Vlaardingen Band
From Sawiki
About The Band
The Salvation Army experienced great difficulty in establishing a presence in Vlaardingen which, at that time, was a small conservative fishing community. After several unsuccesfull attempts an old barrel maker's factory was converted into an Army hall in 1902, although it was not until 1906 that Vlaardingen Corps was officially opened. Those first meetings were far from peacefull and fights broke out on numerous occasions.
However, the Army quickly became the focus of attention as well-know drukards, rioters and mockers were converted. Even the band when started in 1907, consisted mainly of converted drunkards!!! Since those early days, with its 6 new converts praising and testifying to the glory of God, Vlaardingen Band has developed into an all round Salvation Army Band.
Things haven't been easy though as not only the First World War (1914-1918), but also the Second World War (1938-1945) were extremely difficult years. During the later period many of the bandsmen were transported and forced to work in Nazi Germany. With the band greatly depleted, women in the corps spontaneously learnt to play an instrument and took their place in the band. Vlaardingen Band has always been active and evangelical campaigns have been conducted throughout the Netherlands.
Visits were also made to Belgium (1961/1964/1965/1981/1984), Germany (1979), France (1983) and England (1980/1993/1998). Participation in the biennial National Bandsmen's Councils and the town's annual rememberance day ceremony have become permanent fixtures on the band's agenda as are other regular activities such as open-air services, playing in senior citizens' homes and services for inmates of Scheveningen prison. Motivated by personal conviction and guided by the Holy Spirit, the bandsmen and bandswomen of the Vlaardingen Band devote their time to the proclamation of God's Word. In everything, they endeavour to be true to the band's motto;"the best for the Highest".
