Mission Statement
The South Barwon Community Church Band exists to extend the Kingdom of God and to encourage Christians in their faith through music and fellowship, it presents itself as a group of musicians wholly committed to the service of God through music.
South Barwon Community Church Salvation Army Band History
The history of the band commences shortly after the formation of the then Geelong West Corps back in 1923. The first officer, a Lieutenant Sharp, was the first bandmaster and it was he who formed a small group of men to be Christian bandsmen. Over the next 10 years following Lieut. Sharp leadership the band continued a slow growth and functioned under the responsibility of Bandmaster Envoy Deller and then Captain Vic. Knight.
In 1925 Vic Barker was commissioned as Bandmaster, and held that position for 10 years. Wilfred Trigg held the position for a short period, he later lost his life while on active service with the 2/22 A.I.F. band under Bandmaster Arthur Gullidge.
Bandmaster Jack Barker took the baton for some 21 years and when he retired in 1956 the position of Bandmaster was given to Deputy Bandmaster John Mawson Senior., who held the position for 12 years until 1967 when Deputy Bandmaster Fred Schmidtke was commissioned as Bandmaster for a period of nine years. In 1975 John Mawson Senior was again commissioned as Bandmaster and held that commission for another 7 years. (Total of 18 years)
Since 1981 the band was under the leadership of a number of bandmasters – Doug Roberts-2 years, Fred Schmidtke- 8 years (2nd Term - total of 17 years) Captain Colin Berris – 1 year, Richard Wright – 4 Years, Desmond Holman – 2 year, John G Mawson - 8 Years.
The present Bandmaster Warren Hutchinson past 1 year.
Over the years the band has been able to be used by God in many different ways, from the early days open airs, Christmas carolling ministry to the community. Evangelistic missions to the Cities of Portland, Benalla, Hamilton, Kyabram, Bairnsdale and Adelaide.
The Band appeared on regional television in 1966. In a rapidly changing world of Christian music styles the band present a broad range of music from traditional to modern contemporary swing arrangements. The South Barwon Band will continue to provide support to the corps and its ministry to the community bringing the listener close to the heart of God.
Band Practice night is Thursday, commencing at 7:30pm. and is open to all who may be interested in Christian music. You may contact the Bandmaster - Warren - through the church.
