Norwich bulletin., 1910-05-19
HISTORY OF THE LOCAL
 SALVATION ARMY CORPS
How the Work Which Captain and Mrs. Douglass Is Doing Was Started and is Being Carried On.

How the Work Which Captain and
 Mrs. Douglass Is Doing Was Started
 and is Being Carried On.
 A friend interested in the Salvation Army has contributed the following sketch of their work in this city:
 The work of the Salvation Army all ways interests. The soldiers in their uniforms of blue, and the lassies in their quaint and not unbecoming bon nets are generally noticed by all. A peculiar work was that which the young preacher, Booth, undertook in England. His first sermon was preach ed with his back against wall and umbrella over his head to shield him from the rain, which fell in tor rents. With this example before them, his followers have always dared wind and wave and all sorts of wealth CT in order to carry on the work they have undertaken
 About twenty years ago the Army opened work in this place and the corps stationed here did a good work for the beterment of moral conditions in the city. In the religious meetings conducted at the time there were many notable conversions, and the greater part of them are now enlisted in the different churches of the place. This is a bit of evidence to refute the often repeated charge that the Army con- Verts only stick" while the novelty of the drums and the cymbalS remains. The work here was given up after q time and the corps was ordered to other fields. The effort was in the ma ture Of a pioneer movement. blaz- ing of the way for guidance in future endeavors along the same line Three years ago the 18th of last October, when the former presence of the Ar my's lads and lassies had been almost forgotten, Captain and Mrs. Locke were ordered here to open the work again.
 Once more the drum was heard as the Salvation Army marched through the streets, singing, preaching and praying. The work was very promis- time they had hall and quarters in the Beckwith property, on Main street, but since have moved their hall to the Chapman building, on Bath street, and their quarters are at 325 Franklin street. From the beginning the Army has employed peculiar methods in it's work, relying largely on the outdoor meetings and the holding of testimony tion is a strong feature of all meet ings. With these methods so different from those employed by the churches much good has been done in Norwich. but of greater effect in reaching the hearts of the people is the charitable work and house to house visitation by which the Army seeks out those in want and brings to them the aid need ed. The annual Christmas dinner for those who cannot buy for themselves is another work which the Army car ries on.
 The sincerity of workers in the Sal vation Army is seldom questioned, yet if it should be by any, let one consider for moment the remuneration which the field workers receive. An ensign is paid the munificent salary of sS sim gle, married S11; captain, single s7, married S10; a lieutenant S6- The only TOnF isff ar he of Ta ATrO VI c furnished living rooms. For this hand some remuneration these field officers work early and late, in summer heat and winter cold. No, it is something more than financial repayment which leads these people, many of whom p1ave been reared in homes of ease and lux ury, to go into this work, to endure it's hardships and privations: more than this, the salary often fails to come, as every expense of the corps must be met before the officers may be paid: and 1T there is not enough left to pay all, their salaries come pro rata
 Captain and Mrs. Thorne had charge of the work here for fouteen months, and while here did a good work. After them came three sets of officers, who well On account of sickness and other unforeseen hindrances. The present officers are Captain and Mrs. Claud Douglass.
 The Army Is a cnurcn society, with a regular membership organized along military lines, and all of it's work is carried on with military precision. Of Hcers in charge of the different local corps are usually transferred annual 1y, but changes may be made quarter ly if desired for any real reason, thus in the last few instances in the Nor wich corps on account of sickness.
 In the scheme of government of the Salvation Army the New England states are regarded as province, of which 1. the commanding officer headquarters in Boston. Four districts form the province, Norwich being in the southern New England division with divisional headquarters at Hart ford. Conn. Every corps sends in it's reports weekly to the divisional officer ard the books and general condition of the separate corps are regularly in Spected. The system is such as to in sure faithful effort on the part of all.
 The pay is small-a decided tenden- cy to keep out those who might be looking for an easy life with good pay and litle work. The Army tries to convince by it's work that it has real feeling and a genuine sympathy for all in distress. By. comforting those in sorrow it opens it's way for it's lected by these methods. By showing it's sincerity at all times, the Army has secured a strong hold upon public esteem.
 With the beginning of spring and the installing of new officers let us Norwich will be of great benefit and lasting effect during all the months and years to come.
 Shrinsrs at Hartford.
 Attending the session of Sphinx tenn