Early opposition

The Salvationists’ evangelism of 1885 aroused the larrikins to their traditional opposition and offensiveness against The Salvation Army, according to the Brisbane Courier of 28 October 1885, while other persecutions took place from more “intellectual” quarters.

When Mr. T.S. Barnett, an elderly gentleman of pronounced theological opinions, [attempted] a discussion of the Pall Mall Gazette question, a mild riot took place, in the course of which, “Captain Buckingham received sundry bites, kicks, and other brutal usage.” According to the Brisbane Courier, Barnett was later fined £1 by the local court. A John Dunphey was also prosecuted for striking “Captain” Buckingham severely in the streets and fined £2.

In November, the Brisbane Courier reported that several gross cases of assault, arising out of the Salvation Army parades, occupied the Police Court all day. One Salvationist was also fined.

On another occasion Thomas Cook, a local publican, raced his horse through a Salvation Army march.

One of the strangest attacks against The Salvation Army resulted from the meetings that often finished after midnight on Saturday nights. It was alleged that the Army was putting young women in danger of juvenile immorality as they then had to walk through the streets to get home.

Some persecution occurred up till the 1930s as Brother Clarrie Duce recalls: there were times when people threw hot pennies into the circle as donations, and when soldiers picked them up they often suffered burnt fingers.