Always about people finding freedom

From its early days when The Salvation Army band used to march down the main street of Boonah and perform open-air meetings, to today when Salvos can be found providing welfare assistance or running children’s groups; one thing has remained the same – The Salvation Army is about people finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from neglect. Freedom from poverty and addiction. Freedom to dream. Freedom to love. Freedom to make a difference. Freedom to live life to the full and freedom through Jesus.

In the late 1800s, “Jacko” (pictured right) found freedom from alcohol when attracted to the music of The Salvation Army open-air meeting in Boonah.

The book My Australian Girlhood, by Rosa Campbell Praed, records his freedom story: He abjured grog, got himself enrolled in the Army, and clothed in a jersey, with a badge and a “Salvation” cap, became a shining light among the gentiles … On market-day Jacko and the Salvation band banged, marched, and preached down the main street of Boonah.