An outpost to Taree

The Hannam Vale Salvation Army started as an outpost to the Taree branch of the Salvos, with a hall at Hannam Vale officially opened on 11 July 1914. A report in The Salvation Army’s newspaper, The War Cry, described the opening as such: Brother James Drury bought the block of land, transferring it to The Salvation Army, and very soon Ensign Oterstedt was at work. The weather conditions have been very much against building operations, but the Ensign with his brave band of helpers, toiled away and a beautiful building is the result … Adjutant Munro had induced Major Lonnie to conduct the opening. A fine crowd assembled for the occasion … Monday was a real fete day for Hannam Vale. There was a fine tea. Sleeper cutters, bullock drivers etc. all took a holiday in honour of the event. The schoolmaster kindly lent the school grounds, tables etc. comrades and friends donated refreshments and there were beautifully laid out tables. The public meeting at 7.30. What a pack-out – 175 people jammed into the hall, and one and all intent on enjoying the fine program given by friends and comrades. The Hannam Vale Salvation Army didn’t stay as an outpost to Taree for very long. On 13 February 1915, The War Cry had this to say:  

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Another important move in the Newcastle Division has eventuated. Kendall, Kew, Hannam Vale and surrounding districts will be worked under new management, Kendall being the centre. Captain Atkinson and Lieutenant Nelson will be the responsible officers … In the Hannam Vale hall a big crowd awaited to give Major and Mrs Lonnie and the new Captain and Lieutenant a kind of reception. Brothers Bird and Holden addressed words of encouragement to the congregation, and officers, and said that it was a long-felt need to have officers nearer at hand than Taree, and Hannam Vale could be relied upon for support and sympathy.