Major events highlight The Salvation Army in Wales
published on 31 Jul 2024
The Spotlight is on The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary in Wales with starring roles on the BBC’s Songs of Praise and at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd over the next week.
The Songs of Praise team filmed at the longest serving Salvation Army centre in Wales at Merthyr Tydfil, where Presenter Pam Rhodes discovered how two young women were posted to the rough industrial town in 1878 to spread the good news about Jesus and preach the gospel. The Programme will be shown on Sunday 4 August at 1.40pm on BBC Two.
Captain Kathryn Stowers, Ecumenical Officer for Wales, was interviewed for the show: “It was a privilege to tell the story of Kate Watts and Harriet Parkin who started The Salvation Army in Merthyr in the late 19th Century. The presenter, Pam Rhodes, was so interested in the story of these two young women who stood bravely and preached the Gospel in the most challenging of circumstances.”
Charlotte Hindle is the programme’s Senior Producer: “Songs of Praise is very pleased to be able to share the story of how The Salvation Army began in Wales 150 years ago and to see how that work continues today. Pam Rhodes really enjoyed revisiting Merthyr Tydfil and meeting some of those whose faith inspires them to improve the lives of others. We hope viewers enjoy the programme.”
Meanwhile, the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd will be another chance for the public to see an impressive 3D craft display by The Salvation Army, which proved to be such a hit last month at The Royal Welsh Show.
The display depicts the Christian journey in crochet, knitting and model making brought to life with stories from The Bible and The Salvation Army’s history in Wales.
The National Eisteddfod starts on Saturday 3 August at Ynysangharad Park. The Salvation Army will be based at the Cytûn (Churches Together in Wales) stand on the Maes. St Catherine’s Church, nearby, will host The Salvation Army craft display.
Dorothy Keates, from the craft group at Cardiff Canton Salvation Army, says they knew they had made something special once the main panel was raised for the first time behind the crucifixion scene: “This was a “God Moment” for the whole group. A realisation that this would be impressive and eye-catching as it draws you into the display.”
