A SPECIAL service marked the 135th anniversary of the Salvation Army's presence in Barrow in style.

The Barrow branch of the Salvation Army hosted a commemorative gala last Saturday at its Abbey Road citadel.

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Visitors with connections to the church and social movement from past and present travelled from across the country to attend.

The event was started by recalling a former Salvation Army tradition as the current leader of the Barrow Salvation Army Lt Martin Davison, and a young person from the church playing a drum and dressed in an original 100-year-old period uniform, held a 'glory march' around the hall, just as might have occurred when the Salvation Army was inaugurated at Barrow in 1881.

Major Helen Young, leader of the Salvation Army in Barrow during the 1990s, travelled from her current appointment in Arbroath, to attend the event and led a memories section where people were invited to share a happy time spent in the Abbey Road citadel.

"We are so grateful for the support we receive from this community," said Lt Davison.

"So many people have visited this hall over the years and received help and support, we are so indebted to the faithfulness of our soldiers and supporters who have made this place so special in people's hearts."

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The musical heritage of the Salvation Army was recognised at the service when bandsman David Dryden played the cornet solo Someone Cares , with the congregation pausing to reflect on those who have passed away.

Popular songs from the 19th, 20th and 21st century were sung enthusiastically by attendees, accompanied by the corps brass band.

A display of period photographs proved popular, with many members having fun trying to identify both themselves and friends from days gone by.

Letters of goodwill from around the UK were also shared at the gathering.

After the service concluded, tea and cakes were enjoyed and attendees shared stories and events from times spent in the Citadel hall.

Weekly services in Barrow

+ Community café from Monday to Friday

+ 'Sally Tots' on Tuesday and Thursday mornings

+ Lunch club and friendship group every Wednesday

+ Church services on Sunday at 10.30am and 3pm

Five facts about the Salvation Army

1 - The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth in London in 1865 as he believed mainstream churches were too middle-class and unable to get Bible messages across to working-class people.

2 - There are approximately 54,000 members of the Salvation Army in the UK, including senior and junior soldiers.

3 - There are more than 800 church units across Britain.

4 - Music is an important feature of the Salvation Army and its first official band was established in 1879.

5 - The core principles of the Salvation Army are set out in its 11 articles of faith, including the belief that there are three persons in the Godhead - the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.