July 2008

A packed hall gathered to farewell Major Noel, Major Marion and son Richard. The band played Hadleigh Camp and the corps sergeant-major led the officers in to their first standing ovation from the congregation. The clapping, which was not easy to subdue, set the scene for the expression of immense appreciation Hadleigh Temple Corps fellowship has for the Wrights.

Always able to take the tension out of a situation, Major Noel reached for a roll of kitchen towel that  just happened to be under the lectern and used it as a make-do handkerchief. When the hall had quietened down, he said he was pleased to see so many people and concluded "I must leave more often".

Sergeant-Major Carl Carter explained that Major was not so comfortable because this was one meeting that he did not have control of. The Singing Company went the extra mile to contribute to the evening meeting, but not before a tribute from the youth of the corps, aimed mainly at Richard, delivered by Katie Allen and Ben Still, together with a few photographs of Richard's contributions to the corps.

Young People's Sergeant-Major Elaine Johnson spoke on behalf of the YP corps, pointing out a number of cameos in her mind where Richard had been seen guiding young people.

The band's contribution, at Major Noel's request, was the selection The Hill of Calvary. Major followed that with a simple statement: "That's why I am here".

Band Sergeant John Ashcroft paid an eloquent tribute to the Wrights on behalf of the senior corps. Saying it was difficult to express in a few minutes everything that needed to be expressed, he summed it up by referring to the faithful Bible-centred ministry that had been well-prepared week by week. Inviting the congregation to express their appreciation sparked ovation number two.

In introducing the Songsters' contribution, Sergeant-Major explained that Major Marion and Richard had chosen the pieces to be sing and invited them to explain what was behind their choice. Richard said the choice was difficult, but had landed on Leslie Condon's Song of Praise because it is a fine piece of music - and it's challenging to perform, finishing by saying "They don't write music like that any more."

Major Marion took the opportunity to say a little bit more, but first thanked the Major for the use of his platform! She said how appointments can often not gel for a variety of reasons. There can sometimes be something that isn't quite right. But for her, everything gelled in Hadleigh and she paid tribute to three happy years and said how since retirement she has made more friends. A year ago she stood on the same platform on her retirement with a list of things she was going to do, but she has been so busy in the corps life to fulfil that list. She did however manage to take a holiday in New Zealand. It was during this holiday that he bombshell was dropped: she learned that a move was going to take place. The piece of music she chose was The Majesty and Glory of His Name, simply because she likes it.

Sergeant-Major offered the proceeds of a special collection as a parting gift to the major, who explained why he was receiving money and not a tangible gift. When asked what he wanted, his reply was "an armchair". He likes to sit in an armchair and the new quarters has two-seater sofas, but no chair.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Phillips led a prayer for the officers.

Major Noel spoke of three privileges:

1. To be a corps officer
2. To be appointed to Hadleigh Temple
3. To serve Christ

He will always remember three God-blessed years and thanked corps members for the work they do for the work and witness of The Salvation Army in Hadleigh, exhorting them to keep it up. He has no doubt that God's blessing rests on Hadleigh Temple, but also no doubt that greater blessings are in store.

Major Noel referred back to the kind words offered by John Ashcroft when he complimented him on his excellent preparation for Sunday worship and Thursday Bible study. He said that preparation was only possible because the 'burden' of other tasks had been taken away from him. He was referring to the support he had received from Majors Ralph and Margaret Stewart who had undertaken pastoral visitation since the retirement of Major Marion. He went on to say that there may have been times when at his hand people had become frustrated or even upset. "It was never with intention," he explained and asked for forgiveness for those times.

Referring back to welcome Sunday three years ago, he referred to the Bible passage he used then from 1 Corinthians 2:

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. (NIV)

Reiterating that it has been good to be the Corps Officer at Hadleigh Temple, he has sensed the expectation placed on him to deliver good Bible teaching. Holding true to his welcome text to resolve to know nothing but Christ crucified, he thanks God that week by week he has found the strength to meet those expectations.

After the benediction was pronounced the band, as usual, played a piece of music. Also as usual halfway through the officers rose to leave the platform, but on this occasion the whole congregation rose and clapped for a third time.

See also:

Farewell gifts for Major Marion, Richard and Envoy Heather

Introducing the new commanding officers