“EMPTYING THE PUBLIC-HOUSES Barbrige is a village on the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal, and comprises chiefly the homes of the boat people. Considerable curiosity was aroused a week ago by the sudden appearance, in the publican's yard, of a handsome mahagony Van. On the outside was written, 'The Church Army.' Many a van had stood on this spot before but the stained glass windows, Scripture texts, and the Symbol of Faith, marked this Van off as different from them all. Presently large, glaring posters were exhibited, announcing that Services of a special character were to begin in the Warehouse on Sunday evening. [...] On Saturday evening the Service was of an extra special character. It was such a succes that both public-houses were emptied, and so the publicans shut up shop and came themselves. It was a very interesting programme: 6 o'clock, Children's Service; 6.30, Solemn Procession through village (Missioners vested, and singing canticles and psalms); 7 to 10, three Magic Lantern Exhibitions, interspersed with singing and music. We could not help contrasting this Saturday's proceeedings with that of the last. It was the contrast of a tranquil sea after a storm, the clear, warm sunshine after rain, and we thank God that for one Saturday night of their lives these people went home with clear brains and full pockets. A very striking feature of the work has been the mixture of classes at the Services - Church and Chapel folk, rich and poor, clean and dirty, high and low - all sorts sat down together. [...] A Layman.”