Our history

The Shire of Hornsby, on Sydney’s north-western fringe, remained semi-rural well into the 1940s. Once a predominantly working-class area, its expansion began in the 1890s following the establishment of the railway junction at Hornsby. During this time, a Salvation Army outpost — originally part of Ryde Corps — was already active in the area. Hornsby’s official status as a corps began in 1921, marking the start of a long and unbroken period of service.

The work of the Army in this region, typical of other centres of service, has been marked by its outreach to the community, its work with young people, the service given by single women officers and particularly by the Hornsby Corps' longevity. As Hornsby has grown over the decades, so too has the Army’s faithful presence — serving both within and beyond the corps.

Captain Mary Anne Smith was appointed to Ryde in January 1894, and set to work straight away, taking in all the district with the War Cry, selling and visiting and driving out with the Lieutenant to the outpost Hornsby. Records are not available to tell if the Hornsby outpost was established prior to 1894, but it is more than likely that the outreach dates from the late 1880s as Hornsby began its expansion in 1886 and Ryde Corps, opened in September 1887, was served by a succession of officers from that time.

In the “Boomers Gallery” of the War Cry for 23 June 1900, we find reference to Sister Annie Deagon of Hornsby (Ryde Outpost), a lassie who sold the War Cry in hotels throughout her life of service in the Army. Over 50 years later in 1959, another “boomer” was reaching out to the hotel clientele in Pennant Hills, part of Hornsby Shire. Captain Jean Reid was a young single officer at Thornleigh, down the road from Pennant Hills. Friday night would see Captain Jean at the hotel, handing out the War Cryand taking up a collection from those willing to donate.

A house is built

On 20 August 1921, a modest building at the corner of Hunter and Burdett Streets was opened by Commissioner James Hay. This gave The Salvation Army an official base after three decades of visible presence. Captain Fred Eldridge and Mrs Eldridge led the new corps, with Mrs Eldridge launching the Home League just a week later. She fondly recalled the women’s generous spirit and hard work, especially their fundraising efforts through community fairs. The Eldridges concluded their service in January 1923.

A new Citadel was dedicated on the same site on 27 November 1965, followed by the opening of another new building at 29–31 Burdett Street in March 1989.

A role model for women

The Hornsby Corps and its branch at Thornleigh have been served by many dedicated women, as well as by its male officers. Captain Jean Venables was the single officer in charge at Hornsby from January 1962 until June 1964 and her assistant was Lieutenant Jessie Rablin.

“I thank God for the fact that The Salvation Army opened up the way for female ministry, not only for married women as assistants to their husbands, but also to single women whereby they can spend a lifetime in officership,” said Major Jean Venables in 1978.

Started in the years of the Second World War, Thornleigh Corps was to be served by 16 single women officers before being closed in the early 1980s. Captain Jessie Stewart, assisted by Lieutenant Jessie Rablin, served at Thornleigh from January 1955 to June 1956.

Today and tomorrow

Unto the least of these my children (Matt. 25:40)

Now days, the Community Service Centre on Burdett Street offers vital support: material aid, referrals for rehabilitation and family counselling and emergency relief in times of crisis. The adjoining Family Store provides affordable clothing and household goods.

Since the 1890s, Hornsby has continued to grow — and The Salvation Army has remained a faithful witness for Christ, serving both within the corps and out in the broader community.