Mexborough and Swinton Times May 25, 1928

Gospel Gaining Ground in South Africa

Not in Mexborough

Staff Captain and Mrs Salmon, Salvation Army officers will be lecturing in the Mexborough Citadel on their experiences in South Africa and of spreading Christianity in that mission field.

The South African native, they say, is a sound convert but not easily converted. Two of the greatest curses among the natives are drink and immorality. There are various kinds of liquor, including a particularly pernicious brew made by native women illicitly. It is a highly fermented beverage and carbide is used in fermentation.

Mr. and Mrs. Salmon, in conversation with a “Times. ‘ reporter, had some pertinent comments to make on the spiritual state of Mexborough, as it strikes them after a long absence. “I do not think,” said Mr. Salmon, “that there is as much religion in Mexborough as there was 14 years ago, or that the people are as inclined as they were to hear the Gospel. That is the impression I get from a superficial view. Congregations have not improved, and there is a greater tendency towards billiards and theatres and other amusements. Taking the district generally, it does not appear to have changed much in outward appearance, except that there are certainly more houses. I have faith, However,” added Captain Salmon, “that the religion of Jesus Christ will ultlmately thrive in such districts as Mexborough, even though the signs of the times are against it.”