Bellshill at Wishaw Baptist

On Friday, 4 September 2009, the Bellshill Band of the Salvation Army (Bandmaster Ian Dickie) presented a program at Wishaw Baptist Church. As with many of the band’s recent programs, it was full of a variety of music, and was well-received by the audience. One “first” for the evening was a cornet solo played by Susan Ferguson. Although Susan had performed cornet solos while a part of the Rutherglen Corps, this was her first performance with Bellshill.

The band began the performance in classic Salvation Army style, with the march Rosehill. This was contrasted by the next item, Be Still for the Presence of the Lord. Following an invocation by David Kendall, introductions, and a congregational song, the band “introduced the theme” for the evening with Joy, Peace and Happiness.

The next item was the first of several solo and section feature items, Susan Ferguson’s presentation of the cornet solo In the Love of Jesus. Vocal soloist Gemma Gunn followed with The Potter’s Hand. The trombone section – Jim Pentney, Dorothy Neil, Ian Jenkins, Olwyn Mathie and Trevor Mathie – was featured in the light-hearted Peter, James and John. Lynn Shanks contributed the flügelhorn solo Through It All.

Following some favorite hymn tunes from the full band, the parade of soloists continued with two more members of the Shanks family, Melvyn Shanks with the horn solo Precious Jesus and Chris Shanks with the euphonium solo Grandfather’s Clock. The band played the festival arrangement Daniel, which was followed by a vocal trio – Olwyn Mathie, Caroline McMillan and Daniel McMillan – who sang Consider My Source. The final feature item of the evening was Aria from “The Magic Flute”, by bass soloist David Ferguson.

A Scripture reading and devotional thought was provided by Sam Ritchie, with the band playing Such Love immediately before to set the proper mood. The devotional time was followed by a second congregational song and the band concluded the program with the march The Path of Glory. Hugh Grant gave the closing prayer.