A local novelty

In the late 1800s, when The Salvation Army first appeared in Australia, it was a relatively new church. Its military structure, uniforms and loud band marches and open-air meetings on the main streets of Australian towns (often right outside the pub!) drew lots of attention.

An article found in the Glen Innes Examiner from 17 January 1896 illustrates the novelty of the early Army. It describes a wedding of two local Salvationists that was so popular amongst townsfolk that a small charge for admission to see the spectacle was made! 

SALVATION ARMY WEDDING – A novel and interesting wedding was performed in the town hall on Wednesday evening with Brother Frederick Define and Sister Annie Ward made man and wife under the ritual of The Salvation Army. A small charge for admission was made, and the hall was fairly well filled. The stage was decorated with vases of flowers, and along the front of the platform was an inscription, ‘God bless this Union.’ Staff captain Taylor was the officiating officer, and read the services in a jocular manner. He was assisted by Captain Pleavin, of the local corps, who waved the unfurled banner over the heads of the young couple, while the nuptial knot was being firmly tied. The bride wore a dress of navy blue, with a white sash draped from the right shoulder, a white flower in her hair, and another on her dress, whilst the bridegroom was draped with a broad red sash from the left shoulder, with ‘Salvation Army’ written thereon.