Our history
The Salvation Army has been part of Hurstville’s heartbeat for over a century. From our earliest gatherings in borrowed halls to the building of our own Citadel, we’ve been shaped by people who wanted to worship, serve, and bring hope to their neighbours.
Today, that same spirit continues as we carry forward a story of faith and community.
The Salvation Army begins in Hurstville
Outreach programs were conducted in the Hurstville area by Rockdale Corps from about 1889. The official year of commencement of The Salvation Army in Hurstville was in the month of April 1899. The first appointed officer was Captain Alfred Hodges.
In Hurstville, early meetings were marked by:
- Prayer
- Music
- A heart for the neighbourhood
People of all ages found a place to belong. The church became known for both its worship and its practical care.
The Corps flourished in number of soldiers and even secured a hall to host services in the following years. However, it ran into some difficulties during 1906. With that, the Officers from Hurstville moved back to work from Rockdale.
Finally, on 8 January 1914, The Salvation Army Hurstville reopened. That was after a decision to hire the Carrington Hall (also known as the Carrington Rooms), which was situated above the local undertakers in Carrington Avenue.
Hurstville Citadel: A home for worship and community
As the congregation grew, a dedicated home — the Citadel — became a landmark for worship, mission, and community life. It hosted Sunday services, weeknight programs, celebrations, and countless everyday moments of welcome.
The land was purchased in 1918. The red brick building (our first building) was opened on 26 July 1919 by the National Commander, Commissioner and Mrs James Hay in the presence of a large gathering.
The building went through several renovations to accommodate our growing community:
- The first renovations happened in 1937
- December 1953 saw the completion of the Ladies' Retiring Room
- A new building scheme was launched on 27 April 1957
- The building was opened by Commissioner Frederick Coutts, on 2 December 1961
- A further remodelling of the entire complex was opened by Commissioner Leslie Pindred on 28 February 1976
- In recent years, a 'demountable' building was placed in the area formerly occupied by the Corps' bus parking area, to the rear of the Citadel, for expansion of the Hurstville Corps' Chinese-speaking Congregation
Music ministry and community outreach
Music has always been part of our heartbeat.
- The band shared the Gospel in streets and services, lifting spirits with brass harmonies
- The songsters offered choral worship that encouraged faith and community.
- The timbrels brought joyful rhythm to festivals and meetings.
- Home League (women’s ministries) fostered friendship, faith, and service through weekly gatherings
Together these ministries, together with many others, helped generations learn, serve, and grow.
Past and present leaders of Hurstville Salvos
Across the years, many officers and leaders have guided Hurstville with prayerful care and steady hands.
1899-1900
16.7.1899 – Captain Alfred Hodges and Lieutenant Sam Mitchell
18.1.1900 – Captain Edmond Lawrence and Cadet-Lieutenant William Gouge
2.8.1900 – Captain William Nicholls and Lieutenant William E. Selwood
22.11.1900 – Captain Annie Robertson and Lieutenant Edith Davis
1901-1902
15.3.1901 – Ensign Mary Robertson (replaced Lieut. Davis)
5.4.1901 – Lieutenant Emily Jenner (to assist Captain and Ensign Robertson)
18.7.1901 – Lieutenant Bella Jaffray and Ensign Maggie Jaffray
16.1.1902 – Captain Charles Mueller and Lieutenant James Salisbury
2.8.1902 – Captain Florence Brien and Lieutenant Jemima Davies
17.11.1902 – Adjutant William Farquharson
1903-1905
8.1.1903 – Captain Arthur Antsice and Lieutenant Arthur Gridley
19.11.1903 – Lieutenant Florence McGregor (Candy) and Captain Hanna E. Buff
30.3.1904 – Captain Alf Herring
19.1.1905 – Captain Robert Shipway and Lieutenant Lewis Rawlins
30.11.1905 – Captain Minnie Curd
1906-1914
21.6.1906 – Captain Albert Stoodley
20.12.1906 – Officers withdrawn — worked from Rockdale Corps
8.1.1914 – Re-opened: Adjutant and Mrs Harry Sharp
8.2.1914 – Adjutant and Mrs James Perrem
1915-1917
21.4.1915 – Ensign Arthur Annetts
13.1.1916 – Captain Ernest Petty
18.5.1916 – Captain Zara Dare
4.1.1917 – Ensign Mrs Inglis and Lieutenant Florence Trennewick
25.4.1917 – Ensign Thomas McConnell
1918-1920
10.1.1918 – Captain Fanny Forest and Lieutenant Jean McFarlane
20.7.1918 – Adjutant William Drury
23.1.1919 – Captain Florence Trennewick
8.1.1920 – Captain Charles and Mrs Grace Terracini
1922-1930
12.1.1922 – Adjutant and Mrs C. Hayman
11.1.1923 – Commandant and Mrs J. Beavis
14.1.1926 – Commandant and Mrs Samuel Lewis
12.1.1928 – Field Major and Mrs William Butt
9.1.1930 – Ensign Ethel Maxwell and Captain Weston
1931-1936
15.1.1931 – Adjutant and Mrs John Runcorn
14.1.1932 – Commandant and Mrs Walter Ward
11.1.1934 – Major and Mrs Alfred Whitaker
17.1.1935 – Major and Mrs Stephen Howarth
16.1.1936 – Captain and Mrs Stanley Kingston
1937-1942
14.1.1937 – Major and Mrs Walter Le Page
20.1.1938 – Major and Mrs Martin Olsen
25.5.1939 – Major and Mrs Edward Baker
16.1.1941 – Adjutant Alfred and Mrs Olive Packer
28.5.1942 – Adjutant and Mrs James Kinder
1943-1955
14.1.1943 – Major Samuel and Mrs Catherine “Kitty” Smartt
10.1.1946 – Major George and Mrs Elsie Everitt
19.1.1950 – Major and Mrs John Nicholson
14.1.1952 – Senior Captain Francis and Mrs Muriel Jennings
20.1.1955 – Senior Captain Charles and Mrs Dora Cross
1958-1971
9.1.1958 – Senior Captain Ronald and Mrs Elsie McLachlan
10.1.1963 – Brigadier Ernest and Mrs Mary Allan
14.1.1965 – Major Thomas and Mrs Ann Evans
12.1.1967 – Major Arthur and Mrs Mary Walz
15.1.1970 – Brigadier John and Mrs Elsie McCabe
14.1.1971 – Brigadier Cliff
