"Going to the Army!" - Marc Harry's Podcast

Had things gone to plan: then today – Tuesday 15th April 2025 I would have been preparing myself for one of my favourite events of the year.  Each Holy Week for quite some years now the Band and Songster Brigade from Lincoln Salvation Army here in the UK have presented an evening of reflective music for Easter.  The music chosen has usually been interspersed with bible readings and poetry written for and about the events of Holy Week leading up to, and including Good Friday.  Some years we have had a featured soloist as well to add to the evening.Over the past few weeks, however, my health has not been too good.  The stresses of life, despite my general happiness in life, have exacerbated some health conditions that changed my life a great deal some 20 years ago – conditions that, as these recent days have proven, are still capable of coming back and haunting me from time to time.  So, despite the preparations that we had made and the posters and leaflets produced to invite people to the event it has not been possible to go ahead THIS YEAR – let's hope things can return to normal in plenty of time for 2026. In the meantime, however, I thought - why not use the music chosen for this year, some used in previous years and some other items  from our wonderful Salvation Army heritage to produce a Holy Week programme of reflective music that can be enjoyed by many, many more listeners than our SA hall could hold – and, what's more enjoyed and blessed by time and time again!

To mark the TENTH anniversary of the very first GttA podcast in July 2013 this is the first of a very special 4-part series of podcasts featuring music from each decade of the Army's existence right up to the present day.The Salvation Army began - as The Christian MIssion - in 1865 when William Booth preached outside The Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel, East London.  Spreading throughout the whole of England, Wales and Scotland in its first decade it became The Salvation Army in 1878, Booth taking on the mantle of the General of his army.Within 25 years, as we hear in this episode, 60,000 Salvationists could gather together at the Crystal Palace for a Silver Jubilee and today, 158 years after those humble beginnings the Army is at work in over 130 countries, right round the world.This episode uses music with its origins in the earliest 40 years of the movement's history 1865-1905, a surprising amount of which is still known and occasionally used in the present day.  We hear music from writers such as Richard Slater, George Scott Railton, Kate and Herbert Booth (two of the Founder's children) and William Pearson as well as, of course, popular tunes of the day 'adopted and adapted' for the Army's mission a-plenty.Some of the music has been adapted by well-known composers like Ray Steadman-Allen, Norman Bearcroft and Leslie Condon and sections featured include the ISB and ISS, Hendon, Portsmouth, Stockholm and Boscombe Bands, songster brigades from Birmingham and Moonee Ponds, Sydney Australia and a stellar collection of soloists including Susan Turner, Fred Crowhurst, Kaytie Harding and Ian Johnston - not to mention Commissioner John Lawley himself!Enjoy this opportunity to transport yourself back in time to hear music and words with a relevance to the present age.God bless you all.Marc 

'The Salvation Meeting' makes its return this Sunday after my summer break.It returns with something, by necessity, a little different from a 'normal' meeting.The 90 minute 'special' has been specially written and recorded to be broadcast the evening before the funeral of our late Queen Elizabeth II and takes the form of a 'Heavenward-looking Vigil'Specially selected Salvation Army music and songs are interspersed with thoughts reflecting Her Majesty's life and service, particularly her strong and vibrant Christian faith - and many of her own quotes have been recorded by Jeannine Ridha for the broadcast.The meeting will be broadcast, as usual, on Fortress Radio at 6pm on Sunday 18th September and then available on the "Going to the Army!" site as well as the Fortress Radio Podcast service.Please join me for this special meeting.Marc

For the last meeting prepared before I take my summer break (I'll be back in September!) I found my inspiration after seeing a question asked in a Salvation Army forum online:  What is a Salvation Meeting?In these days when most corps only have one service on a Sunday it seems strange to some to imagine we once had at least 3 indoor meetings, Sunday Schools, Open-Air meetings and more EVERY Sunday!Each meeting had its own focus - Praise, personal Holiness - and Salvation - the meeting to which we were encouraged to bring friends, neighbours etc. in the hope and belief that they would find salvation for themselves.So...I try to answer the question - and make an impassioned plea for a response in this meeting.As always there is some wonderful music - Dean Goffin's timeless classic 'The Light of the World', Ivor Bosanko's beautiful setting of Herbert Booth's 'I Bring them to Jesus' - some great songs and choruses and a singing company item with a guest General participating for good measure!Join me for an hour's worship and challenge - and God bless you all.Marc

"Send the Fire!"What must it have been like to have been in that room...that day...on that occasion when the sound of a mighty wind brought tongues of flame to settle on each person's head?And then to have gone out into the streets with the followers of Jesus as each man heard the message in his own language - as the sheer POWER of the Holy Spirit on that first Day of Pentecost saw many thousands of people saved!Well...all the best times have NOT already happened!  Did YOU know that you can have a similar effect on the people around you?  Do you even WANT that to happen?Join me to explore what God wants and expects from us, His followers today, in taking Christ to a world in such desperate need!"All around us seemingly, darkness holds its sway."  What could the FIRE of the Holy Spirit do to alleviate that darkness?So why don't we?Great songs, wonderful band, songster and singing company music and a plea from us all: "Holy Spirit - Promised Presence - FALL ON ME."

"I've had enough!!""Stop the world, I wanna get off!"Heard these expressions?  Maybe you've said them?Life can sometimes seem like a trial - one thing after another, problems piling up...Peter gives us reassurance in his first epistle:"So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here."Of course, nothing we endure could ever get anywhere near the trials faced by Job - yet Job managed to remain faithful (even if he DID have a good old moan!)Tonight's meeting looks to encourage us at these times of trial.  Of course, praising God will always make us feel better - so we have some praise!  Remembering to rely on Him and letting Him no how much we appreciate His presence is also important, of course, and it's lovely to hear Alistair Taylor's wonderful setting of 'I Need Thee'  to help us.Add some more beautiful songs and a timeless selection by Major Leslie Condon - and you have a taste of what to expect in another hour of that unique Salvation Army fellowship!

Never has there been a more maligned animal than the poor old donkey!  Forever seen as slow, grumpy and - in the words of GK Chesterton  "The devil's walking parody of all four-footed things."But, as the general once wrote "In the service of Jesus there's a place for all" and oh yes, our donkey had his day!There's a lot more to the story than you may know, though...so come and join me for a great time of Salvation Army fellowship, worship and music in this week's Salvation Meeting.Music comes from Norwich Citadel Band, the International Staff Band and the Melbourne Staff Band (with Sylvie Paladino), as well as the Sunbury Junior songsters and the cast of 'Blood of the Lamb'....plus a few more too!Come and wave your palm branches and welcome Jesus as we mark His entry into Jerusalem!

While in every way this is a 'traditional' Salvation Meeting in every other way I decided to use exclusively the music of General John Larsson, recently Promoted to Glory.While choosing the music for meeting - songs, choruses, band piece, songster and singing company songs - I tried to keep away from the many songs the General wrote for the many musicals he co-wrote with General John Gowans.  I hope to feature each musical in a stand-alone episode of its own in my other podcast series "Going to the Army!" in future days.The bible message is delivered by the General himself - recorded at a Congress meeting in Australia some years ago.Marc 

The meeting is titled "A Prayer for Peace" and we will be lifting up the situation in Ukraine to God in the very best Salvation Army way.Music from the International Staff Band and Songsters, Sunbury Junior Singers, Canadian Staff Band, Portsmouth Citadel Songsters and much more...Music from composers including Eric Ball, Ray Steadman-Allen, Kenneth Downie, 'Gowans & Larsson' and Howard Davies are blended with prayers from Salvationists worldwide...asking God to intervene in the current turmoils and warfare.

There can be no doubt about it!God HAS blessed The Salvation Army over the 157 years of its existence.  He still blesses our ministry today - in well over 130 countries all around the world.  Hallelujah!But, there can be no denying it, the membership/soldiery of the Army has declined to numbers well below those we remember in years gone by.  Should we shake our heads and wonder what has happened, while we fade away even further?  Or do we take our inspiration from parts of the world where The Salvation Army is STILL GROWING - and growing fast?It's time to shake ourselves into action and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!  I'm going to anyway - that's why, tonight, I am 'raising my Ebenezer' and looking to the Lord to lead the way towards turning that corner!Some great songs tonight and music from some of the Army's greatest writers including Arthur Gullidge, William Pearson, John Larsson, Len Ballantine, Chris Mallett and there's also Ballington Booth to top it all off!Ensembles featured include Norfolk Fellowship Brass, International Staff Band and Songsters, Chelmsford Singing Company, Portsmouth Citadel Songsters and Jonny Searle.

To mark St David's Day there is a distinctly Welsh flavour to the meeting this evening.Some of the very greatest hymn tunes ever and some beautiful traditional Welsh melodies including 'David  of the White Rock', Suo Gan and Gwahoddiad.Musical items from Cardiff Canton Band and Singing Company, Morriston Corps and soprano soloist Joy Naylor.All wrapped in the wonderful message of Christ's salvation!  What more could you want?

When David wrote Psalm 51 he seemed to be asking for a New Testament forgiveness - hundreds of years before it became a 'thing'!Ashamed and horrified by his sinful behaviour he opened his heart to God and begged to be given another chance.  According to Jewish Law, the only way he could achieve this was through making a sacrifice, a burnt offering to God - yet he realised that this was NOT what God wanted at all.  David asked to be purged of all evil, washed whiter than snow - as if by Jesus blood!  How amazing is that!This week's meeting has the aim of bringing us all closer to God - for each of us to claim that 'washing' in Christ's blood - to be made more and more like Jesus with every day we live.Songs include: 'Whiter  than the snow', 'To Be Like Jesus' and 'All My Work is for the Master'.  Music comes from the International Staff Songsters (Moment by Moment), Portsmouth Citadel Singing Company (Hand me down my Silver Trumpet) and the Boscombe Band with one of the very best of Salvation Army marches - Rosehill (there's even the chance to join in with that great chorus 'In the Army Ranks are We')Join me for an hour of praise, worship, reflection and re-dedication.Hallelujah!!

This week's meeting is based on a 2 word phrase that God spoke to me a few years ago - so clearly it may as well have been though my hi-fi speakers:TRUST MESimple?  Well, not as simple as it sounds...but great advice all the same!But it's a message not just for us as individuals - I BELIEVE IT'S ALSO A MESSAGE FOR THE CHURCH - as we step out into a world that has largely forgotten and ignored its Christian roots.Music from Norwich Citadel Band, the ISB, National Songsters, Melbourne Veterans Band, Shirley Singing Company, the Royal Albert Hall and Butlins and some great songs to sing along with too!

This week's Meeting for Fortress Radio - the 52nd in my series - has a very special guest speaker - Capt Nicholas J. Samuel - CO at the London (Ontario) Corps in Canada.  You may know his name also as a well-known SA composer of band and songster music.He reads from and speaks about Judges 2 - with insight about a wandering people and their relationship with an ever-faithful God.Some great songs (And Can It Be?  To the Hills and music from the International Staff Songsters, Clydebank Singing Company, Excerpt from a RAH festival, Portsmouth Citadel and Enfield Citadel Bands - and much more!

Tired of the same old promises to change?  Still biting your nails?  Not losing weight...again?The world needs more from Christians than trivial changes like these - it needs us to create a REVOLUTION!  If ever this world needed the knowledge of its loving Saviour, Jesus Christ then it needs is right now - it needs the PEACE of Christ, the LOVE of Christ, the HEALING POWER of His Holy Spirit.Tonight's meeting reflects on the WONDER of Christmas - the MAJESTY of God, the AMAZING world and universe in which we are privileged to live.and the fact God should send His own Son to be the ANSWER to all mankind's problems.Songs include:Praise My Soul, How Excellent is Thy Name, In The Love of Jesus, In this Quiet Moment and 'Send the Fire' while there is also music from the International Staff Band and Songsters, Sunbury Junior Singers and American Salvationist Major Albert Avery.Start a revolution in YOUR life this year - for GOD'S sake!

The theme for the meeting tonight proclaims Jesus as 'The Light of the World'.At this time of Advent  I am always made acutely aware of the aptness of Joy Webb';s beautiful song 'Come Into Our World'.  Yes, of course it is really HIS world but, as the song alludes 'men have forgotten Him and how to pray'.Certainly, if EVER this dark world needed a light it is NOW...if ever it needed JESUS - it needs Him now.We often think this is the job of professional preachers, church leaders and the very keenest and bravest of our fellow Christians - but that is not so:  if WE do not take Jesus into this world ourselves then there is no-one else TO do it!Sit back and enjoy an hour of real Salvation Army worship and music - some great songs and music from the International Staff Band and Songsters, The German Staff Band, The Southern Chorus, The Sunbury Junior Singers, The Three Sopranos, Richard Phillips and the cast of Jesus Folk and a very real challenge for us allGod bless you all!

"Going to the Army!" is a podcast series featuring Salvation Army music. This 39th Episode is for November 2021 and continues the "Going to the Army!" ministry, which is now in its 8th year of broadcasting. This time we have the first part of a 2 episode 'special' using the music of American composers and recognizing the wonderful contribution they have made to Salvation Army Music over many, many years. As always, it features bands, songsters, soloists, a massed item from the Royal Albert Hall, and soloists including Derick Kane, Olaf Lundgren, Phil Cobb and Al Avery - all sharing with us music from the vast Salvation Army repertoire.Composers featured in part one include James Curnow, William Himes, Erik Leidzen, William, Bruce and Bill Broughton, Stephen Bulla, Emil Soderstrom, Stanley Ditmer, William Gordon - and more!  I hope you enjoy this 'Star-Spangled' selection!Originally begun for just a few friends and family members GttA has become SO MUCH MORE than that. The Episodes and 'specials' have been listened to or downloaded HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of times in all continents and more than 50 countries throughout the world - and has been played to even more by listeners who share them with family, church shut-ins and other friends who do not have access to the internet.This new podcast continues the ever-growing ministry of GttA around the world and features both new songs and pieces and others that have been well-loved and very well-blessed for many years throughout the Salvation Army World. I am particularly grateful to people who send me requests for items they would like featured on GttA. "Going to the Army!" has also grown far more than I ever envisaged or even hoped! As a result we have needed to upgrade the hosting service on Podomatic many times and the renewal costs are now quite substantial - however donations to this ministry have been generously made and continue - particularly as a result of a recent JustGiving appeal. I am hoping to complete work on a new, purpose-built stuidio to continue and expand my ministry further in the coming days.Any further donations to this ministry are gratefully received and my be sent via PayPal through the link on the right hand side of the podcast's main page at: www.goingtothearmy.podomatic.com The "Going to the Army" Facebook group recently passed 4,100 members from all around the world. "They shall come from the East, They shall come from the West and sit down in the Kingdom of God". Hallelujah! Much of the featured music is from my own transfers of old SA LPs, 78s and cassettes but some CD and original recordings are also included. Presented by lifelong Salvationist musician and actor Marc Harry this podcast features music by bands, songsters, singing companies and soloists. In addition, background information about the music, the Salvation Army and the presenter's own experiences are included. Feedback is welcomed - as are requests for songs/pieces that can be considered for future podcasts. - either here, on this page or to goingtothearmy@marcharry.com

A theme question for the meeting tonight may well be something along the lines of ‘Are You Weary'?  It's that time of year again, isn't it?  Half way between our summer holidays and Christmas, the weather - in the UK, at least, is turning colder and most of us have resorted to putting our heating on - at home and in our  Army Halls, the trees have turned that wonderful myriad of colours between yellow, red and brown and we've pulled our winter coats out of the wardrobe…yes, it's definitely autumn out there, friends and, with it – for me at least – always comes a sort of mental weariness as if we just can't wait for this period of a few weeks to pass – and Advent to start – never mind the endless Christmas Carolling that goes with it! Sit back and enjoy an hour of real Salvation Army worship and music - some great songs and music from the International Staff Band, Brisbane Divisional Fellowship Band, Portsmouth Citadel Songsters and the Household Troops Band.Proceed into a new covenant with Jesus - asking Him to let you 'rest your weary soul in Him' and we will truly be better placed to turn this old world upside down!God bless you all!

It's been a while, friends.It is only now I am feeling so much better that I can look back and appreciate quite how poorly I had become in the late spring/early summer this year.  It is WONDERFUL to feel better and also to be back producing these meetings.This meeting I described as a 'Salvation Army Extravaganza' - and it's theme is the Universal message we share with the whole world about the saving power found only in the Blood of Jesus Christ!Music from David Daws and Enfield Citadel Band, the International Staff Songsters, Wellington Citadel Singing Company and The Egon Band help us in our worship along with some of our favourite Salvation Army songs and choruses.May God bless you richly as you listen - and, if you are not currently in the Lord's service please 'come home to God'.Marc

Welcome to a very special Praise and Testimony meeting prepared for Fortress Radio. This is the 47th meeting prepared and presented by Marc Harry since the Covid pandemic began over a year ago. Some great hymns and songs, Salvation Army choruses, band, songster and singing company items and even more - including words of personal witness, bible readings and prayers. Just like being 'at the Army! Let your light shine for Jesus wherever you go and a theme for this meeting might be "Take Jesus to all the world...He'll put things right. Hallelujah!

Ascension!For the 46th in my series of Salvation Meetings for Fortress Radio. I am delighted to welcome my old friend Lt Col. Ced Hills who speaks on the subject of the Ascension. The meeting is a bit of a 'Portsmouth Citadel Reunion'. Ced sat next to me on the euphonium section at Portsmouth when he was our CO a decade or so ago and we became good friends. So both Portsmouth Citadel Band ( John Hanchett) and Songsters (Julie Wheeler) take part in this meeting as well as there being some fine congregational songs and there are also contributions from the International Staff Songsters, Exeter Temple Singing Company (Jane Cox Williams) and the Birmingham Citadel Contemporary Music Group.

The 45th in the series of Salvation Meetings I have prepared for Fortress Radio sees a rare (for me) departure into the Old Testament and one of the great prophets - Ezekiel and his vision of the Mega-Temple. I was led to quote earlier in my preparations: "Discussing Ezekiel's everso vivid prophecies with burning chariots and spinning wheels and dry bones reforming I question what medications he was taking and say "I'll have what Ezekiel's on!" In all seriousness, though, this story is the only time 'Healing Waters' are mentioned in the whole of the Old Testament - and we live, today, very much in a world that needs that Divine Healing. The meeting has a Living/Healing Waters theme and contains some grand old Salvation Army songs in old and newer arrangements including a beautiful vocal solo from Kaytie Harding. Music comes from Boscombe SA Band, Staines Songsters and the (now sadly defunct) East London Youth Chorus. May God bless you all and bring you nearer to Him as you listen to this podcast.

Dare To Be a........Thomas?   The disciple Thomas sometimes gets a bit of a rough ride, I think. His reputation and legacy seems to be based on nothing but his 'doubting' - and hence his name has been used for millennia as the epitome of scepticism! Join me for the Salvation Meeting on Fortress Radio where we look at so much more that we can learn from Thomas - enough that, instead of Daniel for a change, might not some of us even 'Dare to be a Thomas'? Music from the ISB, Portsmouth Citadel Songsters, Wealdstone Singing Company (1970) and much more - plus, of course, some great songs and a brand new poem by Commissioner Harry Read. Plus songs and the message - of course.

This Easter Day Salvation Meeting is very much a celebration of the Risen Christ - and it's great to be able to welcome Colonel Phil Maxwell (who delivers the sermon), his wife Deslea who also speaks and my friend Matt Woods as well. When Col Maxwell sent a vocal solo to accompany his message he got Matt's name slightly wrong (Mark instead of Matt) and it was only when I listened to the beautiful voice I realised that it was young Matthew at once, of course! Join me then, for some of the great Easter hymns and songs, songsters, singing company, soloist and one of the all time great Dean Goffin classics from the band.

'Meditative Music and Readings for a Holy Day'There is, for today, a BRAND NEW episode of the "Going to the Army!" podcast - especially for Good Friday. This is not a 'normal' GttA episode but a complete 'act of worship' - subtitled a: 'Meditative Music and Readings for a Holy Day' the 2 hour programme I have prepared with the help of the wonderful Jeannine Ridha has music by Salvation Army Bands and Songster Brigades, Singing Companies, Soloists and a even Rock Group. Although the programme will be aired on Fortress Radio several times today it will be, necessarily, broken up by news bulletins - for complete, uninterrupted listening please use the podcast link here. Readings are taken from dramatic presentations, poems and, of course, the Bible itself. Joining me with these dramatic readings is prominent Lincolnshire actress Jeannine Ridha who has strong links to Grimsby SA and has a career in musicals and other stage shows spanning 50 years. Immerse yourself in the Good Friday experience and join me. God bless you all.

  STRESS...WORRY...CARES....ANXIETIES... Symptoms of life that we just have to live with in 2021? Or is there a solution? Peter gives us the answer in the last Chapter of his First Epistle - and comes up with 'one of the best verses in the whole bible'! This week's Salvation Meeting - the 42nd meeting I have produced since the start of the pandemic and marking a whole year of online ministry - is the last in our series looking at Peter's 1st letter. Some great congregational song arrangements to join in with, a Joy Webb classic, one of the best of all Gowans/Larsson songs of all, a classic cornet solo and much more to enjoy and inspire. Music from the International Staff Songsters, Philip Cobb, Portsmouth Singing Company, the TMS Ladies Voices Group, The Joystrings and many more adds to the worship and reinforcement of the meeting's theme - casting all our cares on Jesus - because He cares for us. There's also a strong challenge to us all...so beware! It could be dangerous going to church! You never know what God might change! Marc  

  'Suffering for being a Christian' This week's meeting is the the 41st Salvation Meeting in the current series on Fortress Radio  We continue our look at the first epistle of Peter, reaching chapter 4 and the portion headed 'Suffering for being a Christian'. Our guest speaker for the meeting is Major Estelle Blake - who has worked extensively for The Salvation Army in the field of human trafficking and abuse.     Music comes from Leicester South Corps, Kettering SA Band, Portsmouth Citadel Songsters, Boscombe Singing Company, the ISB, USA WT Staff Songsters and so many more - and many blessings, challenges and inspiration is promised! God bless you all. Marc  

This week's SALVATION MEETING for Fortress Radio is the 40th in the series I have prepared since the first lockdown almost a year ago. This time we take a look at part of 1 Peter ch 3 and try to apply the advice there to our lives at this specific time. Major Estelle Blake opens in prayer, there is a fine testimony from SL Paul Dale (one of my oldest and best friends) and some great Army songs and choruses, band pieces and songs from the songsters - including some Gowans and Larsson classics and a modern masterpiece from Andrew Maycock. Featuring the Staff Songsters, musicians from a Scottish Congress, the Sunbury Junior Singers ,William Booth Memorial Halls Band and soloist Eric Tebbett. Marc

"My time, matey, not yours!" - is what God told me very clearly earlier this week as I was growing impatient for inspiration! This is the 39th meeting I have prepared for FORTRESS RADIO since the Covid lockdowns began in March 2020 This meeting is the third in the series based on the 1st Epistle of Peter - this time -chapter 2.  How can we best be 'walking advertisements' for Jesus in this evil world?If you like some of the GREAT Salvation Army songs then this one's for YOU!Plus music from the Amsterdam Staff Band, International Staff Band and Songsters, Croydon Citadel Songsters, Portsmouth Citadel Singing Company...and more besides!Thoughts are centred around Major Darren Shaw's wonderful 'Guardian of My Soul'

  BE HOLY (but you don't have to be a hero) Welcome to another hour of Salvation Army worship - featuring the International Staff Band and Songsters, Santa Ana Singing Company, Barbara Allen, and even my old friend Roger Marsh!     This is the 2nd meeting in the series in which we examine the 1st Epistle of Peter... We are told to 'BE HOLY'. God doesn't expect us to achieve the target overnight...it might take a lifetime - but that's OK as He has the patience - and an unlimited amount of LOVE and FORGIVENESS to help us get there! Some good Army songs, a band classic from Robert Redhead and an update of an oldie from the pen of Richard Phillips...and there is EVEN MORE in the podcast version (which is not time limited) including music from  Kevin Larsson. My wife  Sarah Harry reads the bible for us and one of my favourite songs from the pen of John Gowans...     God bless you all. Marc

Doom and Gloom   If a month has five Sundays then the 5th will always be a good old Salvation Army praise meeting - yes the kind you might remember from your childhood and younger days - often accompanied, if you recall, with indigestion caused by rushing down a full roast dinner in the hour you might have managed to get at home between morning and afternoon activities at the army! This week we have music from Erik Leidzen, Robert Redhead, William Himes, Trevor Davis, Karl Westwood & Ivor Bosanko - some great songs, a wonderful testimony from Zara Rose  Stone....band, songsters, YP Band and a double helping of singing company...oh...and even the Cobham Chorus for good measure! ...And if that's not enough there's bible teaching about being JOYFUL and how to deal with all the DOOM AND GLOOM that surrounds us every day! Christians have been blessed with the best GOOD NEWS of all - the Gospel of Jesus - so share it!  Avoid doom and gloom - and share a smile!  

"Which Way are YOU Going?"   This Salvation Meeting - the 35th in the series I have produced for Fortress Radio since the Covid-19 Pandemic struck in March 2020 - is all about walking our life's pathways with Jesus.Do you walk with Him?  Talk with Him? There are many times when it is difficult for all of us - and many of us have been directly affected by the virus, of course.Rest assured, that whatever might happen to us here on Earth we, as Christians, are always promised a joyous eternity in Heaven with our Lord and Saviour.Some parts of the meeting are based on some writing I encountered earlier in the week by Commissioner Harry Read - and we also hear his lovely song 'Become Aware of Him'.The band piece is an all-time classic, Ray Steadman-Allen's 'In Quiet Pastures' and some of the songs from that piece are either sung in the service or referenced in my talk.Other music is provided by groups including Wood Green Singing Company, the International Staff Band and Songsters, the Canadian Staff Band, The Melbourne Veterans Band - and there is a lovely solo from Canadian Salvationist Dayna Curtis.  All that - and an excerpt from a much-loved Gowans/Larsson musical.God bless you all - and thank you for listening.Marc

Salvation Meeting (34) for Fortress Radio "Jesus - our Foundation"   This meeting, the 34th in the series I have prepared for Fortress Radio since March 2020, the start of the Covid pandemic, is centred around i Corinthians ch 3 - in which the Apostle Paul exhorts the younf church in Corinth to stop bickering about trivialities and ensure they build on a solid foundation.Songs include 'I Dare to Be Different', 'How Firm a Foundation" and "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand."  Musical items, by Norwich Citadel Band, Canadian group 'Witness', cornet soloist David Daws and the Southern Youth Chorus include favourites such as 'Total Praise', 'A New World' and Norman Bearcroft's 'Songs of Testimony'.  Portsmouth Citadel Singing Company remind us of the foollish man who built his house on 'Sandy Land'.This ministry continues to be listened to right round the world both on Fortress Radio and here in the Podcast version.  Feedback is always welcome as are requests for songs or items - or you might want to record a word of personal testimony and become part of a meeting yourself?

  "Epiphany" One of my friends posted this week that he likes to 'linger a little longer at the manger' at Christmas each year. Well, today is only '10 Lords a Leaping' day, I think - so our first Salvation Meeting of 2021 this evening has a distinctly 'Epiphany' theme - and the terms 'Worship and Adoration' would make a suitable title for the meeting. Music comes from Pasadena Tabernacle Band, Regent Hall Band, Ilford Songsters, The International Staff Band & Songsters, East London Youth Chorus - and The Joystrings. Wave goodbye to the Christmas season this year with the Wise Men - bowing at the feet of the Son of Man.This is 33rd meeting prepared for Fortress Radio since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic by Bandmaster Marc Harry of Lincoln Salvation Army, UK Territory.  Marc is well-known as a euphonium soloist, singer, pianist and songwriter and also hosts the (now occasional) "Going to the Army!" Podcast.

Welcome to the Fortress Radio/Going to the Army Carol Service 2020   I am delighted to invite you to join with the listeners from Fortress Radio to tonight's 'meeting' - the 32nd Sunday Evening Service I have been privileged to record and share with you since March 2020.The world this year has changed so very much - but God's Love for the world He made is the same today as it was then - in fact, I believe He is holiding our world even tighter as it lurches from crisis to crisis in this unique year.Tonight we join with the musicians of the Norwich area, East Anglia for our Carol Service - as much of the material for tonight's service is taken from a CD I was privileged to make with them a few years ago - titled 'Joy to the World'.Tonight, I wanted us to all be able to simply sit back, relax in God’s presence and celebrate Christmas in a quite traditional way.  There will be carols, readings and musical items as we spend this hour together – united in our love for the Lord and our prayers that the world would simply ALLOW Him to be the answer to all the problems it seeks answers for!So, I speak a little less than usual - but am grateful for help from Stuart Hall, the owner of Fortress Radio and his wife Lorraine - who have contributed readings.  Also to Kaytie Harding, Jane Brill, Ira Thomas and Sharon Kent who have made a new recording of 'Mary, Did You Know' that we are featuring.  You will also hear the International Staff Band and Songsters, The Sunbury Junior Singers, Hendon Corps and Chalk Farm Band with musical items.The service also includes my own song 'My Christmas Wish' - the title track of my 2001 CD.God bless you all - and may we all have a Wonderful, blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.Marc  

Salvation Meeting (31) - 13th December 2020 (Advent 3)   This meeting, the 31st in the series produced for Fortress Radio in 2020, marks the 3rd Sunday of Advent.   In a world that needs Jesus more than ever before Christians are praying for the world to turn to its Saviour as we prepare to celebrate His birth.The meeting has some great Salvation Army songs, Songster and Singing Company music and one of the greatest brass band pieces ever composed, from the pen of Eric Ball. Of course, we are also preparing ourselves for Christ's return - the Second Coming - or Second Advent, as I refer to it.  We look at Isaiah's prophecy  and are left with the words of Major Joy Webb's beautiful song "Come into our World - NOW, Lord Jesus"

Praise and Salvation Meeting (29) - 29th November 2020This is my latest meeting produced for  Fortress Radio - the 29th such meeting I've been privileged to make this year. This week's PRAISE and TESTIMONY meeting includes an enjoyable mix of band, songster and singing company music, some grand songs and a quite remarkable testimony and solo from Kaytie Harding Great songs of praise and testimony - Bible teaching from Ephesians, a Gowans Larsson classic Band Selection, songster songs and an amazing testimony!  Finally, one of the Army's greatest marches to conclude after the Benediction I continue to be both amazed and thoroughly blessed by the way 2020 has opened up a whole new avenue of service and ministry that God has led me into in this strangest of all strange years.

Tonight's Salvation Meeting for Fortress Radio is all about TRUST. This, the 28th meeting in the series that I have prepared most weeks since lockdown began in March 2020. God is using this online ministry in ways I - and many others - could never have imagined and I count it both a great privilege and responsibility to have this opportunity and to be part of this tremendous witness. Music this evening includes items from Coventry City Singing Company, Norwich Citadel Songsters and the Household Troops Band. There are some truly wonderful songs included with a brand new recording of an old favourite from me. The band item is an Eric Ball Classic and other music includes 'Christ is All' and 'I Know a Fount'. The band even play The Red Shield after the benediction! Join me at 6pm tonight or on the "Going to the Army!" podcast site soon afterwards. God bless you all. Marc

Remembrance Sunday - Prayer Tonight's meeting for Fortress Radio has a dual focus - Praying, particularly for Peace in the world and we also mark Remembrance Day, of course. As usual, plenty of great songs/hymns and items from the ISB, Portsmouth Citade Songsters, Worthing Singing Company  and the Southern Territorial Songsters as well as the voices of Kaytie Harding and Gail Dickson and the playing of Howard J Evans and John Starkes. Prayers are led by Chris and Jo Lyons (Gainsborough) and  readings and prayers from Stephen Poxon and Ivan Stead (Grimsby). ...And something new - a drama item featuring my son Ieuan Harry!

I Want to Live Right!   This week's Salvation Meeting (the 26th in the series!) for Fortress Radio is largely based on the old chorus 'I Want to Live Right'. Some great Army and church songs & hymns; Kettering Citadel Band and Hendon Songsters, the East London Youth Chorus, Jude Gotrich and US (South) contemporary group 'Transmission' priovide musical items while the 'testimony' is directly from the mouth of St Paul!  Major Chris Herbert opens the meeting in prayer.

Gowans and Larsson Special This week's Salvation Meeting - the 25th in the series of meetings prepared since the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic - uses songs and other music written by (or based on songs by) Generals John Gowans and John Larsson. Young composer/officer John Larsson was teamed with another poet/officer John Gowans in the 1960s to work together on a 'new venture' for The Salvation Army: they were asked to write a stage musical.  The result was 'Take Over Bid' - a greatsuccess. The rest, as they say, is history! TEN very successful musicals later and many, many songs added to the Army's songbooks both young officers rose through the ranks eventually to the top rank of all - and their music and lyrics have become an intrinsic part of every Salvationist's life. This evening all the music featured in the meeting is from their pens - but there is more than that...much of the spoken content of the meeting is also directly from the 'Two Johns'.Music used in this meeting include Hundreds and Thousands - in a vintage LP recording from 1972 by the Goulburn Singing Company, 'Bill Broughton's 'Gowans and Larsson Overture' played by the Enfield Citadel Band and 'I'll Not Turn Back' by Portsmouth Citadel Songsters...as well as a very fine testimony from our friend Freddie - who has always struggled to keep himself on the 'straight and narrow'...Several of John Gowans's own poems are included, read by the author - and the sermon is led by General Larsson.  

"Going to the Army!" is a podcast series featuring Salvation Army music. This 37th Episode is for October 2020 and continues the "Going to the Army!" ministry, which is now in its 7th year of broadcasting. My sincere apologies to any listeners who may think the GttA podcast has taken a bit of a 'back seat' this year as I have found and been developing a new ministry through the Salvation Meetings produced in partnership with Fortress Radio. Hopefully, as time goes by, we can continue to produce both. This episode (bringing the total number of podcasts produced to over 60 in total, including the Salvation Meetings and seasonal specials) features bands, songsters, Youth Choruses, a massed item from the Royal Albert Hall, and soloists including Susan Turner and Al Avery - all sharing with us music from the vast Salvation Army repertoire. There is no overall theme for this episode but a reminder of how, why and when "Going to the Army!" first began back in 2013. Composers featured include Arthur Gullidge, Joy Webb, Eric Ball, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, Howard Davies, Bramwell Coles and William Himes. A feature that continues with this episode is the inclusion of a special segment to highlight famous SA soloists , both vocal and instrumental. Featured soloists this time include the great euphonium player Derick Kane and Katie Harding (former International Staff Songster). If you have a favourite soloist you would like to hear please send me an email to marc@marcharry.com and I will try to source a recording, if one exists. Originally begun for just a few friends and family members GttA has become SO MUCH MORE than that. The Episodes and 'specials' have been listened to or downloaded HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of times in all continents and more than 50 countries throughout the world - and has been played to even more by listeners who share them with family, church shut-ins and other friends who do not have access to the internet. This new podcast continues the ever-growing ministry of GttA around the world and features both new songs and pieces and others that have been well-loved and very well-blessed for many years throughout the Salvation Army World. I am particularly grateful to people who send me requests for items they would like featured on GttA. "Going to the Army!" has also grown far more than I ever envisaged or even hoped! As a result we have needed to upgrade the hosting service on Podomatic many times and the renewal costs are now quite substantial - however donations to theis ministry have been generously made and continue - particularly as a result of a recent JustGiving appeal. I am hoping to complete work on a new, purpose-built stuidion to continue and expand my ministry further in the coming days. Any further donations to this ministry are gratefully received and my be sent via PayPal through the link on the right hand side of the podcast's main page at: www.goingtothearmy.podomatic.com The "Going to the Army" Facebook group recently passed 4,100 members from all around the world. "They shall come from the East, They shall come from the West and sit down in the Kingdom of God". Hallelujah! Much of the featured music is from my own transfers of old SA LPs, 78s and cassettes but some CD and original recordings are also included. Presented by lifelong Salvationist musician and actor Marc Harry this podcast features music by bands, songsters, singing companies and soloists. In addition, background information about the music, the Salvation Army and the presenter's own experiences are included. Feedback is welcomed - as are requests for songs/pieces that can be considered for future podcasts. - either here, on this page or to goingtothearmy@marcharry.com

Always Shine For Him This week's Salvation Meeting - the 24th in the series of meetings prepared since the start of the Caronavirus Pandemic - has a rather 'celebratory' feel about it.  we are celebrating LOVE - not just the wonderful, life-changing love of God for us but also various aspects of our own 'human love'.   This week our family has marked birthdays and anniversaries (including my own and that of my youngest daughter) and it has also been the 40th wedding anniversary of two of our most loyal listeners - one of whom reads the bible for us this week.  We concentrate on 1 Corinthians 13 - the 'love chapter', as it is often known...in a week of birthdays and anniversaries we celebrate the love of a family - as well as the love of God - and how we need to shine for Him in this world of darkness. With music from the ISB and ISS as well as the Sunbury Junior Singers, we have guest contributors: Estelle Blake and Jeannine Ridha (who is celebrating her own 40th Wedding Anniversary today!) and solo items from: Barbara Allen and Jared Littlewood There's even a brand new recording of a popular children's chorus thrown in for good measure by myself - I hope you enjoy some of the tricks I can do in my little studio!  I had fun doing it anyway! "Let your light so shine" (Matt 5:16)

Welcome to another hour of fellowship, worship, music and bible teaching as heard on Fortress Radio - Sunday 4th October, 2020. It's the SIMPLEST thing in the whole world! Receiving Salvation! Just say to Jesus "I love You. I trust you." Objective achieved. Yet, we seem to overcomplicate everything...the old acronym was K I S S - Keep It Simple, Stupid! Songs this evening include 'Hallelujah to the Lamb', 'Since Jesus Came Into My Heart' and 'Just as I Am'. Musical items are provided by ther International Staff Band and Songsters, Chicago Staff and Chalk Farm Bands (soloist: Ray Todd), Southampton Shirley Singing Company and Jude Gotrich. "Enter - Enter - Right into my heart, Lord - Enter now..."

Harvest Festival - Songs of Praise Welcome to another hour of fellowship, worship, music and bible teaching as heard on Fortress Radio - Sunday 20th September, 2020. This week's service is part of a day of celebration on Fortress Radio marking the Harvest Festival - as we thank God for all His goodness to us throughout the year It features music by Kettering Citadel Singing Company, the Enfield Citadel Band, Canadian Massed Bands and Choir, United Youth Choruses of the UK Territory, The London Singers, John Gowans, The Melbourne Veterans Band and more. There are also powerful prayers, bible teaching and some truly fabulous songs of praise to our wonderful Lord and Creator. Join us and enjoy taking part in this hour of fellowship! Throughout the world we are in the grip of a dreadful pandemic. The COVID-19 virus is wreaking havoc with the day to lives of countless millions of people. One of the consequences is the fact that we cannot, for the time being, meet in worship in our churches and Salvation Army corps. So FORTRESS RADIO has stepped in to provide two 'meetings' each Sunday at least for the duration of the curfews and lockdowns. I am pleased to be preparing the evening - or Salvation Meeting each week and the twentieth of these has just been broadcast this evening. This is the meeting as it was broadcast. I am sharing the meeting here so people can listen again if they wish or hear it in places where Fortress Radio is unavailable.

CONQUERING DEATH! Welcome to another hour of fellowship, worship, music and bible teaching as heard on Fortress Radio - Sunday 13th September, 2020. This week's service continues the short series of meetings based on the miracles of Jesus - this week - Conquering Death (The Widow of Nain) It features music by the International Staff Band, The International Staff Songsters, Norridge Citadel Band with vocal group Onward, Pendleton Band and the Portsmouth Citadel Songsters, The Sunbury Junior Singers and the Norfolk Fellowship Brass. There are also powerful prayers, bible teaching and some truly fabulous songs. Join us and enjoy taking part in this hour of fellowship! Throughout the world we are in the grip of a dreadful pandemic. The COVID-19 virus is wreaking havoc with the day to lives of countless millions of people. One of the consequences is the fact that we cannot, for the time being, meet in worship in our churches and Salvation Army corps. So FORTRESS RADIO has stepped in to provide two 'meetings' each Sunday at least for the duration of the curfews and lockdowns. I am pleased to be preparing the evening - or Salvation Meeting each week and the twentieth of these has just been broadcast this evening. This is the meeting as it was broadcast. I am sharing the meeting here so people can listen again if they wish or hear it in places where Fortress Radio is unavailable.

Welcome to another hour of fellowship, worship, music and bible teaching as heard on Fortress Radio - Sunday 6th September, 2020. This week's service continues the short series of meetings based on the miracles of Jesus - this week - Stilling the Storm It features music by the Wellington Citadel Band, The Amsterdam Staff Band, The International Staff Songsters, The USA Western Territory Songsters and the Portsmouth Citadel Songsters, The London Singers and the Former Students of the National Music School at Cobham Hall. There are also powerful prayers - including almost 40 prayer requests, bible teaching and some truly fabulous songs. Join us and enjoy taking part in this hour of fellowship! Throughout the world we are in the grip of a dreadful pandemic. The COVID-19 virus is wreaking havoc with the day to lives of countless millions of people. One of the consequences is the fact that we cannot, for the time being, meet in worship in our churches and Salvation Army corps. So FORTRESS RADIO has stepped in to provide two 'meetings' each Sunday at least for the duration of the curfews and lockdowns. I am pleased to be preparing the evening - or Salvation Meeting each week and the twentieth of these has just been broadcast this evening. This is the meeting as it was broadcast. I am sharing the meeting here so people can listen again if they wish or hear it in places where Fortress Radio is unavailable.

This week's 19th Salvation Meeting for Fortress Radio. Continuing the series on Jesus' miracles tonight we look at the healing of the leper and 2 blind men - and at what may seem a strange instruction to the healed men! As usual, the chance to hear some great SA music and sing along with some great hymns/songs!

Welcome to another hour of fellowship, worship, music and bible teaching as heard on Fortress Radio - Sunday 9th August, 2020. This week's service marks the start of a short series of meetings based on the miracles of Jesus - this week - Water into Wine It features music by the Mont Clair, and The Bristol Easton Band, The International Staff Songsters and The Male Voices of the Norwich Citadel Band, The Exeter Temple Singing Company and as there is a wonderful testimony by Ruth Dutfield - who reflects on the 30th anniversary of the sudden Promotion to Glory of her brother Gareth who was such a loved salvation Army character. There are also powerful prayers, bible teaching and some truly fabulous songs. Join us and enjoy taking part in this hour of fellowship! Throughout the world we are in the grip of a dreadful pandemic. The COVID-19 virus is wreaking havoc with the day to lives of countless millions of people. One of the consequences is the fact that we cannot, for the time being, meet in worship in our churches and Salvation Army corps. So FORTRESS RADIO has stepped in to provide two 'meetings' each Sunday at least for the duration of the curfews and lockdowns. I am pleased to be preparing the evening - or Salvation Meeting each week and the eighteenth of these has just been broadcast this evening. This is the meeting as it was broadcast. I am sharing the meeting here so people can listen again if they wish or hear it in places where Fortress Radio is unavailable.

Welcome to another hour of fellowship, worship, PRAISE, music and bible teaching as heard on Fortress Radio - Sunday 2nd August, 2020. This week - in response to requests from listeners we are enjoying a good Salvation Army Praise Meeting - such as we used to enjoy on a Sunday between our roast dinners and granny's great Sunday tea! It features music by the International Staff Band, Birmingham Citadel Young Peoples Band and Songsters, Wood Green and Portsmouth singing companies, Norwich Citadel & Portsmouth Citadel bands as well as the Norfolk Fellowship Band and Kenya East Ladies band who have aided our congregational singing – and, in addition, the Solid Rock Band. There are also powerful prayers, bible teaching and some truly fabulous songs. Join us and enjoy taking part in this hour of fellowship! Throughout the world we are in the grip of a dreadful pandemic. The COVID-19 virus is wreaking havoc with the day to lives of countless millions of people. One of the consequences is the fact that we cannot, for the time being, meet in worship in our churches and Salvation Army corps. So FORTRESS RADIO has stepped in to provide two 'meetings' each Sunday at least for the duration of the curfews and lockdowns. I am pleased to be preparing the evening - or Salvation Meeting each week and the seventeenth of these has just been broadcast this evening. This is the meeting as it was broadcast. I am sharing the meeting here so people can listen again if they wish or hear it in places where Fortress Radio is unavailable.

Welcome to another hour of fellowship, worship, music and bible teaching as heard on Fortress Radio - Sunday 26th July, 2020. The theme of this week's service is 'Banners Floating High! It features music by the Melbourne Staff Band, and The Norfolk Fellowship Band, The Agincourt Temple Songsters and The Hammond Family Band, The Boscombe Singing Company and as well as Tristan and Mandy Lanceley, who also testify. There are also powerful prayers, bible teaching and some truly fabulous songs. Join us and enjoy taking part in this hour of fellowship! Throughout the world we are in the grip of a dreadful pandemic. The COVID-19 virus is wreaking havoc with the day to lives of countless millions of people. One of the consequences is the fact that we cannot, for the time being, meet in worship in our churches and Salvation Army corps. So FORTRESS RADIO has stepped in to provide two 'meetings' each Sunday at least for the duration of the curfews and lockdowns. I am pleased to be preparing the evening - or Salvation Meeting each week and the tenth of these has just been broadcast this evening. This is the meeting as it was broadcast. I am sharing the meeting here so people can listen again if they wish or hear it in places where Fortress Radio is unavailable.