The Spinning Wheel Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at the Marshalltown Public Library at 1 p.m. on Nov. 18.

The program for the meeting began with Lieutenant Christopher Nicholai from the Marshalltown Salvation Army speaking on the History of the Salvation Army from its’ beginning and the history of the Red Kettle, with the ringing of bells to get attention to get donations that helped fund its mission of sharing the gospel, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and helping many to overcome addictions.

From its beginning by William and Catherine Booth in 1865 on the East End of London, at a time when the Church of England only preached to the rich and powerful, the Salvation Army has always preached to the poor. Queen Victoria was very supportive of the Salvation Army, and said any attack on the Salvation Army would be an attack on the Queen. The Salvation Army is structured in a military way, but coming with charity and prayer, and soon spread to many parts of the World. It has been active in Marshalltown for more than 100 years.

Following Nicholai’s presentation, Linda Schaper gave a history of Bevin Brothers Bell Manufacturing plant near Hartford, Connecticut, where many thousands of Salvation Army bells have been made and their comeback from a tragic fire caused by a lightning strike in 2012. Schaper then presented Nicholai with a beautiful Bevin Hand Bell.

Madame Vice Regent, Catherine Hansen, called the meeting to order, and all recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the American’s Creed.

Hansen reported that several DAR members helped with the counting of ballots at the election and were thanked for doing that.

Marlys Ankrum, registrar, reported that Emily Frieburg, from State Center has been approved as a new member.

Mary Thomas gave the Conservation Report, speaking of ways to conserve over the Holiday season, such as using receipts as a fire starter. She reminded us to feed the birds during the winter season.

Diane Hobson reported in the Veterans Report that she purchased snacks and puzzles for the Iowa Veterans Home, and mailed 378 old stamps to Wounded Warriors. She received a thank you from IVH for the contributions.

Deb Williams gave the American Heritage and National Defense Report on the final burial in 2019 at the partially submerged USS Utah and the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. There have been a total of 47 interments, all done with full military honors.

Thanks to the Hostesses – Ann and Hansen, and thanks to Hansen for filling in for Madame Regent Whitney Hunt in her absence.

The next meeting is a Soup Lunch at noon on Jan. 20, 2023.