I have just come across the attached image [click to view]amongst my computer archives. It looks like the same mystery religious van that is on the new website, although it has different wording on it. It throws a little more light on to the subject.

This photo from Dennis is brilliant and I can now make out on the one I have put on the mystery photo that it also says THE CHURCH ARMY behind all the people. Interestingly the person that did the first services at St David's Mission Church in Forest Town (prior to St Alban's) was a member of the Church Army.

I'm not sure if this is relevant, but my great great uncle was a "primitive Methodist " and he used to attend open air services in Mansfield Market place apparently. Maybe this was one of those open air services?

I've just found this information about the church army "In October 1899, the Wakefield Number 2 Diocesan Church Army Van was dedicated by the Bishop of Wakefield in the churchyard of Halifax Parish Church. It was to serve the Charlestown Parish. It was one of 65 similar vans in operation around the country" http://www.churcharmy.org.uk/pub/aboutus/125/125photos.aspx There are some more pics of a church army van too.

Yes, this is one of the 65 Church Army mobile missions. The gentleman with the peaked cap is dressed in the uniform of the Church Army. The words 'God is Love' gives the name of this particular van. Others include 'Emmanuel' (sic.) & 'Praise the Lord'. The photograph shows the van shortly after it was commisioned. It was repainted around 1912 and the style of lettering changed as can be seen on the Church Army history website.