Bathurst History
The Salvation Army blazed its way into Bathurst in 1884 with a Saturday night open-air meeting featuring converted prize-fighter Bobby Todd. The Salvos’ fervour to see lives changed and people find freedom hasn’t ceased in more than 130 years in Bathurst, with a vibrant ministry still active today.
What's in a name?
In the early days of The Salvation Army in Bathurst, local Salvos called themselves the "Bathurst Bombardiers".
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Early days
The Salvation Army blazed its way into Bathurst in 1884 with a Saturday night open-air meeting.
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Our home in Bathurst
1886 saw the first stone laid in Russell Street where the Army was to establish itself for the next 100 years.
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Supporting Bathurst's Battlers - prison gate ministry
When Bathurst Goal opened in 1888, the local Salvation Army quickly moved to help released prisoners stay on track by setting up a Prison Gate ministry.
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Supporting Bathurst's Battlers - rural ministry
Struggling and isolated farmers were also of concern to The Salvation Army. Bathurst Salvos would travel on horseback to visit and support families on surrounding properties.
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Supporting Bathurst's Battlers - women in need
The Salvation Army also offered assistance to homeless and pregnant women through the Ebenezer Maternity and Rescue Home in Bathurst.
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People finding freedom
From those early days to now, one things has remained the same: The Salvation Army is about people finding freedom.
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