March of Witness to raise public awareness for The Salvation Army
By Brooke Turbyfill
Southern Spirit staff
During commissioning weekend 2011, upwards of 250 soldiers will be marching from Waterman Street in Marietta, Ga., to Atlanta Street, ending in the Marietta Square. The March of Witness, including participants from each division, begins at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4.
With each division in the territory bringing 30 participants, banners and state flags, the march “should be a pretty colorful, exciting event,” said Major Otis Childs, territorial secretary of evangelism and adult ministries.
Childs said the march will call to mind The Salvation Army’s history when soldiers would commonly march together from a corps to a downtown center for an open-air meeting. The intent is to raise public awareness about the Marietta Corps and The Salvation Army’s presence in the Greater Atlanta community. During the march, the Georgia Divisional Band will provide musical accompaniment.
Once the processional arrives in the park at Marietta Square, a concert featuring the Southern Territorial Band will commence. The concert also includes a performance by the Territorial Creative Arts Team and individual testimonies “to get the message out to the community,” said Major Childs. There will be activities for children as part of the event, too.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be performed at the Marietta Square at 2:30 p.m.
“The hope, of course, is to get the word out to the community and to witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We encourage people to come out and enjoy some great music with their families,” he said.
