The Salvation Army in AustraliaPrint Page

The stone marks the site where the Salvation Army commenced in Australia in September 1880.

The following account has been sent us for publication by one of the workers:—The Salvation Army commenced their labors in Adelaide on Sunday last, at 3.30p.m. We conducted our first service in the Botanic Gardens. Having asked God's blessing on the work, one of the brethren spoke on the great work of the Salvation Army in England and other places, stating that in less than three years no less than 8,000 souls had been saved through its instrumentality, that he (the speaker) was one of them. Another brother then spoke on the necessity of salvation. He was followed by another brother who spoke of Christ calling Zaccheus, after which two brothers sang " Will you meet me at the fountain ?" In the evening, at 7 p.m., we conducted a service in the Labor League Hall, Hindley-street.

We sang the people up to the hall from Light-square. In a few minutes the hall was full and many were standing. A hymn having been sung, two brethren engaged in prayer, and then we commenced to fire at the people one after another until the power of Christ was felt. Shots fell in all parts; many were wounded. The Salvation Army means work —workers are wanted. Men and women of God, anxious to devote themselves to the work of saving souls, who can talk to a crowd of people out of doors or in, so as to wound sinners' hearts; who are ready to speak, pray, visit, sit still, travel a hundred miles, or die at any moment, "Come and join the army, the army of the Lord; And stand like the brave with your face to the foe." Next Sunday afternoon, Botanic Gardens, at 3.30; evening, Labor League Hall, 7 o'clock.
Christian Colonist (SA ), 10 September 1880.

Celebrations of the coming of the Salvation Army to Adelaide 58 years ago will be held in the Congress Hall, Pirie Street tonight and on Monday. They will be conducted by Colonel P. H. Saunders, chief secretary of the Army`s southern territory in Australia, whose father, with Mr. Gore, a builder, conducted in 1880 the first meetings held in Adelaide. Tonight Colonel Saunders will speak on "Links With the Past" and children from the Kent Town and Fullarton Homes will sing. Tomorrow there will be meetings at 11 am. and 7 pm.  At 3 pm. the Congress Hall Band will assemble in the Botanic Park under the tree where the first meeting was held, and Colonel Saunders will speak. At 11 am. and 2.30 pm. on Monday meetings will be held in Way Hall. They will be addressed by Colonel and Mrs. Saunders, after which the band will march to the Congress Hall for tea. A meeting will follow, at which there will be music and an address by Major Dent.  Adjutant W. D. Forbes is now commanding officer of the Congress Hall Corps.
Advertiser (Adelaide), 11 June 1938.

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