THE SALVATION ARMY COMMEMORATES 140 YEARS OF SERVICE FOR THE PEOPLE OF MARYBOROUGH QLD

The Salvation Army

20 August 2025

THE SALVATION ARMY COMMEMORATES 140 YEARS OF SERVICE FOR THE PEOPLE OF MARYBOROUGH QLD

The Salvation Army invites the people of Maryborough to join in commemorating 140 years of unwavering service, faith, and dedication.

There is a stirring legacy of The Salvation Army in Maryborough — a story of resilience, compassion, and community spirit that has shaped generations.

This significant milestone will be marked with a special gathering on Saturday, 23rd August 2025, at 100 Bazaar Street, Maryborough QLD, from 5PM to 6PM.

Join us for a vibrant evening of entertainment and inspiration, featuring performances by The Salvation Army Maryborough Timbrel Band, St Mary’s High School, and the Maryborough Brass Band.

The night will also include engaging speakers who are sure to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

“For 140 years, The Salvation Army has stood with the people of Maryborough—offering practical help, emotional support, and a place to belong. We’re here in the heart of the community, walking alongside those doing it tough and reminding them that hope is never out of reach. That’s what being part of this town means to us.” — Deanne Stewart, Ministry leader, The Salvation Army Maryborough.

160 years of Service worldwide

In 2025 The Salvation Army is preparing to celebrate its 160th anniversary.  On 2 July 1865, evangelist William Booth preached to a crowd of people in a large tent in the East End of London, England.  This moment is considered the birth of The Salvation Army, which today is a global movement that shares the love of God in 134 countries around the world.

The worldwide movement has more than 14,000 churches and worshipping communities, with 1.8 million church members, known as Salvationists, and 100,000 employees.

ENDS

Some history of Maryborough Salvation Army

The beginnings in 1885 at Maryborough

The Salvation Army had its birth in Maryborough Queensland on 26th September 1885. Three officers namely Staff Officer R. Edwards, Captain David Buckingham and Cadet Allen, arrived on the steam ship “Derwent” on the afternoon of the date. Soon after their arrival, they were parading down the main street, one with a cornet, and the other two singing.

By the fifteenth of October, the Maryborough Chronicle reported that "the Army has introduced lighted torches for their nocturnal processions." The larrikin element settled down somewhat, some even joining in the march.  During the first nine weeks, three hundred converts were won, and meetings were held every night, and four times on Sundays.

Some early resistance

Every story, real or imagined, has its villain — the name John Dumphy comes into ours. Mr Dumphy was regarded as one of the local ruffians and was responsible for assaulting Captain Buckingham.  David Buckingham was over six feet tall and could have defended himself in this manner. However, it was only a month later, that a summons on behalf of the mayor (Alderman Tooth), was issued to Captain Buckingham for a breach of the by-laws, i.e. “beating of the drum on Sunday”!

First Salvation Army Hall in Qld

Captain Jackman took over the reins from Captain Buckingham in early 1886, and. by the end of the month a meeting was called to discuss the buying land, and erecting "barracks.  An allotment of land in Bazaar Street was purchased for 250 pounds.

Thereby, a start was made, to make the Salvos stay permanent. Four months later tenders were called to build, and the successful tenderer was a Mr J. Taylor, and so Maryborough was first town in Queensland to build a hall for The Salvation Army.  The description of the building was to be of hardwood, length of the interior 86 feet, width 40 feet, height from floor to ceiling 24 feet. Walls and ceiling lined with pine, and hanging from the latter, three gas reflectors for lighting.

More information from Rendle Williams, External Communications Manager, Queensland on 0425 242 789 or at [email protected]