On one of these band recordings was the selection A Pilgrim’s Prayer. Before Bert could play a note of music, he was captivated by the cornet soloist on this particular record and made up his mind this was the instrument he would love to play. His journey in music had begun and through the encouragement and mentoring of a number of the senior band members, including Hector Jones, Russ and Percy De’Ath and Ken Rix he was on my way to some brass band stardom.

And now, after over 60 years of musical ministry in banding the thrill of not only listening but playing. music is just as captivating to him as it was the on that old 78..The original THQ building at 20 Albert Street and the then” Heart of The Salvation Army in Canada” was the home of the Toronto Temple Corps and the walls just vibrated with Army history and tradition.

The Temple bandroom was located in a mezzanine level off the rear platform of the large main auditorium and the venue for numerous large SA gatherings over the years including that of our Founder-William Booth. Off the Temple bandroom entrance was another stairwell leading to a second bandroom.

This empty bandroom was never used and in fact was rather a shrine because down these stairs and stepping into their place in history were the members of the 1914 Canadian Staff Band who met their fate with the sinking of the Empress of Ireland and the tragic loss of life on the St. Lawrence River.

While attending high school, Bert played trumpet in both the orchestra and stage band. He joined the school Air Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps playing a one valve G-F trumpet. This musical experience opened up all kinds of doors for experience and travelling. In later years Bert became a Canadian Drum Corps and Drum Corps Associates brass adjudicator and, for 12 years had the opportunity of judging some of the finest marching and manoeuvring bands in Canada and the United States.

Today’s modern Drum Corps is virtually a marching brass band with co-ordinated music and motion at its best. The popular stage production of Blast is a fine sampling of this type of music.

Over the years He has thoroughly enjoyed, and been deeply blessed by, playing and leading Salvation Army bands. Along with my SA experience Bert played in other brass ensembles that have taken him to places in the world that he would never have seen other than through the bell of his trumpet. What a wonderful musical ride it has been...

Over the years Bert has held the positions of YP Bandleader, Deputy Bandmaster, Band Sergeant and Bandmaster(3 times) In addition to teaching brass in the various Corps and at Music Camps, He gave private lessons as well and taught for a number of years at the Peoples Church Music School in Toronto. While living in Brampton Bert’s wife May and daughter Tricia ran a music school in the KRT Christian School were Bert taught brass.

Bert was employed with the Toronto Transit Commission starting as a mail boy in 1953 and retired as a Materials Inspector on Subway Construction in 1983. It was a 30 year learning curve for gaining experience and life skills and contributing to your community along the way. Following his TTC retirement his focus changed from being a lifetime Salvation Army volunteer to that of an employee.

For 12 years he was the Administrator of the Brampton Family Services and Thrift Store with a 30,000 sq. ft warehouse. This was a very exciting and challenging ministry. The exercising of his Faith in God became a practical and personal focus in meeting and answering the daily demands of this position. During this time Bert was a member of the Flower City (Brampton) Kiwanis Club and held the positions of Club Secretary and President. He served as Chairman of the Mayor’s Multi-Faith Committee and provided leadership in the co-ordination of many city wide community food drives.

Bert testifies that Salvation Army banding is truly very special and unique. A band member can travel anywhere in the world and link up with the local Corps band. You will be made to feel completely at home in this new setting and sense the keen spirit of fellowship that is evident in Salvationist musicians everywhere. Kindred hearts and spirits with a united mission of Glorifying God in our music making are indeed our strength and song.

The Oxford dictionary defines the word “Pilgrim” as one who journeys in a sacred or revered place as an act of religious devotion. From a starry eyed lad first hearing an Army band play The Pilgrim’s Prayer on an old 78 recording this musical journey has been just awesome. As long as Bert can hang on to his “two front teeth” He will continue to join in “Sounding out the Proclamation.”