The Salvation Army and me

Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army! We’ve asked various people to tell us about themselves. This week…

MAJOR ROBERT STONES Retired officer, Oldham Citadel

How did you first come into contact with the Army? I was walking into town one day with plans to do some shopping, then to go to the pictures, and I heard a brass band coming towards me accompanied by a lot of jingling. The sound was a group of girls playing tambourines, followed by a brass band with flags flying – everyone was in uniform. A woman in a straw bonnet approached me as I stopped to look, and asked if I’d like to go to a concert that night. She explained who they were and what it was all about, then said the magic words: ‘It’s free.’ I went and enjoyed the night, even though it was religious, and I was invited to the Sunday meeting.

What made you want to become a Salvationist? At first it was because I wanted to be in the band, then I found out I was tone deaf, but I still became a soldier. It was about a year later, listening to the officer’s sermon, that I realised I didn’t really know Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Kneeling at the mercy seat I felt that God wanted me to be an officer. I refused, saying I wasn’t capable, but I distinctly heard a voice in my head saying: ‘That’s all right. I’m sending you a companion – your future wife.’ That was a shock. A few months later I met a young girl who has now been my wife for 50 years. We entered the training college in 1971 and still serve the Lord together.

What one thing would you change about the Army? The Army needs to change to meet present needs but, as my gran would often say, ‘Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.’ Many of the old ideas are still as relevant today as they ever were. What is your favourite food? A tasty steak and kidney pie with a thick puff pastry top. ‘‘ Kneeling at the mercy seat I felt that God wanted me to be an officer. I refused, saying I wasn’t capable, but I distinctly heard a voice in my head saying: ‘That’s all right. I’m sending you a companion – your future wife’

’’

What do you do in your spare time? Besides overseeing the corps with my wife, I like DIY.

What is your favourite kind of holiday? Two kinds: the countryside of Wales, North Yorkshire or the Lake District, and visiting our grandchildren.

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play? I like detective films, so I’d either be Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes.

Samuel Logan Brengle

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why? Samuel Logan Brengle, to listen first hand to his teachings on holiness.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? To always do it better second time round.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? None. I’d probably mark out the track, as I’m more practical than sporty. What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? An LP of Gustav Holst’s suite The Planets.

What is your favourite Bible verse? Psalm 139. It reminds me that, no matter how I may fail, God knows me and still cares.

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Paul. I would ask how he would apply his teachings to the 21st century.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘O I’m Climbing Up The Golden Stair To Glory’ (SASB 884).

If you could invent a gadget what would it be? Something to get me through the rush-hour traffic.

Which book would you want on a desert island? A series of books entitled Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room what would it be? ‘I’ll Go In The Strength Of The Lord’ (SASB 959).

What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess? Not a possession, but my wife, my children and my grandchildren.