Gympie Greats - Captain D. Buckingham

The Salvation Army in Gympie has hosted its fair share of outstanding Salvationists.

The officer who began the work in Gympie, Captain D. Buckingham, was transferred from Maryborough where, according to the Brisbane Courier, he converted 500 people in his seven-and-a-half months there!

He was born in Langford, Tasmania, on 24 July 1862. At the age of about 21, while living in Waimate, New Zealand, he was encouraged by his mother to attend The Salvation Army. He accepted Christ as his Saviour and became a soldier on 3 April 1884.

In 1885, he was sent to Brisbane to assist the growing Army and then found  himself appointed to take charge in Maryborough. He was over six foot tall and reputedly had a very loud voice. Apparently he prayed too loudly and was thus not allowed to visit Maryborough hospital as a recognised minister!