Early beginnings

Coffs Harbour Corps was opened on 17 January 1953 by Major and Mrs S.H. Kingston in the Masonic Hall. Lieutenant Gwenneth Woodbury and Lieutenant Ilma Smith were appointed as corps officers. Three years later on 9 May 1956 the first Salvation Hall was opened in Gordon Street by Commissioner Edgar Grinsted. (Prior to 1953 The Salvation Army’s presence was in Dorrigo, 64km inland.)