Celebrations to mark 150 years of Stockton Salvation Army

A special evening of music and thanksgiving will be held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Stockton Citadel Salvation Army. 

The Celebrate! event will take place at Stockton Baptist Church on Saturday 23 November. 

It will be open to members of the public who are encouraged to come and learn more about the history of The Salvation Army and the community activities and ministry the church continues to provide today under the leadership of Majors Ian and Sandy Davis. 

The Salvation Army’s Trevor Watson, who is part of the Stockton 150th anniversary organising team, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating 150 years of The Salvation Army in Stockton and would find it a privilege for people to come and celebrate with us. We will host an evening of music and thanksgiving which will include vocal soloist Caitlin Hedley, cornet soloist Daniel Robson and contributions from Stockton Citadel Salvation Army Band and Songsters (choir). We are also inviting past musicians to unite and join corps sections for the occasion. 

“As well as celebrating our beginnings and our history in the town, it’s a chance to mark what Stockton Citadel continues to do in the community thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers. Our motivation for the worship and work we do in the area is based on ‘love God, love others’. 

“We work throughout the year to provide for those individuals and families who struggle to cope on a day-to-day basis. We provide a warm space environment, meals for people who are homeless, food parcels, affordable groceries, debt advice, a toddler group and signposting individuals towards agencies who can help them improve their lives.” 

The church has been marking the landmark birthday throughout 2024 with visits from Una Voce and Nexus choir, the West Midlands divisional youth chorus and via a retreat weekend led by Liet-colonels Beverley and Drew McCombe. 

Stockton Citadel Salvation Army was set up in November 1874 with the first building a dilapidated old theatre called ‘Penny Gaff’ which became The People’s Hall. 

By December 1884 the founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth, appointed the first full time corps officer (church leader) Brother RM Lane who attracted crowds of thousands to his sermons. William Booth visited to mark the Corps’ first anniversary and over the years returned to preach in the town. 

By October 1876 Stockton was the largest mission in the country with 320 members. It was in 1888 they moved to their current site which was previously the Stockton Skating Rink. 

In 1919 the first Songster Brigade was inaugurated with music a major part of the church’s story, which continues to this day with The Salvation Army band still supporting other church events associated with the Military Forces Day and Remembrance Parade. 

The Celebrate! Event will take place at Stockton Baptist Church, The Square, Bishop Street, TS18 1TE, on Saturday 23 November at 6.30pm. If you would like to come along please email stocktonsa150@gmail.com for tickets or search for the event on Eventbrite.co.uk.