As Heritage Day approaches on September 24th, let us take a moment to reflect on the rich history of The Salvation Army in South Africa. From humble beginnings to hundreds of Corps and Centres that spans South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini and St Helena, our history reflects God’s faithfulness in every moment. It’s a story that deserves to be preserved and shared. That’s why it’s so important for every Corps and Centre to create and maintain a History Book.
Imagine the ship Warwick Castle docking in the Cape on February 24, 1883, with Majors Francis and Rose Simmonds and Lieutenant Alice Teager onboard. Their arrival marked the start of an incredible journey that benefits us all today. Though none of us were there to witness these events firsthand, the fact that someone took the time to record them allows us to honour and learn from their story.
We only know these stories because someone took the time to write them down.
Our history is not just about triumphs but also about overcoming struggles. The early Salvationists faced numerous challenges, yet they persevered. Knowing that those before us struggled and overcame can be a powerful reminder for us to keep moving forward. The rapid growth and success of early Corps like Claremont and Barberton, and the significant outreach commenced in KwaZulu-Natal, highlight the enormous impact of those who paved the way for us. Our past is rich with stories of lives transformed and communities impacted—stories that will continue to inspire future generations, but only if they are recorded. Here’s a crucial truth: we only know these stories because someone took the time to write them down. Without these records, the richness of our past—the triumphs and trials—would be lost to us today.
As Heritage Day approaches, think about the incredible gift we can give to future generations by creating a Corps History Book. Imagine a team of dedicated individuals coming together with a shared passion to gather, preserve, and record the rich history of your Corps or Centre. This team could collect treasured stories, document significant milestones, list previous Officers, and even possibly digitize records to make them easily accessible. By coming together in this effort, we ensure that the powerful legacy of our Corps is not only remembered but also celebrated. It’s through this commitment to recording our past that we honour those who paved the way and can inspire others to continue the journey of faith.
This Heritage Day, let’s not only remember where we’ve been but also look forward to where God is leading us. Together, we can preserve our past and inspire future generations to keep the flame of faith burning brightly.
We’d love to hear from you! Let us know if your Corps or Centre already has a History Book or if this reflection has inspired you to start one. Stories and records are invaluable in preserving the legacy of faith and service that defines The Salvation Army. Let’s work together to ensure that every Corps and Centre across the Territory has a History Book to celebrate and document God’s goodness and faithfulness.