52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Worship

The aim of this challenge, which is set by genealogist, Amy Johnson Crow, is to write about one ancestor every week in 2024, according to a given prompt. I will be writing about my direct ancestors, and also about other family members.

The lives of many of our ancestors were shaped by their choices (or lack of a choice) in how and where they could worship. This week, consider an ancestor and how their worship practices influenced their life. – Amy Johnson Crow

In 1881, Captain and Mrs. Thomas Sutherland established The Salvation Army in Australia, officially beginning their mission in Adelaide. Early Salvationists encountered resistance, including violent acts, but by 1890, mob attacks had mostly ceased, and Salvationists were embraced by the community.

Today, the Salvation Army is one of the most charitable organisations in Australia, reaching many who need help, by offering hope, assistance and compassion. I am very proud to see that the Salvation Army features in my family history on different family branches, which otherwise have no connection.

Ernest Welfare Waters

My great grandfather, Ernest Welfare WATERS was born in 1878  and married his first wife, Elizabeth MACROW  at Rochester in 1899. Before their marriage Elizabeth had been a Salvation Army Officer.  But due to the ruling in the Salvation Army that officers could only marry officers, she had to resign. Unfortunately, Elizabeth died just two years after the marriage.

Ernest’s second marriage was to Hilda Mary Beatrice GILMOUR  in 1902. They lived a long life together, with each of them reaching their late 90s.  Both Ernest and Hilda were life-long members of the Salvation Army. I remember them both wearing their uniforms. Ernest was known as an Envoy. This was explained to me as being as close as you can get to being an officer, without actually being an officer. When I was a child I went to Sunday School at the Salvation Army. I was always aware, of the great esteem that my great grandparents were held.
The photo, above, shows Ernest Welfare WATERS and Hilda Mary Beatrice GILMOUR on their wedding day.

An article about Ernest and Hilda’s wedding appeared in the Salvation Army’s publication “The War Cry”

from Salvation Army ‘War Cry’, February 22, 1902
SALVATION BRIDES AND BRIDEGROOMS
Brother Ernest Waters and Sister Beatrice Gilmour, Fitzroy 11. (Vic).
A wedding at Fitzroy 11, is a rarity, therefore a good deal of interest was manifested in the wedding which took place at the barracks on Thursday night. Brother Waters and Sister Gilmour were the parties most nearly concerned. The esteem in which they are held by comrades and friends of both Fitzroy 1 and 11 corps was evidenced by the number present. Major Albiston, our genial D.O. securely tied the ‘knot’. The platform was nicely decorated, and the ceremony took place under a draped canopy, the work of the comrades.
The ‘I wills’, were said distinctly and determinedly, the ring was brought forth and adjusted, and the major GODS BLESSING on the union. The speakers for the evening were Ensign Blake, Captain Anstice, Brother Williams (best man) and Sister Considine (bridesmaid) and the bride and bridegroom, who both assured us the step was taken only after much prayer and for God’s glory. A company of junior girls sang very prettily a song appropriate to the occasion, and each presented the bride with a bouquet. The major did not forget the main object of all our gatherings, and earnestly exhorted the unsaved to come and seek God. No one responded, but we trust eternal good has been done to some soul.- CAPTAIN ANSTICE.

My great great grandfather, Ernest Waters, proudly wearing his Salvation Army uniform

The Salvation Army Hall in Shepparton that my great grandparents attended. The officer’s residence is on the left. I do remember them attending the new citadel in their later years. Even as a child, it was obvious to me that they were very highly respected in the Salvation Army community

Ernest and Hilda’s third child was BERNARD WATERS. Bernard was a Salvation Army Officer, who also resigned in order to marry. The photo, below, shows Ernest and Bernard together, in their Salvation Army uniforms.

TAYLOR

William TAYLOR is my great grandfather. He was a Salvationist, this time from my paternal family line. He passed away in 1905, and his obituary in the Salvation Army Publication “The War Cry” indicates that he was a highly esteemed member of the Salvation Army in Yarrawonga.  I have been told that William’s daughter, my grandmother, was also involved in the Salvation Army.

from Salvation Army publication ‘War Cry, February 8, 1896:
Brother Taylor, our colour sergeant lives about five miles out, but he is at the meetings as often as possible, and is always ready to give his testimony and warn the people to prepare for death, judgment, and eternity.  About ten miles from Yarrawonga, at Bundalong, the corps – Mulwala, New South Wales.  The people there help well and are supplied with War Crys etc. weekly.  At present the spiritual conditon of the corps is very good.

from Yarrawonga Mercury, November 23, 1905
Another old and respected resident of the district, Mr. William Taylor, died at the residence of his two sisters, in Telford Street, Yarrawonga, early on Monday last, 20th inst.  About 25 years ago Mr. Taylor took up a selection of land at Bundalong, where he brought up a rather large family. He was aged 64 years at the time of his death, and for the past 17 years had been an active member of the Salvation Army at Yarrawonga, taking a leading part in the open air services of that body.  He was a kindly dispositioned man, well liked by his neighbours and those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.  The funeral took place on Tuesday last, when the body of the deceased was placed at rest in the Yarrawonga Cemetery, the funeral service being read by Ensign Watkins of Benalla, Mr. S. T. Bowles, attending to the mortuary arrangements. 

War Cry, Salvation Army, February 22, 1902
Golden Anniversary (1952, January 11). Shepparton Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 – 1953), p. 5. Retrieved August 25, 2021, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172848793
Sixty Years Wed, Shepparton News, February 1962

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