From the recording REFUGE
This song tells the story of the person responsible for welcoming people as they attended the Salvation Army Corps (Church). Cyril Kingston wrote the song about his father who was the Welcome Sergeant at Leytonstone Corps in East London. It was published at a time when all Salvation Army Corps had a ‘free and easy’ meeting on Sunday afternoons. The band would play, the songsters sing and there would be plenty of ‘Edwardian’ style entertainment.
In the second verse, the Sergeant tells how sometimes he notices people passing the door with ‘heavy burdens carrying’ and it was in East Grinstead when my Great Grandmother was passing the local Salvation Army with her young children in tow, that the Welcome Sergeant put out his hand and invited her into the meeting. As a result, she became a part of the fellowship and later on, she and five of her six children became key leaders within The Salvation Army.
Lyrics
I've served the master steadily for forty years or more.
His call I heard, and readily I joined the Army Corps.
Oh, many changes have I seen in all the years that are between;
But from the first my task has been a-keeping of the door.
CHORUS
I'm the Sergeant on the door of the dear old Army Corps,
The Sergeant on the door with a cheery word for all;
In silken robe or rags and tatters, My handshake every barrier shatters,
For the soul inside is all that matters to the sergeant.
Some folk I've noticed tarrying outside against the gate;
Some, heavy burdens carrying, I've seen them hesitate;
I quickly stretch a welcome hand, say come right in, and hear the band;
Ah yes, my friends, the work is grand, a-keeping of the door.
While souls around are perishing, our doors must open wide;
Each happy moment cherishing, I'll welcome all inside.
But soon my days must end below, then up to glory I shall go
A place for me they'll have, I know, a-keeping of the door.