James HAY

HAY, JAMES (b. Glasgow, Scotland, 25 May 1865, d. Melbourne, Vic, 22 March 1962). Grocer, Salvation Army Officer.

James Hay was converted at age sixteen at the Govan Corps (Scotland) of the Salvation Army and commissioned as an officer at the Training Garrison, Clapton, London in 1881. Following 25 years service, William Booth promoted him to Commissioner, the youngest to hold this senior rank. Hay was strong, well built with clearly chiselled regular features; an agreeable and tireless voice, he possessed considerable music talent and vocal ability, a keen intelligence and unquestionable zeal for evangelism. Jeannie Waugh, scarcely five feet in height, possessing a sweet singing voice and a member of the Free Church of Scotland, attended a Salvation Army meeting soon after they began in Dumfries. She was converted and four years later became an officer. Her marriage to Hay followed and for 64 years she supported him with her forceful expression of evangelism. At Booth's request she supervised the slum work in London for seven years.

Following senior appointments in the United Kingdom, Booth appointed the Hays to take charge in Australasia in 1909. The advances made by the Salvation Army during their twelve years were truly remarkable. Attendances at children's meetings increased by 112 per cent; congregations at adult meetings increased by 20 per cent weekly. Cadets in training in 1909 were 58 and in 1921 were 213. Officers transferred to overseas missionary appointments number 75. The entire income of the Australasian territory advanced by 110 per cent and the annual expenditure on social work increased by 100 per cent. Social institutions increased from 45 to 88 and the accommodation from 3216 to 7741. Publications increased by 1 00 per cent with an aggregate circulation increase of 44 per cent.

Mrs Hay's achievements in Australia for the women's social work were due to her sound judgement, practical mind and kind manner. Her appeal to the premier of Vic resulted in her conducting meetings in the state prisons. She commenced the Home League (Women's organisation) in Australia.

Operations in connection with the AIF earned for Commissioner Hay appointment as an OBE. Australasia grew from one Salvation Army Territory to three by the time they were finally farewelled on 19 Oct 1921 in the Melbourne Town Hall.

War Cry; James Hay, Aggressive Salvationism (Melbourne, 1951); Percival Dale, Salvation Chariot (Melbourne. 1952)

G W ELLIS