The Skeleton Army Versus The Salvation Army
Violence against Christians is certainly not a new thing, but it comes as a surprise to many that in England in the 1880’s the police did next to nothing to stop the violence against the fledgling Salvation Army.
Because they knew they could get away with it, many angry, restless, unemployed men began organising themselves into groups with the sole aim of destroying this “Hallelujah” Army. They called themselves the Skeleton Army and used the skull and crossbones as their insignia. They not only attacked Salvation Army meetings but began attacking buildings used by the Army and even the homes of its members and sympathisers.
One time the Skeleton Army smashed the windows of a building where a Salvation Army meeting was being held. They released pigeons that had red pepper under their wings inside the building. As the distraught birds flew round, the pepper filled the air. Gasping for air and hardly able to see, those inside piled out where they were savagely beaten.
What made matters worse was the indifference of the authorities. Breweries and pubs financially supported the Skeleton Army and the police continued to arrest Salvation Army officers when fights broke out. Magistrates imposed fines on the Christians while leaving the gangs alone. In 1882 alone, 669 Salvation Army officers were badly hurt, many while preaching in their own meetings, and 60 of their buildings were torn apart. One young female officer, Captain Susannah Beatty, was knocked to the ground by rocks thrown by the Skeleton Army and so badly beaten as she lay on the ground that she died soon after. Another female officer, 19 year old Captain Ada Smith with 20 other believers was attacked by a gang of 4,000. The local police surgeon had offered 20 pound to the first person to “throw a Hallelujah lassie into the sea.” The shoe was on the other foot though, when the gang, having finished assaulting the Christians, went after the police and forced them into hiding in their own police station which was then pelted with rocks.
Western Christians have been largely immune to persecution. This could well change. If Jesus was put to death, why should we, as His followers, expect a softer pathway?