Early beginnings

The Salvation Army “opened fire” in Gladstone on 30 August 1894, with its first officer Captain Walter Barker. An early excerpt from The Salvation Army’s War Cry newspaper describes the work as thus:

Staff-Captain Spargo and the writer boarded the S.S Cintra at the Brisbane wharf on Saturday, August 25, bound for the opening of Army operations in Gladstone. After travelling we arrived at our destination and I must say that it is one of the bonniest little spots I ever saw. The harbour somewhat resembles that of Sydney, and the scenery around its shores is lovely … Nearly everyone in the district wishes us abundant success.

The Salvation Army soldiered on in Gladstone for the next eight years, but closed for reasons now unclear on 8 February 1902. After a five-year hiatus, the Gladstone Salvation Army was re-opened by Ensign Harry Flatt in 1908 and this time, it was here to stay.