Samuel Logan Brengle: Celebrating 150 Years in Fredericksburg, Indiana

Down by the Blue River, among the lively old oaks and rolling hills of southern Indiana was born a man whose influence would someday travel the world. Samuel Logan Brengle, born  June 1, 1860 in Fredericksburg went on to become the first Salvation Army Commissioner born in the United States. The Indiana Division gathered in Fredericksburg on Sunday to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Brengle’s birth, with songs and stories.

 

After graduating from DePauw University in Indiana, Brengle spent much of his young adulthood making his way around the country evangelizing. “Many of our generation have stories to tell of relatives having shown hospitality to those such as Brengle. They get around, these itinerant traveling preachers.” said Commissioner Kenneth Baillie, who came to participate in the celebration. And the stories were lively on this day, as several locals wandered into the freshly cut field to share their memories of Brengle’s legacy in Fredericksburg. Local Ben Weathers described his experience at the 100th year remembrance of Brengle’s birth. He was only 16 at the time but remembers The Salvation Army personnel camping overnight by the river to carry out a more lengthy celebration. Weathers mingled for the afternoon, on this day 50 years later, and Commissioner Baillie presented him with a book by Brengle.

Fredericksburg United Methodist Episcopal Church, Brengle’s first church home, welcomed the Indiana Divisional Band and other guests, including Commissioners Kenneth and Joy Baillie and Majors Richard and Vicki Amick. Following the sermon, delivered by Commissioner Baillie, the festivities continued at the location of Samuel Brengle’s birth site just down the road from the church. Nearby was also a cemetery where several of Brengle’s relatives were laid to rest; small red flags marking the stones for visitors to recognize.

With the cooperation of mild temperatures and no rain, Roxanne Haley brought the EDS canteen from the New Albany Corps to serve lunch to the locals and guests. The afternoon was concluded by a short dedication and congratulatory words shared from various state and national leaders who could not attend.

The monuments and street signs at Jefferson and Fredericksburg/Depauw Rd.  will remain to mark the birth site of Samuel Brengle for all who wish to visit and pay tribute to the man who said with passion for his savior and people, “All that God asks is that the heart should be cleansed from sin, and full of love, whether it be the tender heart of the little child, with feeble powers of loving, or of the full-grown man, or of the flaming archangel before the throne. This is holiness and this only. It is nothing less than this, and it can be nothing more.”

48by48 Brings “Service to Others” Lifestyle to Indiana

It’s not everyday that you hear of someone stepping out of the shower with an idea to leave everything familiar behind to travel the US serving others. That is the beginning of Drew Johnson’s story and the adventure that brought him through Indiana last week. Johnson has set out to serve as a volunteer in 48 states over the span of 48 weeks, thus the name of his adventure, “48by48“.

 

Inspired by the life and teachings of his grandfather and after much thought on what he wanted to do with his life, Drew came up with a plan that he hopes will spark a “movement”. “I want to encourage people to be creative, to adopt the “service to others” lifestyle. I look around and don’t understand why people don’t get more involved to help others, to solve problems.” After spending about 4 months mulling over his ideas and talking with close family and friends, Drew created a plan to serve 20-25 hours a week in each state on the list based on opportunities he would find through websites and suggestions from supporters.

Indiana was the 30th state on Drew’s trek around the country as a volunteer and his second opportunity to serve with The Salvation Army. “It’s so amazing to see behind the scenes and all that goes on within The Salvation Army.” Previously Drew had donned a complete Victorian-era uniform to man a red kettle for the Army in Seattle. But for his stop in Indiana, it was the familiar yellow shirt of the safety crew and the roar of the engines that characterized Drew’s time as a volunteer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  With so many people coming through the gates of the Speedway, it was an important position to fill and not one to be taken lightly. “I don’t want a job created for me. I just want to help where it is needed”, Drew shared. He has stepped up to the plate and filled many of those needs, including volunteering at a Humane Society Shelter for animals, a skatepark, nursing homes, and collecting litter at area state parks.

As Drew’s journey continues on to the east coast, you can follow his “service to others” lifestyle through his blog updates at www.48by48.com and by becoming his fan on Facebook. And of course, the obvious desired reaction to Drew’s prompt is to get involved! Make an effort to shed some of your busyness and give back to your community. As Drew says, “Kindness begets kindness.” If you’d like to fill a need at The Salvation Army here in Indiana, call our Volunteer Coordinator, Elizabeth Wilhelm at (317)224-1010.

Ladies Striving for Success: Women from Homeless Shelter Receive a Fresh New Look

“Who are you? Why are you here? And now what shall you wear?” These are questions  we all have pondered. And when it comes to the part about what to wear, it is particularly important to the ladies. While our outward appearance does not define who we are or influence our God-given purpose, treating ourselves to a fresh, new outfit can go a long way in bringing out the inward beauty. This beauty can get buried and lost under our struggles.

 

As a busy mother who put her children before herself for many years before realizing her need to replenish, Catrina Brown felt the need to offer a special evening of pampering to the ladies who live at The Salvation Army’s Women and Children’s Shelter in downtown Indianapolis. Many have ended up there as a result of domestic abuse and negligence, having nowhere else to turn and leaving their old lives behind. Some come to the shelter with a few belongings in trash bags, stripped of joy and hope.

For these ladies, Catrina envisioned an evening of dinner, motivational speakers and a fashion makeover.  Clothing, jewelry, nail polish and shoes were collected along with a group of fellow Salvation Army employees who were delighted to help organize and serve at the event.  To make it even more special, the makeover was kept secret.

As the speakers gave testimonies of victories over tragic situations, the room resounded with many amens and hallelujahs. It was much needed encouragement for these ladies as they begin their process of healing and renewal. Just as the butterfly sheds its old skin and is a new creation, it was then revealed to the ladies that they would be stepping behind the curtain to shop for a new outfit, complete with shoes and accessories. Judging by the smiles and squeals, it truly was a night of success for these ladies and one that will hopefully be a step towards a brighter future.

The Best Gifts Come in Small Packages for Booth Manor Residents

The life of a senior citizen can be filled with mundane routines and loneliness. In an effort to change that, third and fourth grade students from White Lick Elementary School blessed the residents of The Salvation Army’s low income senior housing as part of their Service Learning Project.  It was just another fine example of the character of these elementary school students who have selflessly responded to an awareness of needs in their community.

Led by fourth grade teacher Emily Steffen, this was the second project carried out by these students for The Salvation Army .  Earlier in the year, these same students were so moved by the reality of homelessness for the women and children at our shelter, that they coordinated making and delivering blankets and care packages to the shelter.

On this sunny day at Booth Manor, home to 75 seniors, curious residents greeted the group of energetic youngsters as they arrived with teachers and parents. The students came ready to unload and deliver care boxes filled with food, toiletries and handmade scarves. After making sure every resident on all three floors received a gift, the students assembled for a talent show in the dining hall.  Amidst juggling plastic discs and a hip-hop dance routine, the seniors were visibly moved by the students’ enthusiasm, clapping and smiling as the children performed.

Continuing in the mode of service, the children took on the roles of waitstaff, gathering drink and pizza orders from the seniors, sitting with some of them as they ate. Before returning to their classrooms, the children gathered around for a few rounds of Bingo with the seniors. As the students packed up for the ride back to their classrooms, one senior was heard  saying, “Thank you for bringing these wonderful children here today! I wish they could be here everyday!”

Service Learning Projects are a great way to teach youth about the importance of giving back to their communities. To view the video of White Lick’s  service project, click on the highlighted link to their school in this story.  If you’d like information about how you can participate in such an experience, please contact our volunteer coordinator Elizabeth Wilhelm at (317)224-1010 or Julia Sipes at (317)224-1067

Senior Adult Luncheon: Honoring Our Elders

The Indiana State Fairgrounds hosted the Salvation Army’s bi-annual Senior Adult Luncheon on Friday, drawing nearly 400 seniors from around the state.  Following a medley of songs performed by Homegrown Harmony, the seniors were served a fried chicken platter, complete with brownies, lemonade and coffee. Volunteers, employees and officers of The Salvation Army came with rolled-up sleeves to serve and interact with the seniors who attended, including  one who was noted to be 100 years old!

Major Judy Eagle, organizer of our Community Cares Ministries, spearheads this event to honor Indiana’s senior adults who are bussed in from Corps senior programs, senior centers and local nursing homes. All were treated to floral table decorations, brightly colored folded napkins and specially printed mugs as part of the tribute, wrapping  up with  door prize drawings for many of the seniors.

Showing their support for the elders in their community, a large group of volunteers came together representing Best Buy and AutoTrader.com. We thank these corporate partners and hope that their example will inspire others to get involved with the many service opportunities through The Salvation Army.

For more information on how YOU can get involved with projects such as Senior Adult Luncheon, contact Elizabeth Wilhelm at (317)224-1010 or go to savolunteer.org.

Next Page »