FOUR
Learning To Live Together
The wedding was over. The couple had said their vows, made their promises, and marched up the aisle. They had two distinctly different personalities. One tended to walk with a swagger, while the other seemed not to mind at all slipping into the background. One liked prominence and visibility, craved fame and recognition, while the other seemed to wonder how to escape the limelight.
Marriage counselors might have recommended against the union. Nevertheless, the deed was done, the knot was tied, the name was changed. It wasn’t a “shot-gun” wedding, but on-lookers wondered how well this couple even knew each other.
Now, after 20 years, we observe that dominance dominates. Personalities don’t change with marriage, but each individual member of a couple that clearly wants to grow in love for each other will begin to shade aspects of their individual personalities that the other finds difficult to accept. They begin to grow together – to negotiate differences – to avoid dictatorial imposition. They begin to build on shared commonalities.
Both the Tabernacle and the Pasadena Citadel had many things in common. They both had the same “first name” – The Salvation Army. They both believed in the Army doctrines and accepted its mission in society. They both loved the Army music, its worship style, its commitments to various program elements. They both had strong feelings about the quality of officer appointments. They both perceived the officers as their pastor – their minister – their spiritual guide. Neither perceived that officer as their “commander.” They both wanted a share in decision-making relative to the operation of their church.
The Loves – 1983-1984
I estimate that on February 6, 1983, approximately 80% of the congregation present in the hall on this the first Sunday of the merged corps had been part of the Hollywood Tabernacle congregation. Approximately 10% had been part of the Pasadena Citadel congregation. The remaining 10% were inquisitive on-lookers and guests.
The morning involved the following Order of Service:
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1983Prelude Piano/Organ/Band
Call to Worship Lt. Colonel Kenneth L. Hodder
Song #11/646 “Praise, My Soul the King of Heaven”
Introduction
Colonel James Osborne, Chief Secretary
Response: Colonel James Osborne
Scripture: Mrs. Lt. Colonel Hodder
Installation
Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Officers
Captains Richard and Bettie Love
Band Selection B/M Ivor Bosanko
Announcements
We Bring Our Tithes and Offerings
Offertory
Songster Selection S/L Bill Flinn
Song #441/657 “Christ is All”
Message Colonel James Osborn
Song #485/750 “By the Love That Never Ceased to Hold Me”
Choral Benediction
The “brass” was there to introduce the relatives of the bride and groom and, I suppose, make sure everything went “well.”
They had nothing to worry about. These were really one people – soldiers all.
We spent some time in he ensuing months getting to know each other and trying out various strategies to support the notion that this was a Salvation Army corps – evangelism, visitation, social service work.
The Loves now had their own Advisory Board. This was a new phenomenon for the Tabernacle people. The Tab had never had its own advisory board. We simply worked through the metropolitan Los Angeles Board. That meant, that anything needed in the corps that required advisory board endorsement definitely needed to be DHQ endorsement even before it was presented. As the corps Sergeant Major for many years I had never attended an advisory board meeting in all my years of soldiership until I went to Pasadena.
The Loves also had an ongoing corps program within the Tabernacle – a program with which they were very familiar – Band and Songster practice was always on Wednesday night – Home League occurred during band practice. They knew the personalities of the program leaders as well as the strengths and weaknesses of program components.
They had some help learning about Pasadena from Tabernacle soldiers who had formerly been Pasadena soldiers. Additionally, they had significant help from the Hoods, the outgoing Pasadena officers.
Some, who were around in those years, might still wonder whether this move represented a merger or a take-over. The numbers must have caused some Pasadena folks to feel the latter to be the case.
What the new corps got with the Loves was strong, positive, skilled, leadership. It revealed itself in the nature of their advance planning to help the membership deal with significant issues, their interest in having good ”data” prior to deciding, and their total commitment to the democratic process of shared decision-making. Additionally, there was a powerful, instructive, and inspirational pulpit ministry from Rich and a dedicated, warm, accepting, very hard working ethic from Bettie. Both had excellent educational credentials from University settings outside the Army, and both were fully committed to the Army and to the success of this venture.
Throughout the spring and the fall of 1983 the corps collected important data concerning our current “state” and developed goals as well as the strategies to achieve them. All of those willing to accept re-appointment as Local Officers who had important positions in Hollywood were reappointed to the same positions in Pasadena. The corps council had been very active in exploring a “next step” for the Pasadena Tabernacle.
At a January 8, 1984 Soldiers Meeting, the background information, specific goals adopted by the corps council, and various proposals were communicated to the membership. We sought feedback and endorsement. It started with data:
1. The State of the Corps
Senior Soldiers
Number on Roll 329
Active 141
Other Corps/church 55
Unsatisfactory 133
(A plan was presented to deal with this large number in the “unsatisfactory” column from the combined rolls.)
Junior Soldiers
Number on Roll 77
Active 25
Other Corps/church 5
Unsatisfactory 47
Sunday School attendance average 105
Morning worship attendance average 207
Afternoon Praise service – average 82
2. Calendar of Events – January through June
Begin Corps Evangelistic Program – January 15/16
February Music Weekend – February 25/26 – Phil Smith, special guest
Corps Retreat with General and Mrs. Arnold Brown – March 23-25
Initiate Corps Stewardship Planned Giving Campaign – April 1
Corps Centennial Week-end – June 1-3
3. The Corps Evangelistic Weekend
A. Sunday afternoon schedule
Neighborhood open-air visitation
Rest Home visitation and Chapel Services
B. Monday “Night of Caring” -- Corps Friendly Visitor Teams
4. Corps Council Membership
CSM Bob Docter
CS actg Sheryl Cannings
CT Myrtle Douglass
RS actg Nancy Dahlin
BM Barrie Gott
SL Bill Flinn
HLS Rosemary Gebhardt
CCC actg Mrs. Major Glenn Austin
Nels “Brownie” Johnson
Alex DeCastro
Jim Gebhardt
Virginia Nieto
5. Local Officer Needs
YPSM
League of Mercy Secretary
DivLoc Representatives (2 or 3)
Missionary Sergeant
Y. P. Singing Company Leader
6. Corps Goals – 1984 - Adopted by the Corps Council
The Corps Council, in conjunction with our officers, examined considerable data concerning the current state of the corps in the Fall of 1983. Following this, the Council established goals in three broad areas: (1) disciple and corps growth; (2) corps program, with emphasis on evangelistic outreach; and (3) stewardship, focusing on a program of stewardship giving.
7. Stewardship
A. Projected Corps Budget – “Self Supporting Status”
Non-community, church related budget totaled $147,800
1983 tithing income levels for corps support totaled 109,800
1983 corps Self Denial giving totaled 19,000
There were approximately 140 giving units –
Average weekly gift per giving unit was approximately $15.
Giving unit increase needed weekly to be “self supporting” - $4.25
B. Introduction of Stewardship-Planned Giving Campaign – April 1
8. Other Items of Corps Business
ADJOURNMENT
In terms of Evangelism, the Corps Council approved the following Sunday schedule:
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m.Holiness Meeting.
2:00 p.m Evangelistic outreach This consisted of Evangelism or Service –
(Open-Air Meeting twice a month, Rest Home Visitation once a month)
(A Bible Study would also be offered at this time)
4:00 p.m. a Praise Service was scheduled.
Shared Luncheons would be scheduled as needed. The open-air services would take place in the neighborhood with the band as the primary musical group. Those accompanying the band would knock on doors and distribute literature. We would start with neighborhoods east of the corps and then move to the north.
The Monday night visitation program sought to build teams of two or three who would go to homes in the neighborhood to answer questions and invite them to participate. The members would receive training on what constituted a “good visit.”
And so the Pasadena Tabernacle got off to an excellent start. The marriage would hold tight among all parties – at least for an agreed upon six month trial period. At the end of that time, some Pasadena members opted for a different corps experience, and some Tabernacle members felt the drive too long. But the vast majority of those present on that first week stayed.
Music continued to be a vital part of our worship and our identity. Shortly after the opening meeting of the Pasadena Tabernacle, Ivor Bosanko left to assume responsibilities in conjunction with his position as Territorial Music Director, and Wilf Mountain had the band. What a joy to receive the kind of training he was able to deliver. The only problem was that when he was leading, he wasn’t playing, and we missed the magnificent sound he spoke on his Euphonium. He returned to his instrument of August of 1983 as Barrie Gott’s deputy bandmaster.
The Songsters continued to grow in both number and excellence.
The planning, led by the Loves, was excellent and showed great promise for the future. Events in June, however, limited their leadership to a very short period with us. We had to say “farewell” to them.
The Buchanans – 1984-1988
On the next Sunday, we welcomed Majors Chris and Janis Buchanan as our new corps officers. The years from 1984 to mid 1988 were years of seeking ways to implement and test our original goals. Our numbers stayed fairly consistent. A few came in and a few left, but the trend line indicated slow growth.
It became clear very quickly that the Buchanans were “idea” people, very bright with considerable energy. They had a ”can-do” spirit about them that was highly contagious. There was consistently excellent preaching and a clear indication of strong, yet participative leadership style.
In August of 1983, Barrie Gott had arrived with his family to accept the challenge of leading the Tabernacle Band. He quickly demonstrated that he was up to the task. He came fresh from being Bandmaster of the famous Sydney Congress Hall band in Australia with intentions of completing his graduate studies. It wasn’t long before the Band Board began some ambitious tour planning.
The songsters, led by Bill Flinn, continued to grow and test new challenges found in music not published by the Army. That, along with Army music, became a staple for some magnificent programs. In 1984 they toured Northern California with stops in Oakland, Sacramento and San Francisco.
Flinn began talking about the possibility of an extended trip to a distant location. By this time, the brigade was right around 60 voices, and he realized if it got any bigger the group would be unable to tour because of the expense involved. Therefore, the group established a policy that limited its membership to 60 and a waiting list was developed. From his days in band leadership positions, Flinn knew the motivational value of trips and tours. In 1984 he got the brigade used to the experience with a California mini-tour to Sacramento, Oakland and San Francisco. It was deemed a fantastic success, and the tour wheels within the group continued to be part of the planning process.
In 1986, the tour planning made a longer reach with a tour of the USA Southern Territory that lasted almost two weeks. The group developed their first Compact Disc (CD) recording in conjunction with this tour. They called it Worship the Lord. The record was an immediate hit, and ended up paying for the trip. It was very evident that the group was beginning to get used to and addicted to life on the road.
In 1988, another mini-tour took the group to Riverside and San Diego. The shake-down tours had achieved their purpose, and the group now began planning for bigger scenes.
Meanwhile, back at the Buchanan ranch, the League of Mercy program continued to thrive with regular hospital visitation taking place monthly in half a dozen rest home/hospital settings. Mother and Daughter Banquets got classier and classier and became almost a high tea as Jan Buchanan worked her organizational and menu magic.
At Christmas, the tradition of “Christmas in the Courtyard” began with chestnuts roasting on an open fire and popcorn popping in confined spaces -- not to mention Santa himself seated almost on a throne.
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In order to strengthen the operation of the corps from a financial and business standpoint, the corps hired Jim Boyd as the Business Manager. Jim was able to assist in structuring our finances and providing opportunity for Chris to fulfill his pastoral responsibilities more completely. During those years the initial discussions took place with Territorial leadership relative to the establishment of a Silvercrest residence on or near our property. We had some great years with the Boyds and their family until they left for training and officership.
Shortly thereafter, another hire was completed, and Doug Riley became the corps’ first (and maybe the Army’s first) Youth Pastor. He had things going like clockwork -- a great motivator, terrific idea man, excellent administrator, and wonderful with kids.
During the four years of their appointment at the Tab, the Buchanans reported to three different Divisional Commanders. Lt. Colonel and Mrs. Kenneth Hodder, Lt. Colonel and Mrs. John Gowans, and Lt. Colonel and Mrs David Riley.
Towards the end of their time with us, in 1988, the corps celebrated the centennial of the Army’s move into Pasadena. A special ceremony took place at 22 N. Raymond where the corps first opened. Lt. Colonels Paul and Kay Rader, then divisional commanders in Philadelphia, were special guests for the occasion. They both had served as corps assistants while Paul attended Fuller Seminary. The band marched up to Lake Avenue Congregational Church to join musical forces with their choir for a celebration evening.
Also in 1988, Barrie Gott took the band on the Quest tour of mid-America. This is the heart of brass banding in the United States. Many all brass bands reside in the area – which might explain why the Ohio State University Marching Band is all brass. They hold contests annually, and the winner is often the band we play with at a concert in Columbus. Very intimidating. Bruce Broughton, our trombone soloist, knocked ‘em dead. He played Ray Steadman-Allen’s Eternal Quest that features the melody “Jesus is looking for thee.” The band played Elsa’s procession to the Cathedral along with Gott’s own composition Light-Walk.
When the Buchanan’s left to assume responsibilities as General Secretary of the Northern California division, they left something with us – their daughter, Stacie – Stacie (Buchanan) Brown, who continues to play vital roles within the corps.
The Coverts – 1988-1993
With the arrival of Majors Ed and Dorothy Covert, the corps continued with outstanding leadership. They brought rich corps experience. Dorothy’s sweet spirit that inspired confidence, a warmth and caring spirit, complete genuineness, excellent pulpit ministry, and an interest in solidifying the Tabernacle’s place both in the community and in the Army world. Ed was a genuine pastor with those to whom he related – the corps family, the advisory board, clients in our social service ministry, and almost anyone else. Dorothy’s sweet spirit reached out to all with a genuine compassionate and giving spirit that made her a joy to be around.
Ed discovered that the adjacent property on Walnut Street – a large two story office building was going to come up for sale. He negotiated the purchase of this property as a future site for Tabernacle expansion or as office sites for program implementation. Additionally, he accomplished the purchase of two lots adjacent to the Tabernacle parking lot and bordering on Catalina Avenue, the street directly behind the corps. These would be used for the Silvercrest residence. Working with the Federal agency in Housing and Urban Development, he was able to begin the building of the large residence designed to accommodate 80-100 residents in the beautifully appointed three-story structure.
Both of the Coverts had extensive experience working with advisory boards, and they were able to strengthen the Pasadena Board and assist it in reorganization of the committees. Ed knew how to work with Advisory Boards and with Corps Councils.
They worked with the Songster Board and SL Bill Flinn in organizing two very ambitious tours by the Brigade. In 1990, the Songsters made their first extended international trip. We sent 65 or so of our finest to London for an International Congress and United Kingdom tour to celebrate the Army and its heritage. In the process, they let the people from allover the world see a little of what was happening in Pasadena – avant garde, innovative, risk-taking. This tour initiated the strong, positive international reputation the group still holds. The unique style of programming, the selection and placement of the numbers, the use of video, the quality of the staging, the change of costume at each program’s mid point – all these plus the outstanding music, gave the group opportunities to attract audiences and build that reputation.
Prior to this trip the Songsters recorded their second CD, Praise. During this trip the group truly impacted the world.
The second significant Songster tour during the Covert’s time with us was through Canada in 1993. It climaxed with a joint concert with the Canadian Staff Band and the Tab Songsters. The CD they took with them on this trip was titled Rejoice in His Light.
In January of 1991, Bandmaster Barrie Gott returned to Australia with an appointment as Territorial Music Director.
The five years the Coverts spent with us were happy and productive as the corps moved forward.
The Bawdens – 1993-1995
Majors Ron and Marilyn Bawden spent two productive years with us from 1993-1995.
These fine, experienced officers provided excellent pastoral care, democratic leadership style and a willingness to promote the corps within the community. They were extremely generous with their time and energy in working through planning issues with various groups in the corps and solidified some positive traditions established over the years.
Ron was strong in the pulpit and enjoyed participating in the band – even as a second cornet player where he worked with younger bandsmen to facilitate their development.
In 1994, the Songsters presented a full weekend during which they had the Army’s thirteenth General, Eva Burrows, as a special guest. She had long had a close working relationship with the songsters since she had first heard them in the Western Territory and had been the primary mover in inviting the group to the International Congress in 1990. She has been quoted as having credited the Tab songsters with changing the way the Army looks at Songster brigades.
Also present on the occasion of that Songster Weekend as special guests were Barbara and Steve Allen. A short time later they established permanent residency in the United States and have been active members of the corps since that time.
Ron accompanied the band on a 1995 tour of the Canadian Maritime Provinces and parts of Ontario.
The Silvercrest facility was completed during these years, and it was through the Bawden’s caring concern that the corps family learned to relate to occupants of the residence and encourage their participation in our programs.
The Yuills – 1995-2000
To everyone, the Yuills were simply “Chick” and “Margaret.” Arriving from Britain after having served in several corps appointments as well as on the Staff of the International Training College. Chick has written close to a dozen books on a range of topics and is a regular contributor to The Officer, an international journal published exclusively for Salvation Army officers. While he is known only by the name “Chick,” we learned that this name is a Scottish nickname for Charles.
They came with very strong, positive reputations as outstanding corps officers, and the corps looked forward to their time with us. We were not disappointed. Both brought skilled and accomplished ability in presentation. There was a clear sense within an audience that these people knew how to communicate to them – not only in their words, but also in the presence one felt in observing them. In no way did it ever come across as a “performance.” It was always genuine, caring, forceful and with a clear purpose to reach the souls of the listeners. They seemed almost unaware of the charisma an audience generated toward them during their presentations.
Margaret had a remarkable memory and often recited passages of scripture that would then form the basis of one of Chick’s sermons. Their preparation for services or even committee meetings was extensive. They were, perhaps, giant risk-takers, and this fit in well with the identity of the Tab itself.
Their services began to attract large crowds, and it wasn’t long before discussion ensued concerning some modification of the design of the chapel – especially the back wall separating the auditorium portion with the lobby (narthex) portion. This was removed, and seating capacity increased with new pews and construction of a single, middle aisle rather than two aisles in the body of the hall.
They were highly sought after as special speakers from around the world. They declined most of these, however, seeing their principal responsibility as pastors of their own church.
Chick seemed always to be somewhat of a rebel when it came to Army hierarchy, but his love for and devotion to the Army was never in doubt. He might have pursued “discussion” of a decision somewhat longer than necessary, but his willingness to follow orders of his superiors was never questioned. He was a dynamic, intelligent, very well schooled and read -- a powerful person. He has a rich, broad sense of humor which erupts at a moments notice and which he liberally sprinkles through his sermons. On a Sunday morning he rushed to greet everyone he saw, and the crowds were growing.
Margaret is the essence of warmth. Conversations with her caused the fellow conversant to feel heard, understood and important. She knew every one’s name and never forgot them. Everything about her said “genuine.”
During the Yuill years at the corps – things happened. The Territory had developed a different approach to officer assignments, and Captains John and Pam Brackenberry were assigned with the Yuills as “Team Officers.” The staff expanded, and people worked diligently to achieve specific goals. Julie Jennings was the Youth Director, and they worked closely on many projects. Soon, there was a Young Adults Director as well as a Community Programs Director. The corps had been without a Business Manager since the Boyds departed, and after a careful review of applicants by corps members, Chick picked the candidate he desired.
In 1997, a committed group of young adults working with Chick and Margaret developed a program called “Xtreme”. It was patterned somewhat after the U.K. Roots program. Salvationists from around the world were invited to the corps for a weekend for a weekend of spiritual growth. The U.K Mission Team, led by Phil Wall and Russell Rook. This program had significant impact on its participants with deep spiritual growth evident in them as they continued their involvement with the corps. Approximately 300 attended these events each of three years – 1997, 1998, and 1999.
In 1996, the Songsters were invited to Australia for an extended tour. They took with them a new CD titled Almighty. Chick made the trip with them and participated in the concert programs. At a concert in Sydney, where Commissioner John Gowans was the Territorial Commander, Barbara Allen performed the song “It Happened to Me”. This song, from a Gowans and Larsson play, featured a dance in the play, and before singing, she said to Gowans, sitting the audience, “They’re playing our song” and then invited him to dance with her. He readily agreed and finished the solo by making it a duet on the final verse.
Upon return from Australia, the Songsters received an invitation to sing at the Eastern Territorial Congress held at Niagara Falls, New York, and to tour portions of the Territory. They accepted. On this trip, they had a joint concert with the New York Staff Band. In 1998, the Songsters once again toured the United Kingdom and brought with them a Christmas CD titled Joy – A California Christmas. In 1999, they shared the Pasadena Civic Auditorium stage with the International Staff Band for the Saturday night conference program of the National Advisory Organizations Conference. Representatives of Advisory Boards from across the country attended.
The Tabernacle Band was equally busy during these years with a 1997 trip to Vancouver B.C. and the Caribou Hills Corps in honor of our departing bandmaster and friend of many years, Bill Gordon. He moved to Northern Washington to devote himself to music composition and intended to soldier at Caribou Hills. Lambert Bittinger, Gordon’s deputy for several years, became the Bandmaster and took the band to Chile in 1999. This trip featured the work “Shine as the Light” by Peter Graham build around a song written by Chick Yuill called “The Light has Come.” The Band had prepared a special video package to accompany to moods of the piece which was very effective with audiences. Also on this trip audiences enjoyed the trombone solo work of Clarence White.
While at the Tab, the Yuills commissioned the Netsel Company to develop a report on the effectiveness of the corps in its service to the Community. Considerable time was spent by this company in gathering data, interviewing community leaders and members and forming conclusions. They made some specific recommendations to both the Advisory Board and the Corps Council about how this relationship could be strengthened.
Arriving on the same day as the Yuills in 1995 were new ARC officers – Majors Bill and Laurie Heiselman. With them at this time, the corps was able to develop a strong working relationship with the ARC and somewhere between 25 and 35 of their beneficiaries came to our Sunday morning service. This continued for the entire five years the Yuills were with us. The Heiselmans left on the same weekend the Yuills farewelled in February of 2000. This provided almost the only evangelistic outreach in the corps program.
After more than twenty years as Songster Leader, Bill Flinn relinquished the responsibility, and the Songster Board, after an entire day of interviewing and wrestling and praying with the decision, recommended the appointment of Martin Hunt as Bill’s successor. The Census Board and the Corps Officer agreed.
No one is a perfect – especially Salvation Army officers, and this includes the Yuills. They enriched us mightily during their time with us, however, and the magnitude of spiritual growth within the congregation increased greatly.
They left to take appointments as Divisional Commander in the United Kingdom.
The Loomises – 2000-2002
This delightful couple, Ed and Joyce Loomis, had the enjoyable task of following Chick and Margaret Yuill as our corps officers. The appointment came as a surprise to them, for they were heavily involved with their appointments at National Headquarters. Nevertheless, they saluted and joined the corps.
During their two years with us they made some very valuable contributions to the corps. They worked to develop joint working committees between the Advisory Board and the Corps Council – especially one concerned with implementation in some way of the recommendations of the Netsel report. Ed developed some specific plans and proposals, and matters looked positive relative to strengthening our social service ministry with the community.
They burned the midnight oil and worked with a greatly diminished staff to alleviate what seemed to have become a serious debt problem. During their stay, the debt was removed and the corps achieved solvency in relation to past debts. Much of this was through the hard work and commitment of Ed and Joyce as well as their willingness to shoulder many tasks themselves.
It was during the Loomis years that the corps’ Youth Music Program was created. Working with a committee of music leaders, Bill Flinn organized this program in a manner guaranteed to provide opportunities for motivated you to grow in any manner of musical proficiency. Today, there are multiple levels of singing groups, instrumental groups, tymbrel groups, a dance group, and for the non-music – a working hobby shop.
The Loomises gave us a sense of Salvation Army officership that was very positive. They weathered some storms with grace and affection. The beauty and genuineness of their spirit radiates from them as does their genuine love for each other.
They left us to accept positions as divisional secretary and divisional women’s ministries secretary in the Sierra Del Mar division. They helped us grow as people and develop as soldiers. We thank them for all they did in modeling outstanding Salvationism and excellent officership. They are real soldiers.
The Hills – 2002 -- ?
It is rare that soldiers come back to lead the corps from which they left to go to training to become officers. Such is the case with Edward (Dusty) and Shelly Hill. We must have trained them well as soldiers, because they are doing an excellent job as our present corps officers.
During this period, Jim Anderson has become our Bandmaster, and his qualifications have worked for our betterment.
The Songsters have continued their traveling ways under Martin Hunt, and just a few months prior to publication, he returned from a ten-day trip to New Zealand where 60 voices, all with Tabernacle accents, sang forth the praises of a “New Day” with our Lord. Their recent CD with the same title, New Day continues in the same tradition of excellence so long established by Bill Flinn and Songsters of earlier generations.
Things go well around here – if you have a short commute – join us.
