You are here: HomeArchiveOur StoryOur History OldLocal HistoryCENQ › Bundaberg

Bundaberg History

The Salvation Army started in Bundaberg in 1886 with three men standing under a gas lamp post, proclaiming God’s glory. Today, the Salvos are still a vibrant presence in the city.

Our home in Bundaberg

Humble beginnings

The Salvation Army started in Bundaberg with three men standing under a gas lamp post. In early September 1886, Major Wright arrived in Bundaberg by steamer, followed by Captain Bob Spiers and Lieutenant Sam Johns to com...

Read full story

Early opposition

In the early days, The Salvation Army’s loud brass-band marches and open-air meetings didn’t always impress. “Skeleton Armies” – groups of people (often local larrikins) intent on causi...
Read full story

Bundaberg's best - Fighting Mac McKenzie

Bundaberg boy, Fighting Mac McKenzie was the first Salvation Army officer to be appointed as chaplain to accompany ANZAC troops in World War I.
Read full story

Bundaberg's best - Adjutant Ashley Lamb

An officer out of Bundaberg Corps in 1888, Adjutant Ashley Lamb was in charge of The Salvation Army's 'Missionary Tea League'.
Read full story

Bundaberg's best - Lyn Harley

Lyn Harley is a Bundaberg Salvationist who visits 17 hotels and clubs every week, visits nursing homes and drives people to and from hospital. Talk about an active retirement!
Read full story

In times of need

When floods devastated Bundaberg in 2013, the Salvos sprang into action, feeding, clothing and housing those affected and working tirelessly to rebuild homes and lives.
Read full story

Our home in Bundaberg

The Salvation Army has occupied several sites in Bundaberg: Tantitha Street in 1887, Woondooma Street in 1922 and finally our current McCarthy Street site. In May this year, The Salvation Army opened a new worship and co...
Read full story

  • The Facebook logo
  • The X logo
  • The Youtube logo
  • The Instagram logo
  • The LinkedIn logo

The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders past, present and future.

We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.

Five Diversity and Inclusion logos

The Salvation Army is an international movement. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name with love and without discrimination.

salvationarmy.org.au

13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

Gifts of $2 or more to the social work of The Salvation Army in Australia are tax deductible.Details and ABNs

Subscribe to our mailing list
Hope where it's needed most

Top