May 11, 2007 –- If you think the dulcet sounds of the trademark little red bells are the only sounds the Salvation Army can muster, come to Emancipation Garden Saturday morning.
At 10:30 a.m., the corps' Pendel Brass Band and Singers will peal out over the downtown area in celebration of the Army's 90th anniversary on St. Thomas.
The award-winning 44-piece band is traveling from Pennsylvania to celebrate the occasion. "It's a world-renowned band," emphasized SA board member Maria Ferreras Friday. "You just won't believe the sound. It is unbelievably professional."
As the territory celebrated the 90th anniversary of Transfer Day in March, the Salvation Army is celebrating its anniversary this year. The celebration is significant; the SA had a difficult time of it, establishing itself in a new community, which was confounded by the early Christian drummers (See "Not for Profit: Salvation Army").
Today, the corps is an integral part of the St. Thomas community, dishing out daily meals, clothing and church services. Thanksgiving at the SA hall normally serves about 300 dinners with the help of its large volunteer group.
After the concert, the band and members of the board and the community will march down Main Street to the Salvation Army hall, where a new mobile unit will be unveiled. At noon, first lady Cecile dejongh will dedicate the new canteen.
"The Salvation Army is the safety net for so many in our community," SA board chairman Tom Bolt said in an interview Friday. Bolt was, in fact, clearing the food truck through the Department of Motor Vehicles as he spoke. "The unit will provide meals and outreach to those who can't get to the downtown location," Bolt said. "It will also be used to provide assistance in the event of a natural disaster."
The events continue over the weekend with a gala fund-raiser ball Saturday night at Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort. Tickets are $100 and are available by calling Bolt at 774-2944.
Ferreras said two awards will be handed out Saturday evening: the William Booth award, the highest award the SA gives for humanitarianism, and one other award to a local individual.
The festivities end Sunday with a 9 a.m. community Thanksgiving service at the St. Thomas Reformed Church, Ferreras said.
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