Parramatta / Granville History
The Salvation Army made its first appearance in Parramatta in 1884, with an open-air meeting beneath a wooden railway bridge. From those humble beginnings, the Army grew to become a force for good in the community, continuing to provide hope to people in need today.
Small Beginnings
Parramatta was the second settlement in NSW after Sydney Cove and only accessible by river until railways and roads were built. Farming was very important in the district. Parramatta churches had undergone opposition man...
Read full story
Early opposition
A ‘Skeleton Army’ led by ‘Burgon’ opposed the Army - mimicking the Salvos’ actions and testimonies. When the Salvos took a collection, so did they; then much to Captain John Dean’...
Read full story
Parramatta Greats: Lily Sampson
As a writer, missionary and Salvation Army officer, Lily Sampson not only set an example of selfless sacrifice, but left a lasting legacy with her pen.
Read full story
Parramatta Greats: Gary Raymond
“My mum attended our corps (church) anniversary. We performed on stage singing, and doing other items, and my mother said she watched us performing knowing, full well, the next day she would kill us. She felt calm...
Read full story
In times of need
It’s often said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence” – of being there in times of need. When a Sydney-bound commuter train ran off the rails at Granville on 18 January 19...
Read full story