The Songsters choir
The Songsters: Early beginnings (1930s–1940s)
The Hurstville Citadel Songster Brigade (choir) has been an integral part of worship for generations.
The Brigade was formally inaugurated in August 1939, just before the outbreak of WWII, under Sister Violet Morgan, with 14 female members. Earlier in the 1930s, Hurstville had a smaller singing group, but this was the first formally installed choir.
During the 1940s, the Songsters took part in Radio Sunday School broadcasts and local programs, bringing music and encouragement to many who were unable to leave their homes.
Growing recognition (1949–1954)
The tenth anniversary in 1949 was celebrated with a Festival of Music alongside Sydney Congress Hall Band. The program included instrumental solos, dramatic recitations, and a moving benediction conducted by Sister Morgan.
In 1950, the group travelled to Goulburn, visiting hospitals and Salvation Army hostels and performing concerts. In 1952, they visited Maitland, presenting The Hem of His Garment tableau, and in 1954, they broadcast live on Radio 2CH’s Sunshine Hour.
Men join the Brigade (1954–1960)
At the 15th annual festival in 1954, men sang with the Songsters for the first time. By April 1958, male voices were permanently admitted, strengthening the choir’s sound.
The 20th anniversary was celebrated with a tour to Lismore in 1959, with nine engagements across one weekend, including hospital and retirement home visits. By the 1960s, the Songsters were appearing on television and touring regularly around NSW.
National broadcast and expansion (1970s–1980s)
In 1974, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Community Hymn Singing was broadcast nationwide from Hurstville Citadel. Under Songster Leader Merle Wemyss, the Songsters received letters of thanks from across Australia.
In 1985, under Dr Ron Smart, the Songsters embarked on their first overseas mission — a history-making tour of the USA. With stopovers in New Zealand and Hawaii, highlights included singing at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City (the first Salvation Army group to do so since 1919), performing at Seattle’s King Dome, and witnessing at Disneyland.
The tour was more than travel — it was mission, bringing Gospel music to thousands.
Tours and ministry across Australia (1988–1990s)
In 1988, the Songsters toured Victoria and the ACT, and in 1990 and 1993, they travelled to Queensland for concerts and ministry. In 1995, Port Macquarie Corps praised their ministry as “touching souls through the Holy Spirit.”
During Easter 1997, the Songsters performed The Door, a musical drama of the Resurrection, in Hobart, Tasmania.
New Zealand tour (2001)
In 2001, under Songster Leader Gaylene Millar, the Songsters toured New Zealand’s North Island, visiting Wellington, Palmerston North, Napier, Hamilton and Taupo. Their packed itinerary included both large city venues and smaller community centres.
Anniversaries and celebrations (2009–2014)
The Songsters celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2009 with workshops, a Faith concert, and a multimedia presentation of their history.
In 2011, nearly 40 Songsters travelled to Singapore and Malaysia for Easter, sharing music across Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Melaka and Singapore.
Their 75th anniversary in 2014 included four song brackets during worship, a combined platform of 56 current and former Songsters, and a special cake featuring an edible photograph of the first 1939 brigade.
Today
Now under the leadership of Songster Leader Julie Townsend, the Hurstville Citadel Songsters continue their mission: proclaiming the Word of God through music. From radio to television, from hospitals to overseas tours, their ministry of song has blessed countless lives.
