Sydney city History
The Salvation Army’s first foray into Sydney was in Paddy’s Markets in 1882. The ministry took off, with churches and social centres springing up across the city, many of which remain today.
The early days
The Salvation Army received a hostile reception in Sydney, but its strategy to take the church to the people were soon paid off.
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Our home in Sydney City
The first Salvation Army meetings were held in the Protestant Hall on Castlereagh Street. Pictured right is a sketch of the first Sydney barracks in 1884, in Goulburn Street. This was replaced in 1912 with a new building...
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Making Music
The Salvation Army’s Sydney Congress Hall has as rich history of musical excellence with various bands, songster groups and timbrel brigades operating since its inception in the late 1800s. The Band has toured ext...
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Sydney Greats - John Irwin
Bestowing sainthood has never been part of the tradition of The Salvation Army but in the eyes of the public Brigadier John Irwin came close to it.
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Sydney Greats - Charles Mathers Geddes (Jock) OF
Another great Sydney Salvation Army officer, a military chaplain and Red Shield War Services representative for the Australia Defence Force during World War Two, is Brigadier Charles Mathers Geddes (Jock) OF.
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Sydney Greats - Robin Dunster
Sydney Girls’ High School graduate, Commissioner Robin Dunster served as The Salvation Army's first and only ever female Chief of the Staff (international second-in-command) from 2006 to 2010,...
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Sydney Greats - Alan Staines OAM
Sydney Congress Hall Envoy Alan Staines, OAM, OF played a key role in establishing the Salvo Care Line (1983), Suicide Prevention Australia (1991), the Salvation Army OASIS Youth Care Centre in Surry Hills (1992), The Sa...
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In times of need - emergency accommodation
During 1923 The Salvation Army opened Foster House in Sydney’s Surry Hills to provide accommodation for homeless men. Originally located in Foster Street, Foster House was a five-storey building with dormitory sty...
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In times of need - William Booth House
The Salvation Army began recovery services work in Australia as early as 1900, when a rehabilitation farm was established in Collaroy on Sydney’s northern beaches.
The Salvation Army’s Bridge Program for re...
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