Living History is a new series showcasing just a small assortment of the more than 350,000 items housed at The Salvation Army Heritage Centre in Toronto. This month, we are spotlighting the centre’s musical instrument collection.
As long as there has been a Salvation Army, music and banding have been important elements of the church. As General William Booth, co-Founder of The Salvation Army, is believed to have asked, “Why should the devil have all the best tunes?”
Salvationist singers, songwriters and bands have been renowned the world over, so it is fitting that the Heritage Centre boasts many musical holdings of “note.” Here are some unique instruments from their collection:
Auto harp purchased in Moncton, N.B., from an Eaton’s mail-order catalogue in 1928. It was owned by Mrs. R. Evenden (Florence Jessie Alice Walker), who was an officer from 1925-1934, and used by her while she was serving in the Maritimes.Jerome Thibouville-Lamy brass pocket cornet manufactured for the A. & S. Nordheimer store in Toronto. It was played by Major Duncan around the turn of the century in a group composed of violins and guitars, called The String Band, which toured Ontario extensively in the 1890s.German-manufactured Victoria melodeon accordion with 10 single-row push buttons. This accordion was used by Major C. Bowes, circa 1950-1959.C. Wheatstone & Co. of London concertina, with 48 buttons. The velvet-lined case with label is inscribed “C. Wheatstone & Co. 15 West Street, Charing Cross Road, London.” This concertina was used by Lt-Colonel John Wells during his time in China, circa 1940.Double bell euphonium made by C.G. Conn in Elkhart, Ind., circa 1912-1913. The double bell euphonium is a duplex instrument based on the euphonium. The larger bell produces the mellow tone of a standard euphonium; the second smaller bell has a brighter tone, similar to a baritone horn or valve trombone. The two bells can also be used for special effects, such as echoes, using the distinctly different tone of the two bells for a single musician to give the effect of call and response.
Photos: Camilo Mejia/The Archives of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory
It was a rousing start to the Jesus Our Compass International Leaders’ Tour with General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, who visited St. John’s, N.L., this past weekend. The moving of God’s Spirit was evident on Sunday morning as 500 Salvationists packed the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland for worship. Lt-Colonels
Living History is an ongoing series showcasing just a small assortment of the more than 350,000 items housed at The Salvation Army Heritage Centre in Toronto. This month, we spotlight a pen holder and wallet owned and used by General William Booth. In the 19th century, pen and ink ruled the world of communications, and General William Booth was
The Jesus Our Compass tour continued in the British Columbia Division this week as Salvationists converged on Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby, for Sunday worship with our international leaders, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham. The Holy Spirit’s presence was felt as many gathered at the mercy seat for prayer following
Leave a Comment