Red Deer Corps

In May 1907, there were news reports that temporary quarters had been secured in Red Deer and that a branch would be established by summer. However, these plans fell through.

In February 1908, another attempt to establish a Red Deer presence was made. There was an outdoor service on the intersection of Gaetz Ave. and Ross St. as well as evening services in the Lyric Theatre. Although attendance was excellent, a permanent local corps was not organized.

By 1911-1912, Red Deer had entered one of the strongest booms in its history. Newcomers flooded into the community. While most people were able to quickly establish themselves, several others, particularly young male transients, found themselves with no place to live and short of funds.

Unfortunately, the boom also brought a dark side to the community. There was an explosion in liquor consumption, particularly by single young men. Illicit gambling became a significant problem.

These were social ills with which the Salvation Army had a lot of experience. The Church was also highly skilled at helping the homeless and those facing destitution.

Hence, the Salvation Army renewed its work in establishing a permanent presence in Red Deer. To use the words of the news reports of the time, the Salvation Army “Opened fire against sin and the devil” with an open air, Saturday night rally on July 6, 1912. Despite a steady downpour of rain, a good sized crowd turned out to hear the speeches and testimonials.

The crowd then proceeded to the Orange Hall on Stewart (53) St., where there were more rousing speeches, moving testimonials and impressive music by the assembled Salvationists, which included representatives from Winnipeg, Calgary and Wetaskiwin.

The new local corps was commanded by two women, Ensign Alice Pearce and Lieutenant Florence Peacock. The meetings and services were held in such places as the Orange and Oddfellows’ Halls as well as the Lyric Theatre. As the year progressed, these services and meetings were held as often as four times a week.

On Aug. 20, 1912, General William Booth passed away. A special memorial service was held at the Orange Hall in Red Deer. As an indication of the respect that the community held for General Booth and the Salvation Army, the local Red Deer Citizens Band volunteered to perform at the service.

In November 1912, Major McLean of Winnipeg, who had presided at the initial meeting on July 6, returned to Red Deer to secure a local barracks. However, with the boom time conditions, suitable space was either unavailable or unaffordable.

The problem of securing a permanent location was something which was to dog the local Salvation Army for a number of years to come.

On Aug. 4, 1914, the First World War broke out. Hundreds enlisted for service overseas, including many of the local Salvationists. Finances became tight and most public fundraising was devoted to the war effort. Nevertheless, the Salvation Army distinguished itself with its charitable work both to those serving overseas and their families at home.

During the war years, the Salvation Army occupied a number of leased premises including the old Royal Theatre and the Humber Block, both on Gaetz Ave. In 1918, the Salvation Army was able to establish a permanent citadel when it purchased the Red Deer Steam Laundry building on the north west corner of Blowers (51) St. and MacKenzie (49) Ave.

Now that it had a permanent home, the Salvation Army moved ahead. It was also bolstered by the tremendous goodwill it had earned during the War.

When the first Red Shield Appeal was launched in 1919, several prominent citizens went out with the Salvationists as they canvassed door-to-door. Moreover, in 1921, the Alberta Government passed legislation to allow rural municipalities to make annual donations to the Salvation Army. Many did so, often with the understanding that there wouldn’t be any canvassing conducted at the same time.

The period between the First and the Second World Wars was generally marked by hard economic times. The Salvation Army did what it could to help relieve the distress. Major harvest festivals were held each fall to collect food for the needy There were also clothing drives to make sure that families had adequate clothing, particularly in the cold weather months.

Meanwhile, the Salvation Army continued its religious work, as well as its charitable activities. At times, as many as four services were held each weekend. In order to boost interest and enthusiasm, talks and presentations were organized using officers who had served with special projects in Canada and overseas.

The Salvation Army bands from Calgary and Edmonton were always a popular attraction. Crowds were often so large that the local Rex Theatre was hard pressed to accommodate all those who turned up for the performances.

Frequently, the Salvation Army bands performed outdoors, on the corner of Gaetz Ave. and Ross St., or in what is now City Hall Park. These outdoor concerts and revival services were usually well attended, even in inclement weather.

In 1939, the Second World War broke out. A large military training camp was established north of 55 St. Once again, the Salvation Army provided tremendous assistance, both to the ‘home front’ community and to those overseas.