Small beginnings

The Salvation Army officially “opened fire” in Taree in 1889, but there are reports of Salvationists working in the area as early as 1884.

A booklet, written for the Jubilee Celebrations of Taree Salvation Army in 1939, tells of a Lieutenant Harry Lock (pictured right) having a working holiday on the Manning River, and, with his brother, holding a Salvation Army meeting in 1884 in Croki. Through their efforts during this time a number of people were converted and formed the nucleus of the Taree Salvation Army.

After that initial meeting, others were held at Coopernook, Cundle and Taree, with Brother Lock rowing in a boat to conduct these meetings.

In 1889, a decision to send officers to Taree was made by The Salvation Army’s territorial headquarters and on 10 August 1889 Captain Annie Bryans was appointed as its leader.