The Night Before Christmas
For many people in New Zealand, the sound of a Salvation Army brass band playing Christmas carols during the lead up to Christmas is a nostalgic and happy memory. SALT looks back to the early practice of carolling through the night.
Carolling through Christmas Eve to Christmas morning was considered the grand finale of the Christmas season for the early Salvation Army. Accounts from The War Cry from 1900 to 1919 highlight this anticipated event and the warm welcome of the community that benefitted from this musical night.
The War Cry, 13 January 1900
In Devonport, Auckland, in 1899, a passer-by drawing near to The Salvation Army Barracks at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve would have observed 13 young men, some carrying brass instruments, some torches, all about to embark in a two-horse brake into the unseen dangers of the night.
At last, ‘All aboard!’ sounded from the bandmaster as the driver whipped up his horses, and we were off, not pulling up until Lake Takapuna was reached, after a fine drive of five miles. Dismounting and walking up a long drive, we lit torches, and the band struck up their opening carol. In an instant, lights were lit, and faces were seen peering through the blinds, wondering no doubt as to the origin and destiny of the midnight disturbers of the peace. But their wonder was soon dispelled, when two collectors in full Army uniform presented themselves for the offering, which was well responded to.
After visiting a few more houses we commenced our homeward journey. After visiting several houses at the east end, we found it to be nearly 7am Christmas Day, and being in need of refreshments, we disbanded after a very successful night carolling.
The War Cry, 15 January 1910
Envoy Craven shares that the Palmerston North band on Christmas Eve was out carolling at about three o’clock in the morning and many were pleased to hear them. The company had a lot of walking but cheerfully kept at it. Buoyed up with the hope that our friends who lived on the boundaries of the town would be pleased to see us, we continued our labours and were not disappointed. Whether it was a gentleman’s lovely residence or the poor man’s cottage, we were all made welcome, and in turn felt thankful that we had in any way contributed to their Christmas joy. The rain commenced to fall a little, but like soldiers we marched bravely onward, thankful to God that in 1909 we had the pleasure of doing our part in the Christmas carols.
The War Cry, 11 January 1919
On Christmas Eve in Waihi 1918, we began by playing for about two hours in the main street, then started out in earnest at three o’clock the next morning in a brake drawn by four horses. The weather was very cold but a cup of tea and refreshments provided by Brother and Sister Collings helped us considerably. After playing carols so dear to the hearts of all, we arrived at the home of our friend Mrs J Currie, where breakfast had been provided for the company. After a little time of rest and relaxation we continued on.
