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 many years before the Army came and this was still evident when the Army “opened fire” here.
Beginnings
Captain John Dean, aged about 30, was sent out from Sydney 1 Corps to get things going in Parramatta. Dean had previously trained as a Methodist minister but he felt God’s leading to join The Salvation Army. He became a well-known fiery preacher, retiring as a colonel and principal of the New York Training College. Dean brought along Cadet George Walker, the son of a Scottish preacher whose family arrived as early settlers. George’s father had hoped his son would follow him into the ministry but George’s decision to join The Salvation Army greatly displeased his father who said: If you follow those rebels, don’t ever darken my doorsteps again. George became an officer, returning to Parramatta as the Corps Officer in 1888.
The Army made its first appearance beneath a wooden railway bridge at the corner of Church and Argyle Streets on 20 September 1884. The Founder’s son, Colonel Ballington Booth, on a “tour of inspection” for his father, was present. Open-air meetings were held every day to let the people know the Army was here to stay. Captain Dean and Cadet Walker became the first Parramatta Salvation Army officers and reported to The War Cry: We mean to keep on storming Satan’s Kingdom – we shall conquer! It was also reported that many wept as they heard the message of Jesus’ love. The 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 Dean’s surprise, they gave him the entire amount. Later, as “Burgon” lay dying, he sent for Captain Dean to pray with him.[1]
On another occasion Captain Dean was preaching on The Coming Judgement which so incensed the crowd that they attempted to throw him into the Parramatta River. After struggling, he escaped safely. Parramatta was known as a hard go even though souls were won for Christ and buildings became available for meetings.[2]
Another cadet soon replaced George Walker. Matthew Thompson, aged 21, was also eager to help in the warfare, attending meetings every night. In an October 1884 War Cry report, Cadet Thompson wrote: We are not dead yet, neither is the devil, he is trying his utmost to extinguish us. Four people were gloriously saved this week. Comrades, pray for sin-cursed, half-damned Parramatta. Within weeks, Matthew Thompson was viciously attacked and died days later, being the first Australian Salvation Army officer to be “Promoted to Glory”. The assailants apologised and no charges were made.
Buildings
Several buildings were used for meetings before the George Street citadel was opened in 1919. Commissions were issued on the first Sunday and 29 seekers knelt at the mercy seat. By this time the first band had been formed, while the songster brigade came later. Despite many changes in personnel, these sections have grown numerically and still present the same Christian witness and message. Regular outreach to the community is vital. Each month the band and other Salvationists march to the city mall and preach the same message: Turn to Jesus.
In 1936, Parramatta City Council announced they wanted The Salvation Army site for a roadway but nothing more was heard until the 1950s. The Salvation Army then purchased two nearby cottages and rented them until the present complex incorporating DHQ was built in Smith Street in 1969. After the final meetings in the George St building, the corps (church) marched from one citadel to the next leaving behind a building with many sacred memories but going with the assurance that God had gone before them to the new site. There were wonderful blessings during the first Sunday’s meetings in the new citadel and many comrades knelt to consecrate themselves for future service.
Today
The young people’s work has always been important and dedicated leaders continue to train them. The home league continue their service faithfully and Bible studies are well attended each week. A team of Salvation Army volunteers provide community services from the welfare centre to over 30 different nationalities. Great stories come from such contacts – God is good!
Major Mark Campbell, the then-Corps Officer said: We are a church that seeks to serve because we are saved to serve. Sunday services are great in number and blessings and the corps (church) is thankful to God for the opportunity of having several cultures joining with them. The Salvation Army has been blessed by good officers and does not forget the many young adults and families who, also called by God have gone from Parramatta to train as officers. In its 125th year, Parramatta Corps is still aware of the many who need Christ and claims Parramatta City for God again as did John Dean and George Walker at the beginning.
By Alayne Godkin
[1] No further details are known about “Burgon”. This is how he is referred to in the corps history book. One view is that “Burgon” may not have been his real name, but simply how he was known as leader of the Skeleton Army.
[2] Parramatta is Corps No.75 in Australia and one of the oldest Salvation Army battlegrounds in NSW.
