The CSB was privileged to attend the 120th annual Newfoundland and Labrador provincial congress June 23-25 in the twin cities of St. John’s and Mount Pearl.

Events were kicked off with a pre-congress concert on the Thursday night in which the band was warmly received by a capacity audience at St. John’s Citadel. Of course, no visit to “The Rock” would be complete without the playing of Norman Bearcroft’s Songs of Newfoundland, written for the band’s first tour of the island in 1971. As invariably happens, the entire congregation of native Newfoundlanders and visitors alike rose spontaneously to sing the majestic Ode to Newfoundland as the music swelled to a glorious conclusion.

Opportunity was taken during the program to recognize the service of Bandmaster Kevin Hayward, who was conducting his last Canadian concert before relinquishing his responsibilities on July 31. Major Ron Millar, executive officer, presented Kevin with a signed Salvation Army Song Book from the band in appreciation for his leadership of the band since June 2002.

In addition to the congress meetings, the band also participated in officers’ councils on Friday morning at St. John’s Temple and the official closing of the St. John’s College for Officer Training on Saturday afternoon. The service, held indoors due to inclement weather, saw the college chapel packed to standing room only, with a large overflow in the foyer and beyond. The CSB felt privileged to be asked to play for such a significant event in the life of the territory.

The Saturday night commissioning meeting was another highlight. Filled with emotional significance, it included a march-in of members of past sessions of cadets who had trained at the college. The audience was moved to see this embodiment of a continuous response to God’s call, representing the steadfast dedication of Newfoundland Salvationists over successive generations.

Following the more sacred ordination ceremony, the meeting took on a tone of joy and celebration as the new officers’ appointments were acknowledged. Then, to conclude what had been an emotional day for many, the Newfoundland East Divisional Youth Band joined the CSB to present a stirring arrangement of the Gowans and Larsson song:

To a God like this we come with gladness;
From a God like this why should we hide?
To a God like this we bring our sadness;
By a God like this our tears are dried.
With a God like this we’ll face the future,
For a God like this will set men free;
And from this day on we’ll be his people,
And from this day on our God he’ll be!
The words represented the united affirmation of Newfoundland Salvationists in response to the significance of the occasion. As the momentum continued, Canadian national and provincial flags were brought in from the back of the arena and waved to symbolically express the “passing of the torch” from Newfoundland Salvationists who would now train in Winnipeg and go forth to serve throughout the territory. Embracing the spontaneity and joy of the moment, territorial leaders joined in a Gaelic dance as the massed bands played an excerpt from Peter Graham’s “Gaelforce” in a final celebratory moment.

Events continued on Sunday with large crowds gathering at the Mount Pearl Glacier for a day of spiritual sensitivity and inspiration. As usual, crowds of seekers lined the mercy seat during the evening salvation meeting. The arena became a vast hall of prayer as dozens came forward to surrender to the claims of God upon their life.

It was an honour for the CSB to participate in this historic congress and we are grateful to those who welcomed us into their homes and provided hosiptality throughout the weekend. Regrettably no opportunity was given this time around for a longer tour of the province, but hopefully this is something that be arranged at some point in the future.

- Major Ken Smith

(Photos: Gerry Boland)