Kath Dolling (nee Smith) and The Salvation Army
Junior Choir, Salvation Army, Chesham 1945. Kath Smith is second from left, back row
Attracted initially by the music of a small Salvation Army band, conducting an open-air service on the corner of Eskdale Avenue one Sunday afternoon in May 1945, Kath went along to their meetings and was 'hooked'.
She pays tribute to the excellent foundation to her faith given at Newtown Baptist (now Evangelical) church, where she had attended since the age of 9. But this was a call which could not be denied, and resulted in more than 50 years full-time service as an officer (ordained minister) of The Salvation Army.
William Booth, a former Methodist minister, was The Army's founder in 1865, when he formed 'The Christian Mission' in response to the poverty, squalor and sin evident in London's Whitechapel. When the movement spread like wildfire throughout the land, it was renamed 'The Salvation Army' and now operates in more than 111 countries worldwide.
The Army Citadel in Broad Street was erected in 1898 but its first meetings were held in a tent in Nashleigh Hill recreation ground, before moving to premises in Gladstone Road. General Booth visited Chesham on 16th July 1908 where a platform had been erected in The Broadway for his oration. Due to inclement weather, Broadway Baptist Church was used instead.
An overflowing congregation assembled there. 'Cheer after cheer rang through the building as he stood there, supported by his staff and many local gentlemen' according to the 'Bucks Examiner' report the following week. He was welcomed by the Chairman of the Urban District Council, saying 'the Council is pleased to recognise the great work which, during a period of upwards of forty years, the Army has accomplished in uplifting religiously, morally and socially the weak, poor and fallen, not only in our land but also in other parts of the world'. Booth responded by remarking what an appeal Chesham 'nestling in this beautiful little valley' made to him, even though he rode into it in the rain (in an open car, aged 80 plus!)
The Salvation Army's maxim can be summed up 'Heart to God, Hand to man' and after the government is one of the largest and most diverse providers of social services in the world. More than 1.6 million members worldwide maintain its programmes for the homeless, drug rehabilitation, family tracing service, schools, hospitals, eventide homes, shelter for battered wives, probation and prison visitors. Recently, chaplains have been introduced for retail outlets, etc.
In its 16,000 churches and community centres, dedicated bandsmen and songsters provide weekly musical ministry, visiting elderly and infirm in homes and hospitals. Uniforms are not provided (contrary to popular belief) but have to be purchased, along with instruments and equipment required by individual members. Free tuition is given to children from the age of eight desirous to learn to play or sing. This is regarded as part of their ongoing ministry for the Lord. Each year, Salvation Army sections are invited to conduct the Carol Service for the MPs at Westminster.
During the two World Wars, Salvation Army Red Shield Mobile Canteens were at the forefront of operations - at Dunkirk, the North Africa campaign, D-Day etc. Winston Churchill remarked 'Where there's need, there's The Salvation Army.' More recently, The Army has been in operation during the Falklands conflict, the Gulf War and in Iraq.
Salvation Army officers assisted with rescue work and counselling at the Aberfan tragedy, Lockerbie and the Piper Alpha oil-rig disaster in Scotland. During the 7/7 London terrorist attack of 2005, SA officers were assisting the emergency services, and are 'on call' constantly to attend where needed - floods, fires, earthquakes and tsunamis. More information about SA work can be found on the website www.salvationarmy.org.uk.
Kath Dolling's covenant, signed at her commissioning on the platform of The Royal Albert Hall in 1958, when she was appointed as Sergeant to help train another session of cadets, took her to a variety of locations. King's Cross; Chelsea; Kirkburton, West Yorks. All brought her many adventures, prior to her marriage to Lieutenant Derek A. Dolling in Chesham, in May 1962.
A new housing estate at New Addington, Surrey brought further challenge with its 9,000 children. The birth of a daughter, (now Major Catherine Wyles, serving with her husband Russell and four sons in North Scotland) was a joyous event. Two years later, a move to Marlow saw the birth of son William, (who now serves as a Captain and Retail Chaplain with Captain Karen Dolling at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Ami, Caleb and Joshua complete their family.)
Further appointments for Kath and Derek were Notting Hill, Newport (Mon), Blackheath (Birmingham), Southall, Enfield and then back to Chesham for five years to care for Kath's elderly and almost-blind Mum.
'I never regretted the years I spent caring for my dear mother, who had always encouraged me in my calling. Being an 'only child' I promised my old Dad I would be there for her, and the fulfilment of that vow brought great blessing - both our children found their life partners at Hillingdon Corps, which gave them great hospitality during their teen-years.'
Following Mrs Smith's 'Promotion to Glory' in January 1982, the Dollings became Administrative Officers to The Republic or Ireland, finding great opportunities for service in Dublin, running a large Men's Hostel, finding missing persons, and promoting SA work throughout The Republic.
In June 1987 they were appointed to inner city Manchester, and then to Public Relations work in Aberdeen. Derek became Assistant Head of Fund Raising at International Headquarters, Queen Victoria Street in 1991, and Kath took up duties in the Editorial Dept as a 'Roving Reporter', with a weekly 'War Cry' Katie's Column. Among celebrities interviewed were Tony Blair, Henry Cooper, Richard Whiteley, Fiona Castle, Wendy Craig, and Thora Hird.
Kath officially entered retirement as an 'active officer' in February 2001 but over sighted the Chesham Corps, which was without leadership, until a new officer, Major Fred Thompson, was appointed in August 2006.
Her interests now include heading up a weekly 'Lunchbreakers' fellowship for women on Wednesday mornings, where a welcome cuppa and varied programme of events and speakers is offered to approx. 45 ladies.
Music figures largely in her life, playing the piano, and entertaining at residential homes throughout Southern England. Her small book of bedtime reading 'Diamonds & Driftwood' profits Duncan Dyason's charity STREETKIDS DIRECT.
Kath Dolling (nee Smith)
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