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Another fine sunny day for our first Sunday in America. The TV weather forecast is a temperature of 64°F at breakfast, reaching up to 85°F in the afternoon.
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We met at 7.45am, a little tired, for our journey to the Best Western hotel for the last convention meeting in Des Moines. Band A is the duty band with Band B joining the congregation. The meeting theme was set with the convention song Get Back to God America. The band contribution was Holy Holy Holy. Major Vic leading the service was not sure how many verses made a complete song - was it 2 or 3, or even more?! Also, does the song have a sacred throne or a sacred thong?! (Another nomination for the Clanger Pot!!)
The two bands then separated for morning worship at the Des Moines Citadel and Temple Corps, joining together for an excellent lunch at the Citadel. Once again American ice-cream was a popular offering for dessert.
The pictures below show a near capacity congregation at the Citadel, a rather depleted percussion section, the 'B' band providing a welcome to the late arrival of the 'A' band, and the envious looking 'A' band as they enjoyed the music provided by the 'B' band. A young Salvationist, David Bratcher, is also shown conducting the band. Apparently he had travelled about 60 miles to hear us and was thrilled at the opportunity of conducting.
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We were offered directions to our next engagement at Easton Place Methodist Church. "Follow me", said the Citadel comrade. However, on arrival at where he thought the church should be, he stopped and explained to us "The church has moved, has anyone seen it?"!! We eventually found the church and decided major alterations were required to accommodate the band. After the dismantling of the church front, the band just about fitted on to the platform.
Prior to the evening meeting there was an opportunity to stroll around the local area although, for some, the free time provided an ideal opportunity to catch up on lost sleep. Sweet dreams Ian.
An absolutely great festival in a beautiful setting, with special contributions from a serious Major Vic (or maybe not- a long, long, shaggy dog story something to do with an airport meeting and a lady named Monica!!). Not to be out-done, much praise was given to a superb duet by our 1st trombones in Praise Party. (Joke! This actually describes a rather untimely entry by the trombones.) The very appreciative congregation gave the band several standing ovations, including one for Jeanne Lillig and the band in Paul Sharman's specially commissioned arrangement of God Bless America. Prior to her song, Jeanne was presented with a memento from back home - a framed print of the stained glass windows at Birmingham Citadel which encapsulate the true purpose of The Salvation Army - Go for souls, go for the worst.
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After a splendid faith supper shared with the congregation, our visit to Easton Church ended at 9.30pm. It is very evident that our vans are now feeling the strain of the extra weight from the generous helpings of wonderful American food.
The Clanger Pot tomorrow has many nominations, with Major Vic again a strong favourite.
Words: David Seabridge and David McKee
Photos: Gordon McKee
