Hearty beginnings

The Salvation Army officially opened in Boonah in 1890. Prior to this, since 1887, the work had been based in Kalbar (Englesburg) and supported by The Salvation Army in Ipswich. An open-air outreach meeting led by “Hallelujah Lasses” playing timbrels (tambourines) drew the crowds in 1888 and was reported in The Salvation Army newspaper War Cry 6 June: The moon shone bright; in the midst of 100 people we told forth the story of salvation; the Holy Ghost backed home the words. Every attention was given and a good collection. One fine fellow came forward and said, Here, Captain, is my beer money.