In our former Command Headquarters at 207 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore, there was a room named “Allan O. Lord Memorial Primary Room.” After the war when plans were made to renovate the old Headquarters, Commissioner and Mrs Herbert Lord, pioneers of our work in Singapore gave a special donation for the fitting out of this Primary Room in memory of their son Allan. Even in the early seventies when my wife and I were the Corps Officers (pastors), this room was still used for the Primary children on Sundays. Other groups such as the Torchbearers Youth Group, servicemen and others used it too during the week.
Regrettably as years went by, leaders unaware of the history of the place, removed the sign. I can still see the signboard in my mind as I write this article. The tiny tots who made use of the facility would now be senior citizens. I wonder how many still remember attending the primary in this” Allan Lord Memorial Primary Room”? One Officer Commanding, faced with the pressure for space for an expanding Headquarters, annexed this hall and used it as an Office. Allan’s contribution to the Command was forgotten except by the very few now in their eighties. Such heroism needs to be told again.
Allan came with his parents in 1935 and knew something of the challenges of pioneering work. Singapore was a backwater, far from being a developed country like it is today. Life was hard and money was scarce. Throughout the seven years he was in Singapore till the fall of Singapore in February 1942, he rarely missed Sunday School. He loved the children and gave of his best to develop the Young People’s work. He was kind and gentle and much loved by the young people especially.
When war came he joined the Volunteer Forces of the island. Following the tragic defeat of the British by the Japanese, he was taken prisoner of war. Lieut. Colonel Arch R. Wiggins in his book Campaigning in Captivity had this to say, “Allan Lord, twenty three year old son of the Colonel in command of the Army’s work in Malaya…he fell in with the idea of beginning Salvation Army activities in Changi (meaning the Prison camp). Allan became a librarian at this new camp of which he was also practically the padre. The padre of the civilian camp, who often met him, spoke most highly of his influence, his cheerful spirit, good attitude and his constant willingness to help his fellow prisoners of war. When young Allan Lord heard that men of more than twice his age were being sent to Thailand or Burma, he offered to take the place of one of them. Eventually, having volunteered, he went to Burma and took part in what became known as the Death March, from which he never returned.”
What heroism, courage and sacrifice for a young man! Allan sacrificially gave his life for another. Had he not done this, he might not have died. We think of Jesus who gave Himself for the whole world. Jesus Christ who was our Substitute is clearly stated in Scripture. Most scholars agree that the Gospels see Jesus as the Suffering Servant portrayed in Isaiah 53. He was the One who “took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows… pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed… The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6.
The high priest Caiaphas concerned with political expediency, but not with innocence or guilt of person made a statement”… it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation should perish.” John 11:50. That statement was an unwitting prophecy!
Jesus Christ, the entirely righteous One, took upon Himself our sin, endured the punishment we deserved of death and separation from God. He became the substitute thus made it possible for us to received His righteousness and be reconciled to God.
He died that we might be forgiven,
He died to make us good,
That we might go at last to heaven,
Saved by His precious blood.
Cecil Frances Alexander
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