The blood and fire in Canada : a history of the Salvation Army in the Dominion, 1882-1976

Author:R. G. Moyles

Summary:"The Sally Ann: it's part of the Canadian scene-kettles on Christmas streetcorners; the War Cry in taverns; the music of tambourines and brass; the Red Shield Appeal; the less-visible but important work with police and courts to comfort the lost and the despairing. But few Canadians are aware of the dramatic and exciting history of the Salvation Army in Canada. The Blood and Fire in Canada is a fast-moving and fascinating account of that history, illustrated by marvellous period photographs and drawings. The Army's earliest days in Canada were full of excitement. Salvationists, ecstatic with the message they were bringing, invaded communities in loud and shocking force. Sometimes they were imprisoned, sometimes beaten in the streets. Always seeking public attention, the Salvationists attracted not only converts but also a good measure of hostility from established denominations. On the fringes, opportunities and hangers-on took advantage of it all--"Beware of Harry Dews, better known as the one-legged prophet," warned an early issue of the War Cry, "wearing a Lieutenant's uniform. He has no connection with the Salvation Army whatever...."Through the years, the Army matured. The drum-thumping and cartwheels gave way to a better-organized and more effective involvement in social service, "respectable" Christianity and, particularly in Newfoundland, in education. The Army survived schism and scandal. It survived tragedy. It even survived maturity and remains with us today, a familiar presence in the Canadian scene." -- Publisher