WHILE congregations at many other Bournemouth churches are dwindling, the Salvation Army is continuing to attract around 1,500 worshippers to its Sunday services.

Phil Carey, 88, from Southbourne has been a Salvationist for eight decades. He told the Daily Echo: “Unlike many of the traditional churches, who are losing worshippers, we continue to appeal to all ages.

“Like them, we sing hymns and psalms but our services are uplifting and vibrant. Our churches are like little communities.”

There are Salvation Army Corps in Boscombe, Winton and Pokesdown where it all started in the early weeks of 1885.

A modest gathering in James Roberts’ front room in Norwood Place heard General William Booth’s war cry and decided to respond.

The former Methodist, who founded the Salvation Army in 1865, introduced the military theme because he felt members needed discipline to reach the Christian standards to which they aspired.

Apart from the government, the army is now the largest provider of welfare and social services, feeding the homeless, visiting the elderly and comforting troubled youngsters.

Entirely self-funding, Salvationists still rely on selling copies of the War Cry in pubs, rattling collection tins in shopping centres, charity shop sales and performances by army bands and choirs.

Kind-hearted Salvationists work quietly behind the scenes and around the clock ensuring that those in need do not go without.

Regular activities include friendship meetings, mother and toddler sessions, youth groups and coffee mornings. Much-needed hot meals are provided for rough sleepers at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth on Friday and Monday nights. The vital service was recognised by the Queen in 2008 when Mary Randall from Winton Salvation Army was awarded an MBE.

  • Many events are being organised to mark the 125th anniversary of the Salvation Army in Bournemouth this year. Watch out for more details as they emerge in the Daily Echo – we’ll keep you posted!