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Soldiers of the Cross

Soldiers of the Cross

The Salvation Army's pioneering multimedia work Soldiers of the Cross premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900.

Referred to by the organisation as a 'lecture’, and once thought to be the world's first feature film, it combined 13 short films, over 200 glass slides, hymns, music and the oration of Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, who was the son of Salvation Army founder General William Booth. The production was realised by Major Joseph Henry Perry, an enthusiastic supporter of the new film medium and head of the Salvation Army’s Limelight Department. 

Soldiers of the Cross ran for two hours and related the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. Herbert Booth did not intend the production to be used for fundraising or entertainment, and discouraged applause. He toured the lecture around Australia and New Zealand and later to the USA, Europe, South Africa and Canada. The final presentation was given at Melbourne Town Hall on 22 November 1920.

No motion picture film from Soldiers of the Cross is known to have survived, nor any text copies of the lecture’s narration. The National Library of Australia acquired glass slides of the production in 1953 and these are now held by the NFSA. 

Glass slide  reading Soldiers of the Cross Composed and Designed by Herbert Booth
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Soldiers of the Cross - Title slide
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
452764
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 236 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Image of Herbert Booth
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00039659-8.jpg
Herbert Booth
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
442596
Year:
Year

Soldiers of the Cross was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth.

Booth worked with the Salvation Army’s Limelight Department, to develop Soldiers of the Cross with the aim to '...incite Salvationists and all Christians to a holy life and fearless service…’. Booth did not intend the production to be used for fundraising or entertainment – in fact applause was discouraged.

Image of Ancient Jerusalem
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00036473-19.jpg
Jerusalem (Ancient)
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448813
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 028 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Figures in the temple
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Eleven figures in the temple dressed in robes
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
449308
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 056 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ in the temple
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Christ in the Temple
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448822
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 033 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

360 viewer
Twelve figures in temple dressed in robes
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
449320
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 060 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ standing next to Pilate with onlookers
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Christ before Pilate
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448486
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 008 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00036505-17.jpg
Christ denied by Peter
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448825
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 034 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ wearing the crown of thorns
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The Man of Sorrows
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448784
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 014 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00036482-32.jpg
Christ in red cape kneeling
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448820
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 032 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Two Roman soldiers escorting a man past a small crowd of onlookers
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00032971-27.jpg
Two Roman soldiers escorting a man past a small crowd of onlookers
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
449338
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 068 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Woman in red with blue cape kneeling before Christ
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00034689-35.jpg
Woman in red with blue cape kneeling before Christ
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448788
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 017 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

360 viewer
Christ Weeping Near Jerusalem Eastlake
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448793
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 019 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ surrounded by disciples at The Last Supper
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00034700-12.jpg
The Last Supper
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448794
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 020 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ in the forest with others
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00036509-18.jpg
Behold he is at hand that betrayeth Me
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448828
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 036 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00034557-2.jpg
Jerusalem (Ancient) from the Mt. of Olives
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448452
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 004 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ seated surrounded by others
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00037273-20.jpg
Christ scourged at the Pillar
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448837
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 041 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ with the cross on his shoulder
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Christ bearing the cross
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448416
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 002 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ being nailed to the Cross
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Nailing to the Cross
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448454
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 005 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ on the Cross with two others beside him
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00036442-13.jpg
Crucifixion
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448798
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 021 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ and others hang on crosses under a darkening sky
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00036444-14.jpg
The Darkness on Calvary
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448799
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 022 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ laying dead on the ground surrounded by mourners
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The Dead Christ
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448787
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 016 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film.

An angel sits at the door of the crypt with two figures descending stairs behind
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00036467-29.jpg
Angel at the door of the crypt
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448808
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 025 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00034561-6.jpg
Ascension of Christ
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448467
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 006 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ holding a lantern and knocking on a door
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00034652-10.jpg
The Light of the World
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448783
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 013 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ with lambs at his feet
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00036513-15.jpg
The Shepherd of the Fold
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
448830
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 038 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

A figure laying on the ground with onlookers off to the side
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00032878-33.jpg
St Stephens
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
449302
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 054 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Martyr being beaten by a crowd
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00032916-24.jpg
Beating of a Martyr
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
449323
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 061 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00032973-23.jpg
Five Roman soldiers and other man in Roman dress struck by a ray of light
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
449351
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 072 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Martyr being stoned by crowd
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00032977-25.jpg
Martyr being stoned
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
450543
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 084 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Martyr being stoned
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00032919-26.jpg
Stoning of a martyr showing group continuing to cast stones
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
449327
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 063 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Martyr lying dead with group walking off in the distance
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00032963-30.jpg
Martyr lying dead with group walking off in the distance
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
449329
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 064 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

A figure dead on the ground under a full moon with man standing above
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00032967-34.jpg
Martyr lying dead under a full moon at night
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
449332
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 066 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Roman guards leave the Colosseum as a man leads the Christians in prayer
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00009338-28.jpg
Roman guards leave the Colosseum as a man leads the Christians in prayer
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
452617
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 204 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Martyr on the ground with Christ above him
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00032981-31.jpg
Martyr has a vision of Christ as he lies dying
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
452771
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 238 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film. 

Christ descending from the sky with angels surrounding
https://nginx-develop-nfsa2.govcms7.amazee.io/sites/default/files/05-2017/00013366-36.jpg
Christ descends in Glory
NFSA-ID:
NFSA ID
451373
Year:
Year

This is glass slide No. 162 from Soldiers of the Cross.

Soldiers of the Cross was an illustrated lecture, combining photographic glass slides with short film segments and musical accompaniment, to relate the stories of Christ and the early Christian martyrs. 

It was conceived and developed in 1899-1900 by Commandant Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth. It premiered at the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September 1900 and eventually toured Australia and overseas before the final performance in Melbourne on 22 November 1920.

These glass slides are all that remain of the production, with no moving image or text copies of the narration known to survive. Combining narration, film footage, illustrations and music, Soldiers of the Cross was a forerunner to Australia’s first feature film.