Marjorie Webb - Promoted to Glory

When we were in charge of the Singapore Central Corps (church) in the 1970’s there were quite a number of Caucasians who worshipped with us. Among them were two very good Salvationists from England who gave full support to the church in meetings and other activities.

Jim was the manager of Coopers and Lybrand across the road from Central Corps and Headquarters. He used to park his car at The Salvation Army compound and walk across to his office at Supreme House. He gave his donation to the Army instead of paying parking charges at Supreme Building. Every morning he would stop outside my window to have a chat and most evenings too.

Jim Webb was made Musical Director and responsible for the band and songsters of the Corps. Mrs. Webb was the songster organist for a number of years. She was also a Home Leaguer and member of the Women’s fellowship which met every Wednesday while the men were at band practice.

During their term in Singapore Jim directed a number of musicals at the Central Corps. Some Balestier folk came to join us in the musicals. We did "Glory" “Jesus Folk,” “Hosea,” “Spirit” and one Christmas we performed “Love came down.”

I recall when we did "Glory", Marjorie played the part of the aristocratic Lady B who went and knelt at the Mercy Seat to pray. She was followed by Dirty Jimmy who knelt close to her. The officer turned to Jimmy and signalled him to move away from the lady. She looked up and responded to the officer, “Captain, leave him alone for we are seeking the same Saviour. Jimmy and Lady B broke into song and sang, “We’re both seeking the same Saviour. We’re both seeking the same Lord.” That scene remains vividly in my mind as I write.

Both Marjorie and Jim integrated very well with our local people. Students at ACS used to drop in during lunch time to have meals with her at her home, 28 Barker Road. Once a month on a Sunday evening they organised a Youth Fellowship in their home and provided a sumptuous supper for them.

Even when they were home in England on holidays, Mrs. Webb would arrange for her maid to cook lunch for the students from ACS who had to stay back in school for extra curricular activities.

In 1983, when we were stationed in Hong Kong, Jim and Marjorie came to spend their holidays with us. I had had an accident and my left arm was in cast plaster. Jim became my driver for a week. How timely! Every morning he drove Marjorie and us to Headquarters then they would take the train from there and tour Hong Kong returning in the evening to take us home to our quarters in the New Territories!

I have never met anyone more caring than the Jim and Marjorie Webb. We give thanks to God for such lovely Christians who certainly reflected the beauty of Christ. We give thanks to God for two lovely saints whom God had placed among us for all those years. In retirement they made their home first in Auckland New Zealand then in Melbourne where they continued their ministry of touching lives.

In retirement when The Salvation Army in Singapore was without a Finance Director, Jim spent considerable time here looking after the department.

Marjorie used to send all her friends and their families birthday and wedding anniversary cards. We, our children and grandchildren have been the recipients of her generosity and thoughtfulness.

Marjorie Webb has now gone to join Jim in the heavenly Home. We look forward to the day when we shall meet them again in the Heavenly City our Lord has prepared for His children.