In times of need
It’s often said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence” – of being there in times of need. When an explosion killed nine men at the Cadia iron mine near Orange in 1921, two Salvation Army officers (Ensign McIlveen and Captain Williams) were the first religious representatives at the scene to comfort those affected. Indeed, The Salvation Army suffered a loss of its own, as Orange bandsman Charlie Moore was killed in the explosion. The War Cry of 26 March 1921 reported that two days before his death he held a little meeting with the men, and sang: I want to be a Soldier of the Cross, brave-hearted and true. I want to be a Soldier of the Cross, I do! I do! I do!
The coal strike in 1949 was another occasion of extreme hardship for the people of Orange and the surrounding districts. The Salvation Army was stretched thin, providing clothing and food to those in need. The Orange Salvation Army history book records that one woman with four children had been reduced to eating bread and dripping.
Another way The Salvation Army has been serving disadvantaged families in the Orange communities for many years is with gifts at Christmas time. The Orange Salvation Army history book says December 1931 was the commencement of this ministry: Mrs Hood, of Tantallon, offered to finance a Christmas tree for disadvantaged children if Sister Isobel McLachlan would organise it. Many people became interested and the results far exceeded expectations. A concert preceded the giving of gifts to the children – the Mayor, Alderman Blowes, presided and 541 presents were distributed. Today, the annual Christmas Toy Run in Orange generates more than 1000 presents and gift cards for The Salvation Army to distribute to those in need.
