EDITED by DON Mcdougald

EDITED BY DON McDOUGALD

EDITED BY DON McDOUGALD Telling Our Stories Vol. 2

Frontier Press USA Western Territory

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible and are in the public domain.

Telling Our Stories: Vol. 2 Edited by Don McDougald

September 2016

ISBN 978-0-9968473-8-4

Printed in the United States Contents

3 Introduction 5 One Life to Live—One Life to Give One of the darkest moments in the history of the Western Territory occurred in 1974. Two cadets walking to the grocery store were stalked and shot by the Zebra killers. Misguided members of a black religious group were incited to attack individuals because of their skin color. The shooting had a significant impact on not only the College for Officer Training but also influenced the territorial headquarters relocation to Southern California.

15 God’s Blessings in the Former Soviet Union The collapse of the Communist Soviet Union opened the door for Salvationists to fill the empty longing in hearts indoctrinated in the secular society. One officer couple from the Western Territory was able to open doors to allow The Salvation Army to establish a 01

foothold in three former communist societies. An inspiring story of TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. God’s blessings on an amazing adventure.

29 Major Delores Rivitt, Order of the Founder The story of one woman who followed her dream and won the hearts of the people in Alaska. She often went where others would refuse to go, fulfilling her calling to serve the people.

45 When William Booth Came to Oakland When the Founder came to Oakland, he stayed in the home of friends of the Army. Often on the eccentric side, this adventure reveals a different side of this great gentlemen.

51 Two Stories of Salvationist Mining Camps The story of two men who led successful adventures as gold and copper miners. They operated the mines with only Salvationists as the workers, with all proceeds to speed the work of the Lord.

57 Jailed for Jesus In an effort to control charity fraud, the City of Los Angeles created a law that effectively closed down all Salvation Army charitable activities. This is the story of one officer who went to jail for months so the Army could enjoy the freedom to serve others.

Introduction

The Salvation Army has a colorful history and many of the untold stories will soon be forgotten or buried in historical archives. This book is an attempt to capture and preserve those stories for future generations, to 03

enjoy and recall what some call the “glory days.” If colorful characters, TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. persecution and sometimes grim battles were the “glory days,” then maybe they were rightly identified. To many, it was simply a means of sharing the good news of Christ that brought turmoil and strife to the early-day Salvationists. It was not unusual for Salvationists to be stoned, or pelted with dead animals and eggs, by those who opposed the ragtag Army of eccentrics that was attempting to change communities, one life at a time. Many Salvationists were arrested for preaching on a street corner and some spent months in jail until justice prevailed and declared that Salvation- ists did have the right to march down the street and call people to repentance. The progress of early Salvationists in the West was explosive. There was no orders and regulations to say what they could and could not do, so they continually expanded into new communities to invite people to make a decision. Many corps were opened and after a year or two, if the expansion was not successful, the officer would move on to a different community. It was not unusual for officers to receive a change-of-appointment every six to 12 months. In the first 10 years in the West, 73 corps were started and many are still preaching the good news today. As you read of these early-day heroes, may you recall their victories and sometime defeats and thank the Lord for individuals who were so motivated to stand up against those who would persecute so that we might enjoy The Salvation Army of our age.

Don McDougald, Lt. Colonel Editor

04 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. One Life to Live— One Life to Give

Commissioner Kurt Burger 05 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL.

cided not to do so. Whether or not they would have avoided the assassin’s bullets had they walked on the other side will never be known. That night a young man, who went by the name “Yellow,” a radical Muslim, went out with the clear intent to kill in the name of Al- lah. He believed white people, whom he considered to be devils, did not deserve to live, and On a was out to put his convictions into practice. He spotted the young couple and knew he had his beautiful San Francisco evening, target for the night. April 1, 1974, at 9:19 p.m., one of the First he shot Tom twice, low in the back. worst tragedies to come to The Salva- Then he shot Linda twice, also in the back. Lin- tion Army unfolded. da fell as soon as she was hit and lay in the gut- A common practice for the School ter without losing consciousness. Tom began 07 for Officer Training cadets after study staggering forward, lumbering heavy-footed TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. time in the library was to sign out like a drunken man. In the gutter, Linda started and, usually in a group, make their to scream, “No! Oh, no! No!” Tom kept moving way to Mayfair Market for a snack. forward: 20, 30, 50 feet, reaching the driveway But on that day, Tom and Linda de- to the St. Francis Square Apartments parking cided to go alone. Linda had had a lot. He collapsed on his back, right arm flung long, tiring day and tried to convince out above his head, left bent grotesquely un- him not to go. Tom had asked several der him, eyes open but seeing only darkness. other cadets to go with him, but all of Behind him, Linda Story continued to scream.i them declined. Linda finally agreed, “I never saw the killer coming,” Linda re- with disastrous consequences. Cadets calls. “He came up behind us. I turned to Tom Thomas Rainwater and Linda Story to say something to him when I realized that were shot just blocks away from the someone was close behind him. I saw the gun school located at 1450 Laguna Street and froze. Then the shots. I fell and I looked in San Francisco. into the attacker’s eyes. He aimed his gun at me Leaving the school through the again and tried to fire a third shot but this time main entrance, they briefly consid- the gun jammed. He ran and disappeared.” ered crossing the street to the other Two other cadets, Michael Shepard and side of Geary Street, which was better his girlfriend Debby, were also headed to the lit and had fewer trees, but they de- Mayfair Market. Michael noticed a man lying on the sidewalk but didn’t realize that it thing about a shooting. She hadn’t. A was his fellow cadet. His attention was di- little later her corps officer, Major George verted by cries he heard close by. He saw Baker, rang the doorbell and she received Linda lying in the gutter and realized that confirmation of what had happened. something terrible had happened. He was She arrived at the hospital’s emergency jolted out of his daze by two men yelling room around midnight and was allowed at him to move away. The two identified to briefly see her daughter. “All I can say themselves as police officers, members of is that she looks fine, and we’re thankful the “Zebra Patrol.” They had been parked that it wasn’t worse,” she responded to a in their police car a few hundred feet away reporter’s question. “Linda didn’t have and it took only 25 seconds to get to the much to say, just that she’s grateful to be crime scene. Within minutes, some 50 po- alive.”ii Her eyes red from crying, Jossie lice officers had joined them and began to returned home around 3 a.m. to be with search the neighborhood. However, it was her other children. too late; the suspect had vanished. The following day, Linda kept asking Mike and Debby ran back to the school, about Tom. She was in severe pain and 08 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. alerting the staff to what had happened. thought that Tom must be going through The training school principal, Brigadier the same agony. If he can do it, so can I, she Willard Evans, was attending an interna- told herself. Finally, someone gently said tional conference of training school prin- to her: “Linda, Tom didn’t do so well. He cipals in London. He was contacted imme- didn’t make it.” Tom Rainwater died in the diately and got on the first available flight streets of San Francisco. Tom was dead. back to San Francisco. “Our feeling at this time is one of hurt, Meanwhile, the cadets assembled in the sorrow, and shock,” said Captain Alfred school’s chapel, first to conduct a head- Van Cleef, Tom’s brigade officer, to a -re count to be certain that everyone else was porter. “But there is no hatred in us, no accounted for and then to pray and support bitterness for the man who committed each other. Tom and Linda’s fellow students this tragic act. We know that Tom was were filled with disbelief and grief. ready for this spiritually. It is the rest of us Linda’s mother, Jossie Story, lived in who were not …. He was a popular young Hayward, across the San Francisco bay. man—perhaps the most popular of all A divorced mother of six, she was watch- the cadets, as evinced by his election last ing television when, at around 11 p.m., month as student body president …. His the mother of another cadet called and passing will leave a vacant space in all our asked her whether she had heard any- lives.”iii “But there is no hatred in us, no bitterness for the man who committed this tragic act.” —CAPTAIN ALFRED VAN CLEEF

ONE LIFE TO LIVE Cadet Thomas D. Rainwater was born on October 11, 1954, in Monrovia, Cal- ifornia. At the time of his death, Tom’s parents, with his 14-year-old sister, ran a retirement home in Ojai, east of San- ta Barbara. Growing up in a nurturing and supportive home, Tom felt the pull Site where Thomas Rainwater and Linda Story were 09 to serve God at an early age and later ex- TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. gunned down. Story survived miraculously. pressed his desire to serve overseas. For four years he attended Monte Vis- ing about Tom’s spring campaign in the ta Christian High School in Watsonville, Southwest: California, graduating as valedictorian of his class. Studious and curious, he ap- Just days before, Thomas had re- proached challenges with an open mind, turned from a two-week evange- always with service to God and others lism campaign in Arizona. In a foremost in his thoughts. He attended group consisting of Captain Alfred Bethany Bible College in Santa Cruz for Van Cleef and seven other cadets, one year. It was during this time that Tom they had toured the state address- met The Salvation Army for the first time ing various religious congrega- through the coffeehouse ministry of the tions. Thomas himself had spoken Monterey Corps. It didn’t take him long to before congregations in Phoenix realize that he had found his home. He en- and Tucson. His topic, which clearly tered the Soldiers of the Cross session in expressed his feeling toward man- September 1973 in San Francisco. kind in general and his own special In his book Zebra, which recounts the goals in particular, was “One Life to history of this and other associated mur- Live, One Life to Give.”iv ders, Clark Howard recorded the follow- Reviewing the sermon before the campaign, Captain Van Cleef wrote on Tom’s manuscript: “Tom: Good thought and approach—am sure God will bless your effort.” Little did Tom know that his sermon would bless others beyond his grave. He took as his text Mark 16:15, He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (NIV) and 1 Corin- thians 12:4-12, There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work …. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he 10

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. distributes them to each one just as he deter- mines (NIV). word “one.” No second chance is given to Reflecting on his own recent calling to us. Life cannot be relived. The greatest officership, his premise was simple: ev- personal tragedy is to approach the end ery Christian is called to serve God and of life and have to admit that it has been every Christian is equipped with gifts im- given to the wrong cause, that you have parted by the Spirit empowering them to pursued the wrong goals, and have lived carry out God’s mandate. He started by according to the wrong values and be- referring to famous people who had left liefs. Tom was aware that earnest Chris- a lasting legacy: “Dr. Albert Schweitzer tians can be uninformed, misinformed or dedicated years of medical service in the simply disobedient: “Disobedience comes remote jungles of darkest Africa. Martin into the picture when a person knows the Luther led a religious reformation that facts, realizes that God has called every- has deeply affected Christianity to this one to some kind of service, but despite day …. All of them, whether in the reli- this knowledge, refuses to heed the voice gious, political or scientific world, all had of God.” one thing in common: each of these great He sensed that God had equipped him men had one life to live, and one life to for unique service. In a touching moment give. No more, no less; these men gave on the way to the market, Linda Story re- of themselves.” The emphasis was on the minded Tom of his fortunate position in life: “You’re very lucky to know exactly “I don’t like being home alone. I have to what you want to do in life—so many are force myself to be alone. I have been mar- still trying to decide.” ried 17 years, and I have only stayed alone “I guess I am lucky,” Thomas said. “I twice. Fear will remain with me for the want to work in an orphanage. That’s all rest of my life. Other than that I am okay.” I’ve ever wanted to do, since the day I decided on this kind of career.”v THE KILLERS He knew that the calling to Salvation The Zebra Killings were a string of Army officership was not an easy one. random, racially-motivated murders that Still, easy or not, a call to service of some took place in San Francisco in 1973 and kind is part of every Christian’s life, be it 1974. The first murder was committed on in business, education or in any other pur- October 19, 1973. A young couple, Quita suit. We will never know whether Tom and Richard Hague, were out for a walk in could have fulfilled his vision of working their San Francisco neighborhood when in an orphanage. What we do know is that two black men forced them into a van and 11 he was willing to wholeheartedly embrace drove them to an unknown location. The TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. his calling and follow the path God had young woman was sexually assaulted and mapped out for his life. then hacked to death with a machete. Her Linda Story survived her injuries. She husband was forced to watch and then was returned to the school and was commis- brutally attacked. Miraculously, he sur- sioned with the Overcomers session in vived and was later found by the police, 1976. She served successfully in corps ap- lying on a sidewalk. Ten days later, on Oc- pointments in Merced, California, Rose- tober 29, Frances Rose, 28, was shot three burg, Oregon, and Pendleton, Oregon. times. A black man tried to get into her Linda cared for many young people. Her car, and when she refused, he shot her. trauma gave her a unique perspective on December 28, 1973, was the worst night life and its fragile nature. From Pendleton in San Francisco as the the Zebra Killers she resigned her officership. “I wanted to struck five times that night.vi go home,” she said. After that horrible night, there was a Linda now lives in Las Vegas with her period of calm until April 1974. Five more husband, Steve. “Life has been good,” she people were attacked; two died, Tom Rain- indicated in a phone interview. She still water being one of them. wrestles with some physical and psycho- The horrific series of killings came to logical issues stemming from her injuries. be known as the Zebra Killings because the “To this day I live with fear,” she admitted. police investigating the murders used the radio channel Z. The press began to call the world’s mountain ranges, separated the murders the Zebra Killings because it soon continents, and even brought about ‘the became apparent that the city was facing deportation of the moon’ from its original a racially-motivated killing spree. By the location in the earth’s single ocean.”viii time it was over, 16 people were dead and 10 As in every paradise, however, evil pen- wounded. Several of the survivors, includ- etrated the blissful existence of the “Orig- ing Linda Story, were crippled for life. inal People.” An evil scientist, Dr. Yakub, While these killings were clearly ra- invented white people. They were inferi- cially motivated, they also had a strong, or, but were capable of eventually domi- extremist religious basis to them. Wallace nating the “Original People” through the Fard, the founder of the Nation of Islam, science of “tricknology.” Baker writes, was the man who provided the justifying “The millions of Africans—or ‘East “theology” for these killings. Asians’—were transported in the Atlantic Fard claimed to have been born in slave trade. Fard described that these peo- Mecca and considered himself the Mahdi, ple were removed from their great heri- 12

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. the Messiah, the incarnation of God on tage and had become slavish imitations of earth.vii While his origins have never con- their white masters. But Fard had come to clusively been established, he was born wake them back up. The time of the white in New Zealand in 1891 to a Polynesian man was rapidly drawing to a close, and mother and a father from the Urdu-speak- very soon his dominion would be over- ing region of what is now Pakistan. Allah, turned in a vast apocalyptic reckoning.” ix Fard taught, had evolved from a spinning In one of Fard’s writings he claimed atom some 76 million years ago. Allah that it was every follower’s duty to kill at was the “Original Man” and all the black least four white devils. The belief that the people on earth were his descendants, the black man is superior to the white devils “Original People.” Author Kevin Baker ex- and that they need to be eradicated per- plains, “They had lived in peace and har- meated the thinking of radical black Isla- mony for eons, their future foreseen and mists. It provided the justification for the ‘written’ by a council of imams—brilliant, killing of Tom Rainwater and the wound- clairvoyant scientist-priests who had ing of Linda Story, along with all the other mastered a far more advanced technology victims of the Zebra Killers in San Fran- than anything we have to this day. They cisco. Several black Muslims used Fard’s had built the pyramids of Egypt with their writings as the underpinning for their superior ‘hydraulics,’ and their experi- murderous actions. ments in high explosives had raised the The Zebra attacks were perpetrated by From Harris the police obtained the names and addresses of the members of the “Death Angels.” On May 1, 1974, si- multaneous pre-dawn raids took place, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects, though four of the seven had to be released for lack of evidence. Later on the same day, several other suspects were arrested. The Zebra Killings stopped. Harris received immunity for his help and he, his girlfriend and her daughter, were given The Salvation Army School for Officer Training new identities. in San Francisco The trial started on March 3, 1975, and five men, members of a group within the ended on March 9, 1976. Linda Story was Nation of Islam called the “Death Angels.” one of 108 witnesses who took the stand. 13

They believed they could win “points” in The trial produced about 8,000 pages of TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. heaven by killing whites. They viewed transcripts and documentation. Harris, white people as “grafted snakes,” “blue- the star witness, described in detail the eyed devils” and a few other non-repeat- gruesome murders during 12 days of tes- able names. Thus, they showed little if any timony. remorse when they were charged with Superior Court Judge Joseph Karesh murder. finally instructed the jury on the 74 possi- After the police offered a $30,000 re- ble verdicts it had to select from in deter- ward, a man by the name of Anthony mining the murder, conspiracy, assault, Harris, an employee at the Black Self Help kidnapping, robbery, and other charges Moving and Storage Company in San brought against the defendants.x The jury Francisco, came forward and admitted to took 18 hours to reach a verdict and in the having helped with some of the attacks. end, Larry Green, J.C.X Simon, Manuel He revealed that all of the killers worked Moore and Jessie Lee Cooks were convict- for Black Self Help Moving and Storage. ed of first-degree murder and conspiracy Harris described one particular murder to commit first-degree murder and were in such detail that detectives on the case sentenced to life in prison. The nightmare were convinced he was telling the truth, was over. because information about this horrific execution was never made public. ONE LIFE TO GIVE Why did Tom have to die at such a Tom’s funeral took place on April 4, 1974. young age? We’ll never know. Linda sum- “Murdered Salvation Army Cadet Thomas D. marized it best: “His time had come.” As Rainwater was eulogized today by the high- Thomas Wolfe wrote: “To lose the earth est and lowest ranks of his fellows,” the San you know, for greater knowing; to lose Francisco Examiner reported on that day.xi the life you have for greater life; to leave The service of remembrance was conduct- the friends you loved, for greater loving; ed by Brigadier Willard Evans in the audi- to find a land more kind than home, more torium of the San Francisco Citadel Corps. large than earth.”xv The territorial commander, Commissioner Relocation of the School for Officer Paul S. Kaiser, delivered the devotional mes- Training had been a topic of conversation sage. Cadet David Chamberlain, roommate for some time. There were 105 cadets and 55 of the departed soldier, read from Tom’s children in residence in the much too small Bible Scripture passages that Tom had un- facilities in San Francisco. The Zebra trage- derlined.xii TheWar Cry reported, “Captain dy brought a new and heightened urgency 14

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. Billy Luttrell, general secretary, averred, to the matter. An advisory board member ‘Tom’s testimony could be summed up in of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Advisory these words: My Jesus I love Thee, I know Board alerted the territorial administra- Thou art mine.’”xiii Commissioner Kaiser tion that Marymount College was for sale. was the only one who referred to the kill- The move had become urgent and the Lord er. “This man,” he said, “must be sick, truly opened a door. In 1975, the SFOT relocat- twisted. He should swiftly be brought to a ed to Southern California. A chapter in the place where he can no longer be a threat to Western Territory’s history came to a close, lives.”xiv The crowd was large and the service and a new one was about to begin. was televised by several San Francisco sta- tions. Messages of sympathy poured in; San iClark Howard, Zebra, 290. iiSan Francisco Chronicle, Wednesday, April 3, 1974. Franciscans who had never had a connec- iiiHoward, Zebra, 302. tion to The Salvation Army expressed their ivIbid., 287. vIbid., 288. condolences, recognizing the tremendous viBarclay, “San Francisco’s Zebra Murders,” Yahoo! Voices. vii loss to the ministry of the Army. One man Kevin Baker, Lost-Found Nation, 269. viiiIbid., 265-266. wrote: “I have always admired the work of ixIbid., 266. x The Salvation Army. It is beyond compre- Howard, Zebra, 407. xiSan Francisco Examiner, Thursday, April 4, 1974. hension that a young man willing to spend xiiWar Cry, May 11, 1974. xiiiIbid. his life in service for others should lose his xivSan Francisco Examiner, Thursday, April 4, 1974. life at the hands of a ruthless killer.” xvThomas Wolfe, You Can’t Go Home Again.

God’s Blessings in the Former Soviet Union

15 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. Major Wes Sundin 16 TELLING OUR STORIES: 1 VOL. ernment. The General said, “Now is the time for The Salvation Army to recommence its work in Russia, and I need some volunteer officers who are of such blood and fire spirit that they will willingly go and commence the work of the Army in those countries. I am wonder- ing if any of you are willing to serve now in the former Soviet Union.” I felt a As she looked at us each individually, head after head bowed to avoid her eyes and possibly little sick to my stomach when I a message from God. None seemed willing to looked out the porthole of the Rus- respond, least of all me. I did have a calling, but sian Tupolev aircraft as we landed it was to serve in my father’s native Sweden, on for our first, and possibly last, mis- the staff of the training college, so that a Swed- sionary tour of duty in The Salva- ish officer could serve in a corps. 17 tion Army. There they were, walking The time came for me to return home to my TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. alongside the runway, the might of wife. I told her of my desire to serve in Sweden, the former Soviet Union, the mili- and she was thrilled to hear that I would be able tary guard with their machine guns to fulfill the missionary calling I had received so all bright and shiny, ready to deter many years ago when I was a student at Asbury any attack that might come at Boris- College. pol Airport, Kiev, Ukraine. Not long after that, I entered the office of To say I was a little frightened is an Commissioner Paul Rader, our territorial com- understatement. How in the world mander in the West at the time, and told him did I get myself and my wife, Ruth, of my desire to serve in Sweden. His reaction into this spot? I remembered when was totally unexpected. “Well, Wes, I am told as a USA Western Territory delegate it is very hard to get into Sweden to serve as a to the International College for Of- Salvation Army officer, but I had a telephone ficers in London in early autumn, call just now from General Burrows. She is 1991, General Eva Burrows joined the looking for officers to serve in Russia. Are you 30 delegates. During the evening, the prepared to go there?” topic turned to what was happening I took a deep breath and said hesitantly, in the former Soviet Union, where “Russia? I will need to talk to Ruth about this former communistic countries con- and seek God’s will. Can you give me a week tinued to break with the central gov- to reply?” “Certainly,” smiled the soon-to-be General of The Salvation Army. “Let me cial obligations, apparently resolved, I re- know what your decision is, and I will let turned to the commissioner’s office to tell the General know.” him that we had prayed much about this, I went home and prayed about this and if the Army would enable us to get our with my wife, Ruth. We prayed again and master’s degrees within a year and be pa- again. What could stop us from going to tient while we cleared our debt, we would serve in Russia? Children? No, all were be willing to go to Russia. grown, married, or in the process of getting married, or were in college. No, that NEXT STOP, UKRAINE was not a good excuse. We landed safely in Kiev, Ukraine— Ah, finances, yes, the perfect excuse. not exactly Russia, but one of the former We were over $5000 in debt, due to hav- satellite countries. Our assignment from ing children in college, living at home, International Headquarters was to be the and living on only a married officer’s -al corps officers of the recently opened first lowance. This, I thought, was the perfect corps in Kiev. When the officer in charge 18 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. excuse. Then I received a flyer in the mail of Ukraine saw that, he objected. “Majors, offering to consolidate our debts and pay I opened this corps and will continue as off what we owed in record time. Don’t ask the corps officer with my other duties. me how we did it, but in 12 months we had Your assignment is to open a new corps the debt cleared, which freed us to go any- somewhere in the suburbs of Kiev.” where overseas. Did he not understand our assign- Our last hurdle was our education. I ment? “I am sorry, sir, but we have never was one course away from my master’s de- done anything like this before. How do we gree from Fuller Seminary, and Ruth was go about opening another corps here, and one semester short of getting her master’s when do you expect it to happen?” degree in teaching English as a second “How you do that is your business. I language from the University of South- will give you two weeks to accomplish ern California. We were able to complete it,” was his response. Knowing the man, these requirements and received our de- I recognized the impossibility of his grees before leaving for our appointment. challenge. But then, that is when God We continued to pray about it, and took over. From that point on, whenev- felt God’s perfect peace about leaving our er things seemed impossible, we left it in family and friends in the States and serv- God’s hands, and the impossible became ing in the former Soviet Union. the possible. So, with our education goals and finan- So there we were. Our modest apartment Major Ruth Sundin with the first Salvation Army recruits in Moldova 19 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. was in downtown Kiev, and our orders were Army). At the local market, as the sardine not to open another corps there. We had no cans arrived (our term for the jam-packed vehicle at the time, so we jumped on a tram- trolleybuses), we would pass out flyers to way (electric streetcar), took it to the metro the residents of the apartment houses and (underground railroad), to a trolleybus, out invite them to our first meeting. Many to the farthest reaches of Kiev. And there, seemed interested. Then the CSM got us in the Troeschina district of Kiev, we fell in on local television to explain what The love with the people. There were literally Salvation Army was, and what our mis- hundreds of Stalin-era high-rise apartment sion was in Kiev. houses loaded with families that had nev- Not knowing what to expect, we rented er heard of Jesus, people God wanted us to a local theater that seated over 300 peo- reach with the gospel. The regional officer ple. The time came for the first Sunday did request that the corps sergeant major meeting and I wept as over 150 people (CSM) help us get things going. Fortunately, attended. When the altar call was given, the CSM also lived in the Troeschina region. the front of the theater was crammed full We devised a plan to pass out thou- of people who wanted to know about Je- sands of flyers inviting the local people to sus and how he could change their hearts the grand opening of a new church in Tro- and lives. Hardly anyone was left sitting, eschina, Armiya Spaseniya (The Salvation but all were standing, waiting to hear how 20 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL.

Majors Wes and Ruth Sundin with the first Salvation Army senior soldiers in Moldova

they could accept Jesus. All this happened standing in the aisle. Over 350 people in just two weeks. were there for the grand opening. I think And so it went, until we were told that the regional officer and the commissioner Commissioner Paul Rader was coming to were equally stunned when they arrived. town and wanted to officially open the It was a glorious meeting with the com- second corps in Kiev, our corps. Sunday missioner pouring his heart out to these morning, the commissioner was at the people. Again, the front of the theater was number one corps, as were we, supporting packed full of seekers. God wondrously the regional officer. Following the first rewarded our efforts. meeting, we dashed out to Troeschina to The Troeschina Corps continued to see if all was ready. When I walked into grow. I began teaching recruits’ classes the theater, I was flabbergasted. There twice a week and in time we had soldiers, was not one seat left and people were young and old, and we got them uniforms. Humanitarian aid soon arrived in the of God as the young people soaked up the form of two semi-truck loads of Slim-Fast gospel for the first time, and their lives food products, but we had no place to store were changed. Today, some are serving in them. I contacted the vice mayor of the their country as Salvation Army officers. area, who showed us a detsky polyclinic, We felt so blessed by God to be in this a small children’s hospital. He offered to appointment. The Salvation Army could give us the basement for our humanitari- forget about us and leave us here in this an work. It was quite large and had a bank growing corps, as far as we were con- vault type door. He said, “This basement cerned. Then, in late October, our region- was once to be used as an instrument of al officer asked us to do some exploring in war, a fallout shelter for our people when the neighboring country of Moldova. We the United States was going to bomb Kiev, were to go and find out if it was an area but now it is an instrument of peace as you ripe for the gospel, ready for The Salvation come not to bomb, but to help our people.” Army to be planted there. There was no So with that, we unloaded the two semi- grass growing under this guy’s feet, that 21 truck loads of humanitarian aid. Word of was for sure. So we went and were intro- TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. the aid quickly circulated around Troeschi- duced to an American who was helping to na and by late morning there was a line build the U.S. Embassy there in Chisinau, over three blocks long of people who were Moldova, the capital of that country. He hungry. Yes, the stories you read about invited us to a Bible study of expatriates, long lines for food and bread and empty foreigners who were working in Moldova shelves in the stores were true. But God was and who were looking for a pastor. They there to provide for his people, and to help wanted us to stay, but we told them we had the work of the Army to grow. our own church in Kiev, and soon some- And grow we did. Ruth started a home one would be sent to be their pastor and league, and lots of ladies gathered to fel- to open The Salvation Army there. So we, lowship and to learn the truth of God’s like the Israelite soldiers, brought back a Word from Major “Roof,” as she was good report of a land flowing with “milk called. We soon heard of the various or- and honey,” a land ready for the gospel. phanages in our area, and Ruth took them There were no other Western churches in on as her personal responsibility. the country, and we could own the coun- The youth program began, with chil- try for God if the right people were sent. dren from the area wanting the attention And we left it for headquarters to find the of the Salvation Army major. There was right officers. time for fun, but also time for the Word PRESSING ON Here we were by ourselves We were thoroughly in love with our people and the ministry in Kiev. We had but with God in Chisinau, to move our meetings to a larger theater Moldova. What is ahead for to accommodate the number of people who wanted to make The Salvation Army us, Lord? Will you again go their church home. Recruits’ classes continued twice a week, and soldiers were before us and lead us and made just as soon as they completed their guide us? classes, gave evidence that they trusted in the Lord Jesus, and agreed with The Salvation Army’s doctrine. The regional bottom. How could they do this to us? officer opened a “trade department” in What about all these lovely people who downtown Kiev where our soldiers could have been led to the Lord? Who will shep- go to get their new uniforms. They looked herd them? Who will care for them? Sure- 22

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. so smart and happy in them as they wore ly there must be a mistake. But there was them for the first time when they were en- no mistake, so in April 1994, we loaded a rolled as soldiers of The Salvation Army. van loaned to us by the Ukraine regional We had a new translator, Inna, who was a office for the trip to Moldova. Later, the born-again Christian, and who was also Swedish territory gave us a van, which we the translator for the South Korean am- picked up in Kiev. A large truck filled with bassador; she was the best. The soldiers humanitarian aid supplies accompanied jokingly told me that they would rather us for the seven-hour trip to Chisinau listen to her than to me (at least I hope to commence the work of The Salvation they were kidding). All God was doing was Army. We assured our soldiers at the Tro- prospering, and it was so thrilling to see eschina Corps that God would send some- him work. one to love them as we did, and God was Then the bomb hit. We had a letter faithful in sending Major Sheila Groom from Command Headquarters (CHQ) in from England to care for their needs. Moscow telling us that we were to fare- We were pioneering officers now. Sure, well from the Kiev Troeschina Corps and we had started a corps in Kiev, but we had a go to Chisinau, Moldova, as the new pio- backup support system there. Here we were neer officers there to open the work of the by ourselves but with God in Chisinau, Mol- Army in that country. dova. What is ahead for us, Lord? Will you Our hearts sank so fast that we hit rock again go before us and lead us and guide us? Fortunately, our Ukrainian translator, support for our fledgling Army. Once Inna, had arranged for one of her friends again we tried the CSM’s tactic from Kiev to help us for a few days. The few days and passed out thousands of flyers telling turned into the entire time we were in people that Armata Salvarii (The Salvation Moldova. Tamara Fornea, who became Army) was opening here. We had our first our business manager, was a godsend. meeting at the Academy Nyuk, in the sci- She spoke acceptable English and knew ence building, and soon had a small corps everyone in the government as well as of 40 or 50 coming to the services. We in business. She had been a leader in the started recruits’ classes and we enrolled Young Communist movement and now 25 senior soldiers (in uniforms made by a wanted to help us. I was not sure at the Moldovan tailor) and 25 junior soldiers (in start whether she was still attached to the uniforms purchased at the USA Western Communist Party, or if she was sincere in Territory Supplies and Purchasing De- her desire to help The Salvation Army. partment) in one of our early meetings in Only time would tell. Chisinau. 23

Like our mentor in Kiev, we set up a Recognizing that we needed to become TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. timeline to get things rolling in Moldo- known by the broader community, we va. We were not quite so ambitious as to arranged for a concert to celebrate the open a corps in two weeks, so we settled Army’s opening in Moldova. We hung on one month to get things going. We in- banners at both ends of the main street, terviewed dozens of people as translators Stefan Cel Mari, with banners announc- and settled on Oleg Chekhovskikh, who ing that we were opening the Army with had been a translator for the “party” from a grand concert on June 11, 1994, at the Russia to Cuba. He said he was an ortho- Organ Hall, a gorgeous building that seat- dox Christian, which really did not make ed 500 people. We arranged for the sing- him a born-again Christian. Ruth’s trans- ing company and timbrel brigade from lator was a lovely Moldovan young lady, the original Kiev Corps to come sing and Vika, who did have a personal experience play (they were excellent young singers), with the Lord. for the Baptist church choir to participate So, armed with Tamara, Oleg, and (also excellent singers), and we arranged Vika, I used my Toyota minivan from Swe- for the local music school to put togeth- den as my office and proceeded to contact er a brass band to play a Salvation Army all the government agencies that helped march. The territorial commander, Com- people, along with U.S. aid organizations missioner Reinder Schurink, and the gen- and the United Nations embassy, seeking eral secretary, Lt. Colonel and Mrs. Lee Hickam, as well as Captain Kathy Ljung- that night of miracles, but all during our holm were to be in attendance. stay in Moldova, we felt with every step All was going well until the evening we took that God was with us. As for my before the concert. While at supper in our translator, Oleg, and my business manag- home with the territorial commander and er, Tamara, both saw the workings of God general secretary, we received a call from and gave their lives to Jesus. Praise him! the wife of the Baptist pastor, Pastor Slava. He had received a call from the minister AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE KGB of cults and religion saying that we could The Salvation Army continued to grow not have our grand opening ceremony as in Moldova. Space does not permit me to it was against the law in Moldova. That tell all of the miracles God did, but the fol- brought us all to our knees quickly. lowing is an appetizer of God’s workings Commissioner Schurink, Oleg, Pas- there. tor Slava and I spent most of the next Our new CSM was Pavel Bucalov. He day visiting government offices trying had grown up in the Pentecostal church in 24

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. to get through the bureaucracy while my Moldova and had been persecuted by the wife, the children from Kiev, and Captain government for his faith. A man of God, Kathy Ljungholm held a prayer meeting Pavel now felt God leading him to The in the courtyard of the Tractor Factory Salvation Army. As we sought to grow the Hotel where we were all staying. Just an Army, I asked Pavel if he would look into hour before the children were to be at the opening God’s work in the Transdneistria Organ Hall for rehearsal, permission was region of Moldova. Six months prior to given for us by the mayor to have a “sa- this, this predominately Russian-speak- cred concert” that evening, but we were ing region had been involved in a mili- not to call it our opening meeting. We tary conflict with Moldova. To this date, actually didn’t change a thing that we had Russia still has troops stationed there, planned; we had already advertised in ev- and it considers itself a separate republic, ery way we knew how that we were having although no other country except Russia our opening meeting that night. has recognized it. We had the sure and certain knowledge Daily, Pavel would go to Dubasari, Mol- that God was with us on that night when dova (Transdneistria), telling the people more than 500 people crowded into the there about the work of the Army, and look- Organ Hall with standing room only in ing for a place to hold a worship meeting. In the aisles. Even the U.S. ambassador to a few weeks, he had found a cultural center Moldova was in attendance. Not only on for our first meeting. We did not know what 25 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL.

Salvation Army timbrels and band in Chisinau, Moldova to expect, but with the new territorial com- was not to be swayed. His threat was that mander in tow, Colonel Brian Morgan, we if we continued to meet like this, he would arrived at the cultural center and were met see that those who had jobs would lose with an auditorium full of interested peo- them, and that the apartments they lived ple. When Colonel Morgan gave a call to in would be confiscated from them and repentance following his message, the front they would be homeless. of the cultural center was lined with people Faced with these ultimatums, their re- seeking God. The end result was that we had sponse was that they would rather meet as now formed another corps in Moldova with brothers and sisters in the Lord by the river Envoy Pavel Bucalov as the corps officer. than go back to their old way of life. Christ This corps grew like wildfire and soon had come to them and given them some- caught the attention of the local KGB. thing they had never had before—hope. Their representative attended our meet- So, the gauntlet was thrown down. ings and stood up one Sunday to announce Who would break first? With Oleg and that he was closing the corps in Dubasari. Envoy Bucalov, I headed for Tiraspol, the In one voice the people protested, but he capital of this breakaway republic. I pulled General Paul Rader, Commissioner Kay Rader and Majors Wes and Ruth Sundin participate in the grand opening of the Kiev Corps.

26 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. up in front of the headquarters of the Ruth had the first meeting in October KGB. Oleg wanted to know why we were 1994, following our opening in June of there. “Major, don’t you know that this is that year. At first, there were about 25 the very building where the Soviets tor- women meeting together each week. But tured people, and even murdered them. towards the end of October, our meeting We can’t go in here. I am very afraid.” hall was freezing cold. It appeared that I told Oleg not to fear because God although we were paying for heat, it was was with us and the three of us proceed- not going to be turned on by the local ed to the office of the head of the KGB in administration. We decided to have the that area. When I explained to him what home league meet in the five different -re was going on in Dubasari, he was very gions of Chisinau in people’s homes. Ruth surprised, saying that he had not autho- traveled to each one on a different day of rized any such persecution of Christians the week to encourage the women in their in that area. He assured us that he would faith. God blessed this effort just as he did deal with the situation. He was faithful in the feeding of the 5,000 by Jesus. When carrying out his promise. Today we have the ladies gathered at the corps building a thriving corps in that little village of again in late spring, the 25 women had Dubasari. grown to over 100. The new women soon Another vehicle of growth in God’s invited their husbands and families to join Army in Moldova was the home league. them in coming to the Army on Sundays. After that the growth was exponential as Petersburg. It was a risky business I was the new folks began attending the Bible about to undertake. I decided the safest study and recruits’ classes. way was to take the train to Moscow and back. No one would check my briefcase NEXT STOP: ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA at customs, which would have happened God’s Army continued to grow in Mol- if I had taken a plane. I filled my brief- dova, so that when we received orders case at the territorial headquarters with to proceed to St. Petersburg as regional $250,000 in U.S. $100 bills. It just fit. commanders, there were four active corps I was driven to the train station and in Moldova with more on the drawing dropped off. I already had my ticket, so boards, lacking only officers to lead them I sat and waited for the train. Paranoia and money to run a corps. started to kick in as I began to think that What a challenge it was to assume lead- everyone in that station knew I had a quar- ership of the Northern Russia Command ter of a million dollars in my briefcase. But headquartered in St. Petersburg. We were I kept a poker face. Probably against Sal- 27 blessed to be able to follow excellent offi- vation Army policy, I had ordered a first- TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. cers like Majors Rod and Wendy Walters class cabin, paying for all four seats so from Australia. The biggest challenge was that I would have the cabin to myself and to find a home for the homeless where wouldn’t have to worry about who was sit- they could shower, get a good meal, and, ting across from me. if fortunate enough, a bed for the night. I made it safely to St. Petersburg around As we looked for that location, we re- midnight. I asked the cabbies how much ceived word that the Norwegian territory it would cost to get me to my apartment, was sending $250,000 to us to purchase a which was just about six blocks away. All piece of property. The only problem was were too high! They could tell by the way getting the quarter of a million dollars I dressed that I was a foreigner and they to St. Petersburg, for there was no such always asked for more than the normal thing as bank transfers in the early 1990s. fare from foreigners. Imagine, here I was The process was that someone would go carrying $250,000, and quibbling over a to Oslo, Norway, to pick up the cash and dollar! So I decided to walk home. Most carry it to Moscow. Then I would go to of the way was on a well-lit street. On my Moscow to receive it and bring it back to way down the steps from the train station, St. Petersburg—cash money. a couple of young men asked me how A quarter of a million dollars? How much I would pay to have them take me would I get that much cash safely to St. home. We agreed on an amount. I should have known better. These guys I should have known better. were some of the up and coming mafia figures. Dress in St. Petersburg tells it all, These guys were some of the and their leather garb screamed “Mafia!” up and coming mafia figures. but I felt fairly comfortable with them— that is, until they told me to sit in the back Dress in St. Petersburg tells it of their two door Zhiguli. “Well, Lord, please protect me.” I told them where I all, and their leather garb lived and we were off, but when it came screamed “Mafia!” time to turn left, they turned right, and a big knot developed in my stomach. “Hey,” I said in Russian, “you guys are going the the mafia on some occasion and told him wrong way. I live the other way.” what The Salvation Army was all about, “Oh, yeah, well, we know where we are helping the poor of his country. So im- going. Sit down and relax.” pressed was he, or God so impressed his 28

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. Relax? In my best Russian possible, I heart, that he wrote a letter to all of his told them “Turn around now. I represent cohorts to leave The Salvation Army alone The Salvation Army. Turn around NOW.” because we were there to help the people. They looked at each other, the car made a Amazing! The original copy of that let- U-turn in the middle of the street and they ter still exists in the safe of the division- dropped me off at my apartment. “Thank al headquarters in St. Petersburg. Still I you, Jesus, for rescuing me from the ma- wonder sometimes: If those young mafi- fia and possible death. Praise your holy osos had known what was in my briefcase, name.” would I be alive to tell about it? But God What made the difference? Of course, protected me. we credit it all to our Lord and provisions There is so much more to tell that he had made years before we arrived in someday Ruth and I will have to write St. Petersburg, Russia. At the time of the a book about how God helped us in the Army’s opening in St. Petersburg, the of- beginning of the work of The Salvation ficer in charge had met with the head of Army in Eastern Europe. Major Dolores Rivitt, Order of the Founder

Oral history as told to Nila Fankhauser 29 by Dolores Rivitt and other sources TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. Captain Rivitt in the dinghy of the William Booth boat

30 TELLING OUR STORIES: 1 VOL. course, she is good at giving it back as well. She has duly earned several nicknames, like sweet cheeks, battle-axe, your royal highness, trouble. She is usually referred to simply and affectionately as “Rivitt.” She is a woman of strength and character who has always exemplified good leadership. Many times the responsibilities of her various It is appointments included service and property inspections where she gave correction and not by accident that I have chosen to guidance. This was always given firmly and record an oral history of Major Do- in no uncertain terms. Because of the love and lores Rivitt’s adventurous life. She is respect that those receiving the correction a person for whom I personally have had for Rivitt, they would nearly always com- greatest respect, admiration and af- ply (when perhaps they would have ignored 31 fection. I feel very privileged to have the same instruction given by someone else). TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. been able to spend time listening to On occasion, when she deemed appropriate, her story. I am sure that I do not do she did not hesitate to even give guidance to her justice, only touching on part of her supervising officers, particularly when her life and some of the people she it involved proper treatment and protocol of has influenced over the years. Much the Alaska Native people. She claimed to have of her story is intertwined with the “trained” all 15 Alaskan divisional command- history of The Salvation Army in ers with whom she served. Most were accep- southeast Alaska and particularly her tant and appreciative of her guidance.i involvement with the Native Tlingit Although she received recognition, includ- people. ing both the Order of the Founder and the Cer- Her life has been one of service, tificate in Appreciation of Exceptional Service, ministry, sacrifice and hard work. she always remained humble and did not en- However, what touches me the most joy being in the limelight. Dolores Rivitt is the is her wonderful ability to find joy in kind of person who inspires others to do and everything. With a great sense of hu- be their best. mor, she is able to laugh at situations I interviewed Major Rivitt in my home as and even poke fun at herself. She she came to spend a few days with me prior to doesn’t mind that she has often been attending the Alaska Congress in Kake, March the object of affectionate teasing; of 19-22, 2004. All of the material in the following story, with the exception of comments by of the classroom. The teacher asked her Major Florence Murray, came from Ma- where she was going. Little Dolores said, jor Rivitt herself or information that she “Shut up and mind your own business!” shared with me. I enjoyed doing this proj- In those days paddling was acceptable ect so much that I am hoping to do a more punishment in school. Someone told her in depth project on Major Rivitt in the parents and she received another spank- future. So many individuals would like ing when she got home. She said she was to share their “Rivitt stories” and I would never going back to school, but of course like to memorialize them. she did and learned to be a good student. “I always wanted to go to Alaska,” rem- Blackouts, rationing and victory gar- inisces Dolores Rivitt. Her first thoughts dens were all part of her childhood during of Alaska were as a young girl attending a World War II. She learned to manage with girl guard outing on Lummi Island, Bell- little and be thankful for what she had. ingham, Washington. As she watched Dolores’ involvement with The Sal- boats sailing north, her dream began. vation Army started at the invitation of 32

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. “Where are they going? What adventures a friend. She thought that her friend in- await there?” Something stirred in her vited her to the “armory,” which at that heart (the voice of God?) and from that time was a fun place to go skating and play day on her main desire was to go to Alas- games. She was a bit disappointed when ka. As she longed after the boats heading it turned out to be the “Army.” She be- north, she couldn’t imagine where that came involved in all the corps programs, longing would take her. which at that time were many: three or She was not always the strong, outgo- four meetings on Sunday, open-air, corps ing lady that Alaskans hold dear today. cadets, girl guards and band. Her father What contributed to the strong, outspo- thought she spent so much time at the ken woman that Dolores Rivitt became? corps that he once asked her why didn’t By her own admission, she was a spoiled she take her bed down to the corps and child. She was the oldest and likely the sleep there. boss of her three brothers. She inherited It was during the visit of the territorial a strong work ethic from her hard work- evangelist that Dolores first gave her heart ing farmer parents, and from somewhere to God. Near the end of the meeting, the a strong will. She was used to getting her congregation sang, “When I survey the own way. She tells a story of receiving a wondrous cross.” The words of the last spanking on her first day of school. She verse, “Love so amazing, so divine, De- was “scared of everybody” and walked out mands my soul, my life, my all,” spoke di- Captain Dolores Rivitt (right) with Kake corps cadets rectly to her heart. Dolores found her way world …. Perhaps the inspiration for such to the front of the Army hall and knelt at an undertaking came from Cadet Do- 33 the altar. As she gave him her “life and her lores Rivitt. She returned to the training TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. all,” she began her journey with Jesus. college one Monday morning after hav- Dolores says that she never really wanting disposed of three hundred copies of ed to be a Salvation Army officer or go to a recent issue, and has been selling that the training college. She was quite amazed amount ever since. It seemed to provide that she ended up there. She wanted to be inspiration to other cadets and a self-im- a bookkeeper. It was due to the encour- posed objective of one hundred per cadet, agement and guidance of her corps offi- per week (average) was set.”ii cers, Brigadiers Howard and Eloise Sloan, Dolores Rivitt was commissioned in that she applied and was accepted to the 1950. Just prior to commissioning, she was Standard Bearers session in 1949. called into the principal’s office. Her heart Dolores’ enthusiasm and hard work was pounding as she was thinking, “Oh was evidenced early in training college. no, what have I done now? What trouble She became a champion War Cry seller, am I in?” The principal told her that she which was noted in the January 21, 1950, would be going to Alaska. She was not to edition of the War Cry. tell anyone and not to let on that anything “We believe that the recent attainment unusual had been discussed. “How could of the women cadets in reaching one hun- I just act normal when, without even tell- dred sales per week (average), per cadet, ing anyone what I wanted, the dream of has not been realized anywhere in the my life had come true?” The verse chosen by Cadet Rivitt as she was commissioned sional commander. Of this visit, she says, was: Delight thyself in the Lord and he shall “Met the D.C. He scared me to death with give thee the desires of thy heart (Psalm 37:4 all his questions.” KJV). Her first appointment was as a pro- Once the officers were back in Sitka, bationary lieutenant to Sitka, Alaska. they decided to paint the ugly, dirty yel- Following a visit home, she boarded low house. Ruth and Dolores donned the steamship S.S. Denali from Seattle to some old clothes, grabbed brushes and the Alaska. Rather than watching the ships ugly dirty yellow became beautiful, clean, and dreaming of going north, she was on green and white. When they weren’t the ship. Her mother packed her a lunch of painting, they worked on a finance cam- fried chicken to sustain her along the way. paign, which raised $2,000, the most the Being a single woman traveling alone, Army had been able to raise in Sitka. two schoolteachers took her under their Allowance (salary) was not guaranteed wing to help assure her safe arrival in Sit- in those days and often the officers held ka. As the ship was coming into Sitka, she down outside jobs in order to pay the bills. 34 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. wondered, “Where is the town?” She was Ruth worked at the Pioneer Home office told that the town was “behind the trees.” while Dolores held things down at The Her corps officer, Lt. Ruth Bass, was at Salvation Army office. They often went the dock to greet the new probationary without allowance but rarely went hun- lieutenant. One of the first things that gry. Dolores says that there was always caught Dolores’ eye was a small house. “macaroni and fish.” They could buy hali- She thought, “What an ugly, dirty yellow but cheeks for 15 cents a bag from some of house.” She would soon find out that the the corps kids. “ugly yellow house” was both the corps One of Rivitt’s first responsibilities in and the quarters. 1951 was to help organize her first Alaska Her confidence was something that Congress. As she was getting acquainted developed over the years. She says of the with her corps people and the town, she people in her first appointment, “they was also busy making arrangements for accused me of staring them down. I was those who would participate in the Con- just scared.” Three weeks after arriving gress. The host corps was responsible for in Sitka, Dolores boarded her first small feeding and housing all the delegates. plane for what would become many small Most were billeted with town people and plane trips. This one was to Petersburg for banquets were arranged as well as meet- another first: officers’ councils. Here she ings at the Alaska Native Brotherhood and had the opportunity to visit with the divi- Sisterhood Hall. Commissioner Claude The M.V. William Booth #1 in 1955

Bates was the leader that year. Salvation- divisional commander, as follows: 35 ists came from all over southeast Alaska Divisional commander: “What are you TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. for this great Congress. doing in Sitka, Lieutenant?” The main mode of transportation in Dolores: “I live here.” 1951 was fishing boat. Boats would arrive D.C.: “I sent you a farewell notice.” tethered together, with Congress dele- Dolores: “I didn’t get it.” gates singing hymns and choruses. D.C.: “At any rate, I need you to come to Some arrived for the Congress in Sitka Juneau to look after the corps.” on the M.V. William Booth, a missionary Dolores was surprised, “You’re kid- vessel owned and operated by the Army. ding!” Rivitt describes the “W.B.” as arriving “all Major Newbould replied, “No, I’m not iced down” and then the stove blew up and and you better dig out those orders and there was soot everywhere. act on them.” When there was a need for temporary “OK if you insist,” responded Dolores. leadership in another corps, Dolores was “I insist,” responded Newbould. often called upon to fill in. This happened Needless to say, Dolores packed up shortly after her first appointment in Sit- and headed for Juneau. The schedule was ka. Communication was not an easy thing heavy in Juneau with three meetings each in those early days of the Army in Alaska. Sunday but the D.C. didn’t think that was Dolores recalls an interesting phone con- enough. Major Newbould told Dolores versation with Major Eric Newbould, the that there was time for an afternoon praise meeting. “But Major,” Dolores Prior to going to Norway, Dolores lamented, “there is no one here.” “I’m here. Mrs. Newbould is here. You was transferred to Juneau Divisional are here. The Lord is here. Let’s begin.” Headquarters as the divisional “OK,” Dolores agreed and start she did. Soon soldiers and others began to arrive helper. Her duties as divisional and Rivitt says, “We had pretty good -at helper included everything from book- tendance.” Divisional headquarters was in Juneau keeper to custodian of the Decker in those days in a location known as the Decker Building. The building, although Building where she once lived. aged, is today a valuable piece of property squeezed into central downtown Ju- he asked, ‘How was camp at Sitka?’ neau. All of divisional headquarters was a “Mrs. Newbould answered, ‘Great, we downstairs office about 15 feet by 20 feet. had a good time.’ 36

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. Although Dolores was responsible for the “‘Did Rivitt go with you?’ corps, she was housed with the divisional “‘Now why would you ask a question officers in one of the six apartments -up like that?’ stairs. “Major replied, ‘Because I know you Dolores remembers the divisional women.’ Be sure your sins will find you commander and his wife as being very out.” hard working. He even taught her to drive Lt. Rivitt was relieved when Lt. Bill a jeep. Dolores and Major Newbould did Lynch arrived on October 11 to take over pick-ups for rummage sales, which helped as commanding officer of Juneau so that their income. she could return to Sitka. In 1952, Lt. Ruth Dolores recounts the following: “Before Bass fell in love with Lt. Ed Ringle, who I left Sitka, we had planned a girl guard was appointed as the divisional helper at camp at Necca Bay. Major Newbould had divisional headquarters. When they mar- to report for National Guard Reserve duty ried, Dolores was appointed in charge of at Adak so Mrs. Newbould was in charge. the Sitka Corps. She asked, ‘Do you want to go to Sitka for It now fell to Dolores to carry on with guard camp?’ (Major Newbould previous- the “outside job” at the Pioneer Home ly told Dolores she was not to go.) (formerly held by Ruth) as well as the reg- “‘Sure, we won’t tell the boss.’ ular corps activities. She became discour- “So I went and when Major came home, aged with the home league as only one or two were attending. She made up some Brigadier Newbould just returned from flyers, went visiting and invited women to a service club meeting. The conversation come to home league. It was soon neces- went something like this: sary to add a second home league, meet- “Brigadier: ‘And what did you do for ing monthly at nearby Mt. Edgecomb. Sit- lunch?’ ka won the territorial home league prize “Mrs. Brigadier: ‘We went to the Spud for increased membership and attendance Nut Shop.’ that year. “Brigadier: ‘Fine thing. I tell the kids: Lt. Rivitt was very excited to be appoint- “don’t do it” and what happens? My wife ed to go to the International Girl Guard takes them all to the Spud Nut Shop.’ Encampment in Concordia, Norway, until “Mrs. Newbould did not know what she learned that she would be the leader her husband had said and we were not of the Western contingent. She told the about to tell her.” divisional commander, “Not me!” He told THE BATHTUB MISHAP: This is the her to say that to the commissioner. Do- kind of task required by the early officers. 37 lores says, “Well, I wasn’t that brave, so I The officers on divisional staff and corps TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. said OK.” Prior to going to Norway, Do- officers did the pick-ups for the thrift lores was transferred to Juneau divisional store. Lt. Bill Lynch and Lt. Charles John- headquarters as the divisional helper. Her son were doing such pick-ups; one of the duties as divisional helper included every- items to be picked up was a bathtub. Do- thing from bookkeeper to custodian of the lores remembers the conversation as: Decker Building where she once lived. Brigadier Newbould says to Bill Lynch: Here are a couple of fun stories Dolores “Why are you limping?” recounts. Bill Lynch: “The bathtub fell on me.” JUST LIKE CHILDREN… THE SPUD Brigadier, after a couple of minutes: NUT SHOP: The divisional commander, “What did you say?” now Brigadier Eric Newbould, had given Bill Lynch: “The bathtub fell on me.” instructions to his staff (consisting of Lt. Brigadier: “Please explain.” Bill Lynch, Lt. Charles (Topsy) Johnson, Bill Lynch: “You see we were carrying and Dolores) not to frequent the “Spud this bathtub from this house and some- Nut Shop” across the street from head- how I ended up with it on top of me.” No quarters. He seemed to think that they workmen’s compensation insurance in were either spending too much money or those days. eating too much of the wrong food. Do- STINK! Wood stoves heated most lores remembers this: “It’s 1:00 p.m. and corps buildings those days in Alaska. This meant that someone, usually the corps of- returning to Alaska she was to stop in at ficer, had to arrive early to build the fire territorial headquarters and see the field and probably even earlier had chopped secretary. She says that the telegram spe- the wood. Sometimes it was necessary cifically said “‘before returning to Alaska,’ to use whatever fuel available. Dolores or I never would have gone otherwise.” recalls one time when a soldier (Lillian She says that the conversation with the Hammand) burned rubber overshoes in field secretary went like this: the stove, thinking it would make a hot Field secretary: “You like Alaska?” fire. Instead, the smoke and smell was so Dolores: “Yes.” bad the building had to be evacuated. The Field Secretary: “Do you want to go smell remained for several weeks. back? CARDS: Officers’ councils were held Dolores: “Yes.” in Juneau and most of the officers were Field Secretary: “We think you need housed at the Decker Building. During a change. Go and think about it for a few fellowship time some officers, including days and then call us.” 38

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. Rivitt, Bill Lynch and Charles (Topsy) Dolores: “OK” (thinking she knew the Johnson (it seems these three were al- answer already. She wanted to go back.) ways getting into some type of mischief) Later, the Field Secretary said to her, were playing cards (Rook). The D.C. did “You are not returning to Alaska. We will not believe in playing any kind of cards, get back to you as to where you are going.” especially on Sunday. When he walked She waited 11 days and had not heard in, they knew they were in trouble. Bill where she was going. She says she was Lynch however hid the evidence by sitting bored and almost broke so she called the on the cards. Topsy, being startled, spilled field secretary and said to him “Do you hot coffee on Bill. Bill did not move but know where I am going yet?” endured the heat so as not to expose the He replied, “I can’t tell you. We will get cards. back to you.” In 1955, divisional headquarters moved Dolores was tired of waiting and bold- from Juneau to Anchorage. Rivitt was ly said, “I am leaving tonight at 6 o’clock temporarily assigned to assist Brigadier and after that you will have to find me.” and Mrs. Clitheroe in Anchorage. Prior Within the hour, she was called to the to reporting for this new assignment, Do- field department and told that she would lores took some furlough in Long Beach, be going to Kalispell, Montana. She was to California. While there, she received a report to Colonel Gifford in Seattle before telegram with the instruction that before finally reporting to Kalispell in October. It seemed that a little boy in town “I volunteered your blood.” “You did what?” desperately needed blood and Barbara It seemed that a little boy in town des- was anemic, therefore they wouldn’t perately needed blood and Barbara was anemic, therefore they wouldn’t take her take her blood. She offered Rivitt’s. blood. She offered Rivitt’s. Rivitt was- ac Rivitt was actually glad to give blood tually glad to give blood and became a regular blood donor from that point on. and became a regular blood donor Dolores remembers the following con- from that point on. versation between her and Barbara just prior to going to sleep, as they shared a room in their quarters: Kalispell was one of only three appoint- Barbara: “Captain, did you pray for ments Rivitt had outside of Alaska, the me?” others being Ft. Collins, Colorado (1961- Dolores: “No.” 39 1964) and Camp Redwood Glen Confer- Barbara: “Would you?” TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. ence Center (1982). In Kalispell, she was Dolores: “Yes.” assisted by Lt. Barbara Johnson (now re- Barbara: “Did you pray that I would get tired Commissioner Barbara Hood). Do- a husband?” lores was not thrilled with the “Southern Dolores: “No.” California girl” assisting her. As they were Barbara: “Would you?” on the train heading for Kalispell, Barbara Dolores: “Yes, to get you out of my said to Dolores, “Look at all that cotton!” hair.” Dolores responded, “Barbara, that’s not Barbara (a very short time later): “Who cotton; that is snow.” Dolores thought, did you pray would be my husband?” “Oh no! I’ve got one of those hot Califor- Dolores: “Barbara, go to sleep! The one nia people working with me in cold Mon- for you will have to have a lot of patience. tana.” Now go to sleep.” She also was not happy when Barbara In spite of this, Dolores and Barbara volunteered Dolores to conduct a funeral. have remained lifelong friends. Rivitt told her, “Don’t ever volunteer me Dolores was finally reappointed to for anything.” But that didn’t stop Barbara. Alaska but she almost missed it. The fare- Another time she said to Rivitt: “You well 0rders came in the form of a tele- are going to be mad at me.” gram, which she almost didn’t open. She “What did you do now?” assumed that it was just “the same old thing from DHQ, reports that are needed.” “The Army is an important part of Her assistant officer, Lt. Shirley Cochrane said, “You better open it.” village life. I was stationed in Kake “No! Oh if you insist.” Dolores’s face for four years and I had to learn turned white as a sheet. Lt. Cochrane asked, “What does it say?” when to talk and when not to. You “In harmony with your request, you are to return to Alaska. More information have to be genuine with the people to follow later.” because they can see right through Where would she go? She knew that both Fairbanks and Kake were in need you if you are not.” of officers. Fairbanks was a service center and it was not likely that they would they could keep their fires going. For this send a single woman there. Kake was she most affectionately earned the nick- also somewhere not probable for a single name of “battle-axe.” Rivitt notes, “The 40

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. woman. On October 31, 1957, the police Army is an important part of village life. department called to tell Dolores that Col- I was stationed in Kake for four years and onel Kurtz was trying to reach her. She I had to learn when to talk and when not called the colonel, who told her she was to. You have to be genuine with the people being appointed in charge of Kake. because they can see right through you if While in Kake, she filled many roles be- you are not. Now I can go into practically sides corps officer. During his first tour of any village and get some food or a place to the division the new divisional command- stay if I need to.” er, Major Donald Barry, was in the airline One very unique experience that Do- ticket office in Petersburg when he heard lores Rivitt had during her service in over the radio a voice he recognized: Cap- Alaska was the opportunity to sail on the tain Rivitt, giving the weather at Kake and William Booth. This Alaska version of the asking reservations for a passenger. She “circuit-riding preacher” brought encour- also landed seaplanes for Alaska Coastal, agement, evangelism and supplies to the she was the postmaster, she worked the isolated villages. cannery line, as a longshoreman (wom- The “W.B.” or “Willie,” as the ship was an), and she was a clerk at Bell’s store. A affectionately nicknamed, had several serious flu epidemic hit Kake during a misadventures—one involving Dolores very cold winter. Rivitt chopped wood Rivitt. This story has various versions, and delivered it to ailing families so that depending upon who is telling it. Leav- International College for Officers, London, U.K.

Wil- 41 ing from the Angoon Congress, the arms as if she had given birth. The passen- TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. liam Booth II was about 10 miles out when gers and crew were stranded in Angoon for things started slowing down. Mike Olson three days. It was a serious situation. They went down to check the engine room and were told that if they had been any further nearly passed out due to gas fumes. The away they would not have made it. How- skipper, Charles (Topsy) Johnson, said to ever, as in most adventures in Rivitt’s life, turn the boat around now! Shortly after she always found the humor. Upon arriv- giving that command he passed out. Aus- ing back in Juneau, she said that the D.C.’s tin Hammond took command and turned wife thought that she had engineered the the boat around. They arrived back in An- whole thing to spend time with a certain goon with three very ill passengers, Mike gentleman that she was “sweet on.” She Olson, Charles Johnson and Dolores Riv- was eventually able to convince her of the itt, who were taken on stretchers to the seriousness of this misadventure. health department. Two policemen as- During one of her appointments in Sit- sisted Rivitt out of the boat to her stretch- ka she had a profound impact on Florence er. She said it was quite embarrassing as Lewis (now Major Florence Murray) as they were paraded through town on the well as her family. The major tells of Cap- stretchers. While she was unconscious at tain Rivitt coming to her house to pick her the health department, someone played a up for Sunday school. When the captain joke on her by placing a baby doll in her was told that the children were not ready, she said firmly, “I’ll wait.” And she did. da went on to become strong Salvationists Her patience and determination to see and local officers. Florence Murray is the those children in Sunday school made an first Alaskan Native to attain the rank of impression on young Flo. She says that to- major. day it affects how she ministers and gives “Throughout her 35 years of service in her patience as she now waits for children Alaska, Major Rivitt has been motivated to be ready. by a love for the Tlingit people, and has Flo tells another perhaps more poi- had a godly influence on the lives of Alas- gnant story about her father. “In a family kan Salvationists,” General (then Com- of seven kids, often the older ones ended missioner) Paul A. Rader said of Dolores up taking care of us who were younger. Rivitt on the occasion of the presentation My parents enjoyed going out to the bars. of a “Certificate in Appreciation of Excep- Now and then they would go to church on tional Service” at the Alaska Congress in Sunday but not regularly. Captain Rivitt Saxman, March 1991. “She enjoys a rela- visited often, encouraging them to attend tionship of mutual trust and respect with 42

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. the corps. Although they had started to at- those with whom she has lived and served tend on a more regular basis, on occasion through the years. Her relationship with they still visited the bars and drank with the native Alaskans is unique. No other their friends. Rivitt was in the habit of dis- Salvation Army officer has had such a sig- tributing War Crys to local merchants and nificant influence in the Alaskan people. in the bars. On one such occasion, George Her nurture of the young people and her and Matilda Lewis heard a familiar voice initiation of corps programs for the com- as they sipped their drinks. George made munity have been invaluable.” a beeline to the men’s room, thinking he Her humbleness is evidenced in her could escape being confronted by Rivitt response to receiving this recognition. by simply waiting until she moved on to “I love you, I love Alaska,” Rivitt told the the next location. After some time passed, audience, “and I’m stunned. I don’t think he peeked outside the men’s restroom there’s anything exceptional about what and scanned the bar to see if Rivitt had I’ve done. The thing I enjoy most about left, when all of a sudden he heard, ‘Hello, Alaska is the people. I have seen many of George. What are you up to today?’” Flo the children grow up and become parents. did not remember what happened after Many have now even become grandpar- that. George told the story to friends for ents. To serve Alaska successfully you years of how embarrassed he was getting have to get to know and love the people. caught by Rivitt. Both George and Matil- You have to be genuine with the people “Major Dolores Rivitt is bigger than or clan and frog house—Kix sa di. Major Dolores Rivitt was honored with life. You need only walk down the the highest award The Salvation Army street of any city, town or village in gives to officers or lay people when Gen- eral John Gowans admitted her to the Or- southeast Alaska with her and see der of the Founder in 2000. In the picture taken at the time, she is flanked by four of how many people recognize her and the divisional commanders with whom want to talk to her about former she served, Lt. Colonels Alfred Van Cleef, Terry Griffin, Olin Hogan and Harold days. She is the quintessential Brodin. She said, “I trained them all.” pioneer Salvationist.” Another former Alaskan divisional commander, Colonel Robert Tobin, said of her: “Major Dolores Rivitt is bigger because they can see right through you than life. You need only walk down the 43

if you are not. Enjoy the beauty. Learn street of any city, town or village in south- TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. about the culture. The problem with some east Alaska with her and see how many who come to Alaska is that they want to do people recognize her and want to talk to things the way they do it ‘down south,’ and her about former days. She’s the quintes- that is not always the best way. Getting sential pioneer Salvationist.” iv involved with the people also keeps one She has no natural children of her own busy and helps deal with the loneliness but countless spiritual children through- and isolation.” out Alaska and the lower forty-eight. She Dolores Rivitt is affectionately known has an adopted grandson, Jordy, of whom by most Alaskans simply as “Rivitt” (as she is very proud. Dolores lent this author “ribbit, ribbit,” like a frog). She credits a volume of helpful information, includ- Lloyd Davis of Kake for presenting her ing pictures and letters, among which with her first frog, a patch with the word were some pressed flowers and a note Rivitt on it. Ever since then people have from Jordy that said, “I wuv you too.” She been giving her frogs. She now has a col- wasn’t concerned that any of the material lection of thousands. be returned to her except the flowers and She is very proud of being adopted by note from Jordy. She said this was most the Tlinket people. She was given the name precious to her. of Shawett Klean, which means “big lady or The influence of Dolores Rivitt upon expensive lady.” She is of the raven moiety the people of Alaska is deep and reaches far. There are so many Alaskans, Salva- RESOURCES All photos are from Major Dolores Rivitt’s col- tionists and non-Salvationists, Natives lection. Other material provided by Major Rivitt as and non-Native, elders and young people follows: alike who have been touched by her life • A Century of Service in Alaska, the Story and When William Booth in so many ways. Each one has their own Saga of The Salvation Army in the Last Frontier by Henry Gariepy, published by The Salvation “Rivitt story,” too many to tell on these Army USA Western Territory (1998). few pages. She is loved and respected, par- • Miscellaneous War Crys, the dates not always Came to Oakland: ticularly by the Tlinket people of south- able to ascertain. east Alaska. • New Frontier, published by The Salvation Army Western Territory: September 19, 2000, cover When asked if she has any regrets, Do- and front story; April 30, 1987, special Alaska At Home with lores responds, “Only retirement.” Recent issue. years have been difficult as she has strug- • Notes and memories of Dolores Rivitt. gled to deal with diabetes and the results the Pennimans of a stroke. These physical ailments have iEmail from Major Florence Murray, Eugene, Oregon. iiWar Cry, January 21, 1950, 11. served to challenge but not defeat her. She iiiHenry Gariepy, A Century of Service, 87. 44 ivNew Frontier, September 19, 2000, 1. TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. carries on a sharp conversation and loves visits from friends. She is fiercely compet- by R.G. Moyles itive in nearly every type of table or card game. She has not always agreed with the changes the Army has made. Her advice for the future Salvation Army? “Go back to the basics and love the people.” When William Booth Came to Oakland: At Home with the Pennimans

4545 TELLING OUR STORIES: 1 VOL. TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. by R.G. Moyles General William Booth had become the basis for the Army’s social work, was well known to and supported by many of the world’s foremost churchmen and civic leaders. Thus it was from the moment he landed in New York to his departure, the venerable “social wizard” (now sixty-five years old) was praised in the nation’s newspapers, received by its most influential people (the Goulds, Vanderbilts and The Rockefellers), and enthusiastically welcomed by the American people. Oakland Daily Evening Tribune made On this, his first visit to Oakland, Booth was this extravagant claim on Monday, similarly feted. Arriving on Saturday, December December 17, 1894: “General Booth re- 15, and leaving for San Francisco, his moments ceived an ovation in Oakland yesterday were fully occupied and recorded. Reporters, as such as was never accorded any reli- everywhere, were delighted with his intelligence gious leader here before.” The claim, it and wit. “When he met with the press represen- 47 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. assured its readers, was proven by the tatives,” stated the Tribune, “he announced that fact that at each of his three meetings they were not prompt, as his watch recorded 12 on the Sunday more than ten thou- o’clock, when they had been notified to meet sand people packed the Mills Taber- him at 11 o’clock.” When it was pointed out to him nacle, listening to his sermons and lec- that his watch must have gained time in crossing tures with rapt attention, punctuating the continent, he quickly and with characteristic them with “great applause” and “grand humor turned the mistake to his advantage. “I ovations.” It was, all agreed, a most guess,” he said, “this must be a Salvation Army memorable religious experience. watch. We are always gaining ground.” It was But it was similar to the reception just the kind of quick-wittedness reporters loved William Booth had received, and the and were pleased to record. brilliance he had displayed, all across They were just as pleased to describe his plat- America. For on this, his second trip to form manner and his preaching style. On his the United States, he was not only ac- Sunday in Oakland, Booth spoke three times: knowledged as one of the world’s great at 10:30 a.m. on “Conquering Christianity,” at religious leaders—a powerful preach- 3 p.m. on his “Darkest England” scheme, and at er and passionate revivalist—but as 7 p.m. on “Salvation.” For an hour at a time he one of its leading social reformers. enthralled his audience, pacing the platform His “Darkest England” scheme, which with his hands clasped behind his back, graphi- cally portraying the awful results of sin and sie”) was the 22-year-old daughter of the the bountiful rewards of salvation. In his wealthy Oakland resident Hiram Penni- “Darkest England” lecture, especially, his man, owner of the Shadelands Ranch in depictions of the “haunts of Babylon” exist- Walnut Creek, and his second wife, Carrie. ing right next door, and his passionate pleas Bessie had been educated at Stanford and for action, drew rounds of applause and not Cornell and was awaiting her marriage to a few tears: the Chicago millionaire Albert Johnson, to “What would humanity say if they saw whom she wrote frequent letters. And it is a lot of sheep being submerged by the tide in three of these letters (now preserved by and heard their bleat, bleat, bleat all day in the Walnut Creek Historical Society) that their ears? Would they not labor at every she offers her unique impressions of the cost of inconvenience and discomfort until celebrated religionist who came to be their it had rescued the sheep? Well, can you hear house guest, not at Shadelands, but at their the bleat, bleat, bleat of men and women Oakland residence. who are dying—the horrible, unceasing cry Booth was their guest, she said, because 48

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. of people in distress, who are breeding their her mother had a friend who had become own misery, propagating their own wretch- a Salvationist and “asked Mamma if she edness, so steeped and submerged that they wouldn’t entertain Gen. Booth while he is must sink deeper of their own weight unless here and Mamma said she would. Mam- they have some stronger hand to cling to for ma was very pleased to do it though she a while. Then for God’s sake let us help them thought it was strange they asked her, as she out!” has never been to a Salvation Army meeting Even at this remote distance in time we in her life. I’ve gone in two or three times can still be stirred by the Founder’s mes- with Mrs. Kingsbury for fun and Mary [the sages, and are grateful for the descriptions servant] has been two or three times when reported in the local newspapers of his per- they’ve something special but that’s all. sonality and style. In this instance, however, They wanted Mamma to do it because they we are much more privileged than that. For thought it would be a nice quiet place for it was during Booth’s visit to Oakland that a him to rest .... His private secretary will stay very rare private description of his person- with him here, as he never goes anywhere ality was penned by someone who came for a moment without him. They’ll each into closer contact with him than anyone have to have a room of course and we will all else in Oakland. That person was Miss Bes- have to double up” (Dec. 12). silyn Penniman. Therefore, at 9:30 on Saturday morning, Bessilyn Penniman (always called “Bes- shortly after he had arrived at Port Costa and met his local officers, William Booth’s tle “under the weather.” “After you get used carriage drove in, to be received by the to him,” she continued, “you like him, for Penniman ladies (Hiram, it seems, being at he is very bright, witty and original; indeed his Shadelands Ranch). They were, to put [his] every word is a surprise—for he has to it mildly, somewhat shocked by his abrupt have everything just so .... You like him for manner. “As the General walked in Mam- he is so bright and keen and queer. Every ma greeted him and said, ‘We welcome you time he leaves the room we all look at each General Booth,’ but the General just spoke other and laugh and say, ‘Well, were [you] out very sharply and said ‘I’m hungry. I’m ever at such a circus before?’” starved. I want a whole breakfast right off; What Booth may have lacked in initial hurry, I’m sick.’ Well, we all flew, Alice and “sweetness” was well supplied by his per- Mamma and Auntie G. and Wong and Mary sonal secretary, Major Fritz Malan, an Ital- and Charles and I—and we got something ian officer of exceptional ability and dedi- on the table as soon as possible. I shall not cation. “The secretary,” Bessie wrote, “is the try to describe his eccentricities as it would sweetest little Italian I ever saw. He’s about 49 take a ream of paper. He’s an old man, [with] 24 or 25 and so quiet, sweet and pleasant in TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. a long grey beard, long hair, remarkably his manner. He plays the guitar and sings piercing eyes and wears a silk hat and army beautifully. We all think so much of him.” It costume. He orders people about just as he was inevitable, perhaps, that Malan should wishes, regardless.” be the one to “have a little religious talk” Nor did the breakfast seem to improve with Bessie. “I had expected it,” she wrote, matters very much. “When he came in to “[but] it is so hard to know what to say to breakfast Alice stood toasting bread over such people so I don’t say much of anything. the fire for him and she had buttered each Of course, I think they are doing grand work piece nicely as she toasted it. He had not and believe they are doing more practical seen her before but walked right in, looked work perhaps than any other organization. at the toast with an air of disgust and ex- But when they talk to you, somehow if you claimed, with his hands in the air, ‘Oh, it’s don’t get as emotional as they, they don’t be- ruined, it’s ruined, there’s butter on it; toast lieve you are really saved.” But could the lit- some more, quick, quick.’ And we had to do tle talk have been like a seedling which grew it quick too.” in Bessie, for she later became a leading ex- But, she acknowledged, his irritable ponent of revivalist evangelism, for which manner was quite understandable, and was Major Malan might have taken credit. not indicative of his normal temperament. Of the meetings themselves, which we He had traveled far, was very tired, and a lit- know she attended, she says nothing, but General William Booth in a towne car

in her next letter to Albert again returns The impressions of William Booth’s char- to the eccentric character of her noted vis- acter recorded by Bessie Penniman, though itor. “This morning at breakfast Mary was mainly concerned with his so-called “eccen- serving and had just cut off a piece of steak tricities,” certainly agree with those of oth- and put it on a plate for him. He watched ers who knew him well. He was demand- 50 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. the process very attentively and then got up ing; he was fussy; he could be brusque and from his seat and came around to her and sometimes cranky. But, all acknowledged, took the carving knife from her hand and he was a passionate, brilliant, single-mind- calmly cut off his own meat and took some ed visionary; and, in spite of his gruff exte- potatoes and went back to his seat without rior, had a heart full of love for individuals a word, but we were ready for anything and and humanity. That, in fact, was Bessie Pen- were not surprised when he tasted the po- niman’s final verdict: “General Booth left us tatoes and gave an exclamation of disgust for San Francisco this morning at 10. He was and pushed his plate clear away from him. just as sweet and lovely as he could be, and There were two dishes of French fried pota- spoke so tenderly and lovingly of his family. toes, one was sweet and the other common You see he’s been sick with the Grippe [flu] white potatoes and without noticing he had all the time he’s been with us and it’s been taken the sweet and it seems he doesn’t like very hard for him to keep up. After he left them so his plate had to be taken out and Mamma said, ‘Well, for all his peculiarities the sweet potatoes removed. Yet for all his he’s such a dear old man,’ and she expressed oddities he’s a lot of fun if you just take him the feeling of us all.” as he is and let him have his own way about everything.” Two Stories of Salvationist Mining Camps

51 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. The General Booth Mine Gold that is Dug by Members of The Salvation Army THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL (December 9, 1894)

ay up in one of the most inacces- and volubility of his oaths were proverbial Wsible portions of the Huachuca over the territory for many years. It is said range of the mountains near Prescott, Ar- that after each sale Taylor would invest in a izona, there is situated perhaps the most year’s grub stake and then proceed to spend unique mining camp in the world. The the remainder of the money in the wildest sixteen men who daily toil in the General debauchery. At one time he ran through Booth mine are all members of The Salva- $10,000 in two weeks in Phoenix, throwing tion Army, and the profits of the mine all go his money away in the most reckless man- into the treasury of that organization. The ner. His money once gone, he returned to history of the location and subsequent de- his prospecting and touched no liquor until 52 velopment of the mine is interesting. his next sale. TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. “Old Dick” Taylor, the discoverer, is It was immediately after the sale of the one of the best known and most success- Apache mine for $15,000 that he started on ful prospectors in the territory. Coming to his wildest debauch in Phoenix. For over a Arizona in the early days, when the whole month he did not draw a sober breath and southwestern country was a wilderness at last, reduced again to poverty and weak- given over to the Apache Indians, he has ened mentally and physically, he professed prospected the country from one end to the religion at an open-air meeting of The other and has discovered more valuable lo- Salvation Army in Phoenix. For over two cations than any other man in Arizona. The months he marched with the Army at its One Horse, Bad Luck and Desert mines in nightly meetings, but finding such a rou- the Harqua Hala country, the Apache and tine life too irksome, he again started for New York in the Superstitious Mountains, the hills. Nothing was heard of him for over the King in the Bradshaws and many others two months and it was reported that he had were located by him and have since made perished in the desert, but one day he again fortunes for the investors. turned up in Phoenix with a burro load of Dick Taylor was, perhaps, the most pro- rich ore which set the town ablaze with ex- fane man in the Southwest. His vocabulary citement. of invective [cursing] was something phe- Some of the nuggets which he brought nomenal and was brought into use on the were valued at $50. Everyone was surprised slightest provocation. The picturesqueness when he announced his intention of turn- ing his latest find over to The Salvation discipline is maintained in the camp and the Army. It was duly proffered and accepted profits, after paying the necessary expenses, by that organization and fifteen men volun- go into the treasury of the Army to aid in the teered to develop it. Work was commenced work of that organization. Two shifts of six under the direction of Taylor and has pro- men each work underground, while the re- gressed steadily since. The pay streak is six- mainder attend to the treatment of the ore teen inches wide and has paid well from the and transportation of necessary supplies. grass roots. The ore is treated in two crush- Supplies are freighted 100 miles. (Reported ers erected near the mine but it is proposed in Mining Industry and Tradesman.) to bring in a ten-stamp mill. Strict religious

53 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL.

One Big Happy Family Arizona once had a mining community governed by a Salvation Army convert—a queer genius who gave away his money.

This slice of history told by MARGARET KUEHLTHAU is reproduced courtesy of the Tucson Daily Citizen

Twenty miles northeast of Lochiel, Ari- It was, according to a March 27, 1896, zona is Sunnyside, now a ghost town nest- story in the Los Angeles Times, “the abiding ling in a meadow in the Huachuca Moun- place of some new-fangled creed. The peo- tains, [it] was established in the 1880s by a ple live on a communal plan, and the whole Salvation Army convert. Unlike other min- is presided over by a queer genius who gives ing camps, it was not filled with saloons, away his money.” brothels, and lawless elements, but rather, it It all began with a man named Samu- was a religious community. el Donnelly, which popular history would 54 Above and right: Remains of mining camp houses at Sunnyside, Ariz. TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL.

have us believe was a hard drinker in San Glance Mine and converts followed him Francisco, California. However, he changed to the site. The mine, believed at first to be his ways when he stumbled out of a water- almost worthless, proved to be a bonanza. front bar into a Salvation Army meeting The reporter of the Times wrote: “The pro- in the early 1880s. Having “seen the light,” ceeds of the mine are considerable—prob- Donnelly stopped his drinking and became ably $3,000 a month ($84,000 in 2014). a Salvation Army preacher. However, they care little for money and use The “genius” was Samuel Donnelly who comparatively small amounts on them- preached against doctrines and creeds, selves. They live well and dress plainly. holding always “for the spirit of the Bible “The men work at the mine, the shops and not the letter.” TheTimes said Donnelly and the concentrator, and the women are “believed himself sent of God for the con- the house-keepers. The men have no pay version of his fellow men.” “Brother Don- day, yet they work as industriously as those nelly, who was known to be as ready to fight miners they hire.” for his faith with brawn as well as with elo- The Times writer reported that “hired quence,” had been called to Tombstone to miners are paid $65 a month for a six-day protect a holiness mission which had been week. (The Sabbath was a day of rest and given a rough time by some miners. worship.) In addition, they received board, Later, in 1887, he took over the Copper living quarters, washing, mending, shoes, into a Salvation Army tent on a San Francis- co street, sang a hymn, became a convert, and “began a new career almost as stormy as the old.” John R. McIntyre who, with his wife, now lives at the site as a caretaker, and his sister, Mrs. W. H. Hathaway, who resides near Pa- tagonia, grew up in the Copper Glance Min- ing Camp. Both their parents taught school at the camp. overalls and shirts. For nothing is a cent de- The first site, they recall, was located far- ducted. “This is the best pay in Arizona and ther up the mountainside, close to the mine. naturally there are more applications for When the supply of copper was exhausted, work than the demand, by far.” the present Sunnyside site was established Conspicuous by their absence were the and the colony was supported by logging 55 saloons and gambling tables, found at ev- and saw mills. The logs were dragged down TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. ery other mining camp. No profanity was the mountain by four yoke of oxen. allowed. Instead, emphasis was placed on They remember that the camp was a singing, sacred music and “long, good ser- happy, pleasant place for growing children mons” by Donnelly. but John McIntyre, like all the others, had a The camp boasted a rosewood Chick- task assigned to him. ering piano, carried by men into the camp “We all ate together in a community over a narrow trail, an organ, violins, guitar, kitchen, equipped with a big old army range flute and piccolos. and water tanks,” he said. “At the sound of Donnelly, a Scotsman and the son of a the dinner gong, kids raced in from every Presbyterian preacher, was born in 1853. direction. Each family had its own home.” From boyhood until the age of 24, accord- McIntyre’s reminiscences bear out the ing to the Times, he “lived an uneventful report in the Los Angeles Times which de- life. Then he began sailing to every corner scribed the inhabitants of the camp as “one of the world, drinking hard and fighting big happy family.” hard—knocking out many professional The reporter in the 1897 story wrote: fighters.” He was a man “with a large and “The Copper Glance Camp consists of about powerful frame.” One night, after seven 80 souls, about half that number men, with years of this life, to avoid becoming involved a score of women and children. All is in in skullduggery against his will, he ducked common … they do much charity.” 56 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL.

1905 Chickering piano that was used in Sunnyside

The University of Arizona benefited water were unsuccessful and miners gradu- from this charity because, according to the ally began to drift Times, “Donnelly learned that some Coch- Samuel Donnelly fell ill with Bright’s dis- ise County needy students were working ease in late 1900 and died on April 14, 1901. their way through the university, earning By 1903, everyone had abandoned Sunny- $8.50 per month against expenses of $13 a side with the exception of one man. Around month. Donnelly donated to such students 1912, Sunnyside experienced a revival as a $20 a month.” The extent of the charity per- ranching community. A post office was es- formed by Donnelly and the residents of tablished on July 16, 1914, and continued in Sunnyside, the newspapers explained, “was operation until March 15, 1934. The closing never advertised.” of the post office was an indication that the Sunnyside started going downhill town was starting another downhill slide. in 1898. The mine had barely produced Very little information is available depicting enough to support the town and in 1898, the history of Sunnyside after the closing of the miners inadvertently opened an under- the post office. ground spring. Efforts to clear the mine of Jailed for Jesus

The Salvation Army vs.

Los Angeles Municpal Charities Commission

57 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. Majors William and Kate Dart to have an open-air ministry. This effective way of witnessing brought many people into the corps and saw them converted. As the city grew, so did the work and ministry of The Salvation Army. The men’s industrial home (later called adult rehabilitation center) received donated goods that were re- conditioned and sold to support the program. The Homes for single women, shelters for homeless men and safe childcare were some of the early days of The Salvation Army many programs now offered. in Los Angeles were exciting, with In the early 20th century, unscrupulous drunkards being converted, sinners scoundrels defrauded the public with fake finding the Lord and many discov- charities, spending funds inappropriately and ering that their lives could be differ- generally taking advantage of a caring pub- 59 ent when following Christ. Howev- lic who wanted to help those who could not TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. er, many in the general population help themselves. The City of Los Angeles in looked upon the early Salvationists 1913 passed an ordinance creating the Munic- as uncouth, noisy, rowdy and eccen- ipal Charities Commission with authority to tric. They marched on the streets investigate charities and suppress unethical playing noisy instruments, beating organizations that did not meet minimum the drums and shouting strange standards. The commission consisted of five things like “Hallelujah!” and “Praise citizens with Dr. Milbank Johnson selected as the Lord!” In the 1890s, the city of the chair. Johnson had a deep-seated prejudice Los Angeles passed an ordinance against the Army and rejoiced that it could forbidding public street meetings not function without his approval. He spent and demonstrations. The Salvation weeks traveling across the country to observe Army responded by having the Los the work of the Army and expressed admira- Angeles No. 1 and No. 2 corps bands tion for the excellent institutions. However, he march down Broadway. The police returned to Los Angeles intending to alter the arrested the corps officers and took military form of government and sweep away them to jail, yet the officers refused the method of holding property in the parent to admit guilt. A judge ruled against corporation. the city, the officers were released Territorial headquarters at this time was and The Salvation Army continued located in Chicago. In Dr. Johnson’s letter to Commissioner Thomas Estill and the Divisional headquarters issued a book- finance secretary in October 1913, he let to educate the citizens of Los Angeles demanded that The Salvation Army im- as to the issues and the Army’s frustra- mediately place all operations in Los An- tion with the commission. Publishing the geles under the control of a local board of booklet was considered a violation of the directors, all who were residents of Los ordinance and all the members of the fi- Angeles; The Salvation Army was to cease nance council were arrested and taken to all operations unless approved by him. No jail. budgets could be prepared and enforced In December 1913, Commissioner Estill on Los Angeles workers, nor could any traveled from Chicago for a meeting with funds be sent out of the city for the use Dr. Johnson. Discussion ensued, and it of The Salvation Army in other areas. appeared that the Charities Commission The net proceeds of the men’s industrial was prepared to modify it demands. How- center and the stores could only be spent ever, in April 1914, after months of negoti- in Los Angeles and could not be subject ations, correspondence was received dic- 60 TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. to assessment by territorial officers. The tating that the only terms for negotiations commission went so far as to stipulate were the ultimatum of Dr. Johnson’s letter that self denial and harvest festival mon- of October 1913. ies received from the church congrega- The Salvation Army submitted appli- tion could only be spent in the city of Los cations for the women’s rescue home and Angeles rather than being forwarded to the divisional charity department (social missionary projects. It was obvious that services) but the commission refused to these demands would alter the charac- consider them until all conditions were ter and ministry of the Army, making it satisfied. No other denomination was unrecognizable. Dr. Johnson would not forced to submit their books of religious listen to any presentations from the divi- activities for audit by the Charities Com- sional commander and would not relent mission, but Commissioner Estill acced- in his demands. No other religious group ed to demands and a careful search of 10 was dealt with so harshly. Legal counsel years of financial activities was permitted. advised that The Salvation Army should The auditors did not find any damaging cease all charitable activities. The Salva- evidence but did prepare a distorted and tion Army, in an attempt to comply with inaccurate report to the commission. As the commission’s demands, closed the divisional headquarters for Southern Cal- men’s industrial home and the 10 stores ifornia was located in Los Angeles, the that supported the program. auditors included all monies raised in the On January 26, 1915, Major Wm. giving The Salvation Army one week to comply and did not appear for the meet- Dart opened an industrial store ing. Commissioner Estill had to return (thrift store), sold clothing and to Chicago so Brigadier George Wood and Major Wm. J. Dart were to represent the was arrested. He remained in the Army. When the meeting began, The Salva- city jail until April 1915, waiting for tion Army asked to present the indepen- some resolution to the issue. Major dent audit report to the commission. Dr. Johnson refused to allow the presentation Dart was made jail chaplain and but was subsequently overruled by other began ministering to the prisoners, members of the commission. However, the commission had reached a decision conducting services, and many the previous day and released it to the Associated Press the night before the 61 accepted the Lord before he was meeting. In the meantime, The Salvation TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. finally released. Army was incorporated in the state of California on October 19, 1914, with headquarters in San Francisco, and all Army southern part of the state, distorting the property was transferred to that corpo- actual picture. The Salvation Army then ration. The commission indicated that hired independent auditors who stated, if The Salvation Army would relocate its “Reading the history of this work through headquarters to Los Angeles, that would the books, we wish to congratulate you fulfill the commission’s requirement and most heartily.... In a professional career of would be endorsed. Dr. Johnson immedi- over thirty years the writer has never been ately vetoed the decision. so strongly impressed as he had been with On January 26, 1915, Major Wm. Dart the wonderful organization which must opened an industrial store (thrift store), be behind the results which we have read sold clothing and was arrested. He re- in your records.” mained in the city jail until April 1915, After returning from the Internation- waiting for some resolution to the issue. al Congress in London, Commissioner Major Dart was made jail chaplain and Estill rushed to a meeting in the mayor’s began ministering to the prisoners, con- office on September 1, 1914. Dr. Johnson ducting services, and many accepted the announced in the newspaper that he was Lord before he was finally released. A hearing was set for April 1915 and Angeles Express reported: Commissioner Estill traveled to Los Ange- The Salvation Army won a signal les to personally take charge of the Army’s victory in the Supreme Court of case. Judge Gibson represented The Salva- California when that body today tion Army and the Army’s attorneys sub- declared void two provisions of mitted a petition to the Supreme Court of a Los Angeles Ordinance creat- California for a writ of habeas corpus. The ing and empowering the Munic- temporary writ was approved, which re- ipal Charities Commission. The leased Major Dart from jail. The Supreme Commission laid down rigid rules Court bench of seven judges then decided for The Salvation Army and oth- that briefs should be filed by both sides for er charitable institutions, many further consideration. of which were forced to abandon The spreading of false and distorted their activities as a result of the information throughout the country re- ruling. garding the integrity of the Army and it Officers of The Salvation Army 62

TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. methods of handling charity funds had stubbornly resisted this ruling on naturally created suspicion in the minds the grounds that it would serve to of some. In February 1916, the clear-cut restrict the usefulness of the or- statement in the Supreme Court’s de- ganization as a whole and work a cision clearing the Army of all charges lasting hardship upon The Army’s made against it by Dr. Johnson and the activities. declaration by the court that the ordinance be voided was a quick decision. Due TheSan Francisco Chronicle stated: to strong representation made by many citizens, it was decided to wipe out the old Throughout the world, The Sal- charity ordinance entirely. Dr. Milbank vation Army is recognized as an Johnson protested to no avail. intensely religious body, which un- Newspaper headlines appeared such as ceasingly devotes itself to the moral, “Chilly Charity of Los Angeles Gets Hard physical and spiritual regeneration Kick” or “Federal Court Knocks out Ordi- of the very poor and still more, nance.” One paper reported that the or- the degraded. It does an immense dinance was “unconstitutional, hateful.” amount of useful work from which Another L.A. paper said, “Los Angeles will the great majority, even of the most welcome the opportunity to help the Sal- charitable, shrink. vationists ‘keep the pot boiling.’” TheLos A Salvation Army solicitor was promptly run in by the police, tried, convicted and sentenced to jail for his crime. Upon appeal, the Superior Court of Los Angeles gave no relief nor did the District Court of Appeals. The case promptly went to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court made short work of the case and unanimously smashed the ordinance flat as unconstitutional, hateful and void.

ThePasadena News reported:

There will be general satisfaction 63

at the victory of The Salvation TELLING OUR STORIES: 2 VOL. Army over the Municipal Chari- ties Commission of Los Angeles, which was rather, a victory over Dr. Milbank Johnson. It seems to a loaf does not have to be swathed be the notion of Dr. Johnson that in red tape. the administration of charity has been reduced to an exact science. Many people were involved in bringing He is the representative of a mod- this case to victory. But special appreci- ern school, wherein the fact that ation must be given to Major Wm. Dart a man is hungry and has a sick (later the divisional commander in South- baby at home is far less important ern California) for being willing to go to than an analysis of the reasons jail for an extended period. (Major Dart is for the predicament of the unfor- the grandfather of Major Judy Nottle.) His tunate. In due course, The Sal- action help pave the way for a successful vation Army came under his ban resolution of this crisis in the ministry of and he forbid its charitable work The Salvation Army in Los Angeles.

continue. The Army appealed Source: Decision of the Supreme Court of California and has won. It now is at liberty with regard to the Municipal Charities Commission to give a loaf to the starving and of Los Angeles and The Salvation Army, 1916

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