Lismore History
The Salvation Army made its first appearance in Lismore in 1891 when Salvationists from Kempsey began to play their instruments and drew a crowd. Today, the Salvos remain a vibrant presence in the city.
It began on the street
The Salvation Army made its first appearance in Lismore on the street in January 1891. Salvationists William Gray and George Guy, arrived from Kempsey, began to play their instruments and drew a crowd. William Gray is re...
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In the early days, The Salvation Army’s loud brass-band marches and open-air meetings didn’t always impress. “Skeleton Armies” – groups of people (often local larrikins) intent on causi...
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Army buildings in Lismore
In 1908, the first Salvation Army Hall in Magellan Street was opened, but by the 1930s a bigger one was needed. In 1935, a new citadel was opened. In 1965, when The Salvation Army’s Youth Hall burned down, the Sal...
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A joyful sound
Music has always been a central ministry of The Salvation Army in Lismore. Records show that the first band was created in 1892. The band travelled throughout the streets of Lismore, presenting open-air meetings at diffe...
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Christianity with its sleeves rolled up
The Salvation Army has always been known for its practical demonstration of God’s love. The Lismore Salvation Army Home League (women’s group) began in 1917 and has helped the city in a variety of ways, inc...
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In times of need
It’s often said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence” – of being there in times of need. With Lismore prone to flooding, The Salvation Army has always had an active Salvat...
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