Failsworth
From Sawiki
| Failsworth |
 |
| Territory: United Kingdom Territory |
| Division: Central North Division |
| Opened: 6 June 1891 (as Hollinwood) |
| Corps Number: 1376 |
| Location: 572 Oldham Road, Failsworth, Oldham, M35 9DQ |
| Current Officers: Captains Stephen & Lindley Oliver |
Contents |
Corps History
Opening Fire
The 'War Cry' of 27 June, 1891 reported: "Hollinwood has just been opened (6 June) by Mrs Major Hodder, with Captain Green and Lieutenant Brown. The first open air meeting was held in Wickentree Lane. Tremendous crowds and the barracks packed to excess".
Early Buildings
The hall used initially was the Jirah Baptist building, later to be converted into the 'Pop In' cinema, and more recently used as a glazier's warehouse opposite the junction of Bower Lane with Manchester Road.
In 1912 the Corps occupied premises at Racliffe's Mill in Wharfe Street, and in 1914 under Ensign and Mrs Skinner moved again to Hudson Street, where it continued for eleven years. In 1925 a site on Manchester Road was obtained and a new custom built hall was erected. Much has been done since to match the limited accommodation to our changing needs, but for those who can recall the event, the move into brand new premises for the first time was an occasion of great importance in the history of our Corps. This was during the stay of Commandant and Mrs Albert Fay, and the building continued in use for 65 years, almost two thirds of the life of the Corps.
The current hall opened 30 September 1995. The move from the Salvation Army Hall on Manchester Road, after 70 years, was necessitated by a Compulsory Purchase Order placed on it as part of the M60 extension work in the area. The new church building was purpose built for the congregation and has proved to be an incredible asset to the growth of the congregation and the programme. The hall is registered at the Land Registry under title numbers GM679554 and GM806719
Early Converts
Amongst those attracted to the early meetings was Mary Lunn (Mrs Kirkham), beginning an association with the Corps which has continued unbroken to the present day. These early converts, under their dedicated leaders, embarked upon an adventure in service for Christ which many have since undertaken.
The new methods of preaching the gospel were not appreciated by some of the public, but the 'Army' had come to stay, and the drum, cornet and tambourine which were used to attract the early day crowds have long since ceased to cause surprise.
The first quarter of a century of our history was a period of rapid growth. Photographs from the period provide some evidence of this. Many converts were made, and the continued existence of the Corps as a source of evangelism in the neighbourhood is a tribute to the commitment of its leaders, the dedication of local officers, and the loyalty of generations of faithful soldiers working together in the strength of the Lord.
Modern Witness
At the present time the influence of our forbears can still be seen in the continued loyal service of second and third generation Salvationists, still engaged in the work of Christ, first begun in the Corps one hundred years ago.
Much has happened to affect the nature of our outreach ministry in recent years. Increased volume of traffic on the roads, increased leisure and changing patterns of life have all had their effects. The face of Hollinwood itself has also radically changed, and much of the property on our immediate district has already disappeared or will soon be affected by developments. For these reasons the 'Army' is now less frequently seen 'on parade' on the streets. Nevertheless, open air activities continue and, with the increased availability of private transport, we are able to extend our area of operations to many of the outlying districts, seldom visited in earlier years. This work amongst the people where they live is still an important part of our evangelical witness, and is greatly appreciated by those to whom we are able to minister in this way.
Other contacts with the people in the community have also been developed, and we are privileged to be invited into many local homes for the elderly where the warmth of our fellowship and the message of the gospel bring cheer and comfort to many who are lonely and infirm.
Band & Songsters
From the earliest days music has played a significant part in the propagation of the gospel. Band and Songster brigades have made valuable contributions to the meetings, both indoors and in the open air. By 1897 a small band had been formed under Brother Joseph Sutcliffe, who transferred from Oldham Citadel and became the Corps' first Bandmaster.
By 1915 the Band had become well established and in this year Albert Reed became Bandmaster. He held this position for 40 years. On his retirement in 1955, Harry Kirkham was appointed to the position and continued to carry the responsibility until Kenneth Sillence, the present Bandmaster, succeeded to the position in 1974. Together these three leaders have filled the position for 75 years, an impressive record covering three quarters of the life of the Corps. During this time the Band has travelled widely throughout Britain and beyond, and has made occasional appearances on radio and television.
Officers
| Year Posted | Officers |
|---|---|
| 1891 | Mrs Major Hodder, Captain Green, Lt. Brown |
| 1914 | Ensign Skinner, Mrs Ensign Skinner |
| 1925 | Commandant Albert Fay, Mrs Commandant Fay |
Officers from Failsworth
Over the years a number of soldiers from the Corps left to enter into full-time service as officers of the Salvation Army. The first of these were the late Majors Blanche Day, and Maude Evans and Commissioner Fred Griffin. Each of these officers gave a lifetime of dedicated service. Others followed and most recently Lieutenants John and Sue Whalley have taken up appointments in the Social Services of the Salvation Army. We wish them well and pray God's blessing upon them in the work to which they have committed themselves.
Charity shop
The corps maintained a charity shop for a while on the Manchester Road in Hollinwood.
