Mackay History
The Salvation Army “opened fire” in Mackay on 20 June 1888. It’s been providing spiritual, emotional and practical support to the local community ever since.
Early beginnings
The Salvation Army “opened fire” in Mackay on 20 June 1888. Its first officer was Captain John Bannerman. Two of its earliest officers were Eva Trenwith and Daisy W. Coughlan (pictured right) who served at...
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Our home in Mackay
The Salvation Army’s first hall in Mackay was erected in 1888. It received major refurbishments in the 1930s and was re-opened in 1939 by Commissioner William Dalziel (pictured right.) Today, The Salvation Army op...
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Mackay Greats - Charles (Jock) Geddes
In 1930 Captain Charles (Jock) Geddes served as Mackay's Salvation Army officer. He went on to become a military chaplain in World War Two.
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Mackay Greats - Keith Baker
Captain Keith Baker served as Mackay's Salvation Army officer for a period of a year. He later began The Salvo's work in Papua New Guinea.
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Mackay Greats - Robert Bath & James Condon
1st Lieutenant Robert Bath served in Mackay in 1951 and was later made the leader of The Salvation Army over the whole of Eastern Australia. Another Mackay Salvation Army officer, Captain James Condon (pictured righ...
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Always about people finding freedom - Sarah-Jane
Sarah-Jane, (pictured right) a single mum, and her daughter also went to Mainly Music at the Salvos at Mackay Corps in Queensland, and now they call the church home.
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Always about people finding freedom - Amanda
Amanda (pictured right) found freedom from loneliness and anxiety when she started attending Mainly Music at Mackay Corps. She and her family had just moved to Mackay and they knew no one. Her husband started a new jo...
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Always about people finding freedom - Marcelle Goode
From its early days when The Salvation Army band (pictured right) used to march down the main street of Mackay and perform open-air meetings, to today when Salvos can be found providing welfare assistance or running chil...
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In times of need
It’s been said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence” – of being there in times of need. The Salvation Army in Mackay has long had an Emergency Services ministry, providing food,...
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