. So far their work had not been hindered by the war, but it had extended. A brief
address was also given by Major de Groat upon the work of the Army in Japan. – Mr H. T.
Milward, Mr C. Terry , and ministers of the town also took part in the meeting. The theatre
at the evening service was filled to overflowing, many people being unable to obtain seats.

© RLHS 2014 Page: 63