The Salvation Army in Kilmarnock celebrated its 140 year anniversary on Saturday, October 22.
The Christian organisation, which began on the streets of East London in 1865, came to the town in September 1882.
At the first Kilmarnock meeting, over 100 attendees turned out to the Knee Drill, which got its name as all present were to get down on their knees, and was led by Captain Tom Kyle and Lieutenant Hughes.
Then at 11am a 'Holiness Meeting' meeting was held followed by a 'Free and Easy Meeting' at Kilmarnock Cross, which was said to have gotten a bit rowdy.
Later that night a 'Great Salvation Meeting' was held, with a capacity crowd.
The Kilmarnock Standard - which was formed in 1863 - reported: "After a solo by Mrs Somerton there was 10 minutes of 'red, hot firing' which consisted of members testifying to the changes God had made in their lives.
"There was also boisterous singing and waving of handkerchiefs. At one point, a venerable gentleman who was referred to as 'The Bridgeton Drummer', in a frenzy of excitement, leaped up from his post and, waving his drumstick in the air like an Indian on the warpath, shouted: 'Glory be to God - Hallelujah'.
"After some testimonies the colours were brought to the platform and the soldiers present were ordered to stand. Major Edmonds on taking the colours spoke as follows: 'This flag has been sent to me by General Booth to present to Captain Kyle and the officers and soldiers of Kilmarnock First Corps. In these colours are set forth the Doctrines of The Salvation Army'."
On Saturday, March 3, 1883, The ceremony of Presenting of Colours took place and this formalised the establishment of a Salvation Army Corps in the town.
Kilmarnock First Corps eventually became Kilmarnock Temple and in 1957 moved into premises in Sturrock Street before amalgamating with Kilmarnock South Corps in 2000, thereafter known as Kilmarnock Corps.
In 2020, along with the rest of the world, Kilmarnock Corps brought their meetings to an end while in a global lockdown due to the Covid pandemic.
However, the church worked tirelessly to keep drop-ins open to serve up hot snacks and deliver emergency food parcels.
And every Monday, volunteers delivered soup, sandwiches and sweet treats to elderly and infirm members of the church and the community to bring a little cheer to those, mostly elderly or living alone.
Today the Corps Commanding Officers are Captains Emma and Les Heal.
During the special 140-year anniversary celebration, On Saturday, October 22, the evening was led by special guests, Majors Paul and Jenine Main.
And the corps band performed for guests alongside Songsters from West Scotland Division.
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