Townsville History
The Salvation Army made its first appearance in the streets of Townsville on 29 November 1890. Since then it has remained a vibrant presence in the north Queensland city.
Early beginnings - 'giving it' to the Devil in Townsville
The Salvation Army made its first appearance in the streets of Townsville on 29 November 1890. A report in The Salvation Army’s War Cry newspaper notes that The devil is getting it here right and left, and: Alread...
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Our home in Townsville
Salvation Army meetings in Townsville began in the Norman Hall on the corner of Sturt and Stokes Street. A quarter-acre of land was purchased in Sturt Street in 1903 and a public appeal raised the money to build The Salv...
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Townsville greats - Fighting Mac
The Salvation Army's Commissioner William McKenzie, OBE, known as “Fighting Mac” for his heroic service to ANZACs during the first world war, was stationed at Townsville from 1894 to 1895.
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Townsville Greats - Jock Geddes
Major Charles (Jock) Geddes, the Townsville Corps Officer from 1949-1950, went on to become a military chaplain during the Second World War.
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Townsville Greats - Shirli Congoo
Present-day heroes include Shirli Congoo, The Salvation Army's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministry Coordinator.
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In times of need
It’s often said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence” – of being there in times of need. When a cyclone tore through Townsville in 1903 it ripped the roof off the Salvati...
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An Army for the People
Over the years a number of ministries have been developed to assist Townsville individuals and families to find freedom. As early as 1898, The Salvation Army had a rescue home for distressed families in Townsville.
In 19...
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Side-by-side with our soldiers
During World War Two, a number of Townsville Salvationists served with the Armed Forces. During this time, the remaining members of the corps band used to march the military receipts to the railway station to be f...
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Always about people finding freedom
From the early days when The Salvation Army band used to march down the main street of Townsville, to today, when the Salvos can be found offering a cuppa to our Aussie troops at the RSDS base, helping people in a...
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