Donor Honors Family History
Imagine our surprise when a Salvation Army donor, David Vigna, told a Great Lakes Division staff member that his grandparents were married by U.S. Salvation Army National Commander Evangeline Booth during the 20th Annual Camp Meeting of the New England Salvation Army in 1905!
David is not a Salvationist, but since his family was part of The Salvation Army in the early years, he enjoys providing financial support to The Salvation Army. “I might as well give money to something that I’m connected to in some way. I never pass a red kettle without putting something in it,” he said.
Donor Relations Associate Cassandra Pinheiro was talking to David one day when he casually mentioned his family history. David wondered if we knew anything about his distant relatives. All he had was a wedding photo and an old newspaper clipping.
That’s when The Salvation Army Central Territory Museum Director Nanci Gasiel was contacted. She used her skills and resources to gather some interesting information about the couple: Captain Alfred Wight and Captain Victoria Thistle.
Alfred was born on August 10, 1879, and immigrated to the U.S. from Newfoundland, Canada, in 1900. His bride, Victoria, was also born in Newfoundland, Canada and she immigrated to the U.S. in 1899. Their wedding took place on August 6, 1905, in Framingham, Massachusetts, and the announcement was published in the Boston Globe.
The newspaper termed their union a “Hallelujah Wedding” and described the couple as, “earnest workers in the Salvation Army movement.” The groom’s previous appointments were mentioned including Middletown, Holyoke, Salem, and Meridian, and the bride was affiliated with the New York headquarters. She was described as, “…a splendid type of the consecrated Salvationist, and looked the picture of health and beauty.”
The article continued, “The nuptial knot was tied by Commander Booth, the regular Episcopal ritual being followed with a little sprinkling of Salvation Army ceremonial to give sentiment to the wedding. The couple wore the Salvation Army uniform, the bride in addition having a sash of white.”
Although the couple didn’t remain with The Salvation Army for very long, we know that Alfred was employed as a carpenter, building houses in Middlesex, Massachusetts, and at one point was a minister at The Assembly of God Church in Nantick, Connecticut. Meanwhile, Victoria stayed at home with their children. Alfred was promoted to glory in 1945 and Victoria in 1973.
People feel connected to The Salvation Army for a variety of reasons. Some, like David, have a family history. Others get involved after learning about our programs and services. Today, we invite YOU to join them and become a Salvation Army donor.