Toowoomba Greats - the Hoepper Family

The Salvation Army in Toowoomba has produced its fair share of outstanding Salvationists. The Hoepper Family are a pillar of The Salvation Army, with generations of Salvationists who have served across Australia and internationally.

Frederick and Frederika Hoepper arrived in Queensland and settled in Toowoomba to raise a family of eight - six boys and two girls. They were amongst the interested spectators gathered on the corner known as ‘The Fountain’ to see The Salvation Army ‘opening fire’ in Toowoomba in 1886.

An article in The Salvation Army newspaper The War Cry says that the father enjoyed what he called the ‘antics’ of the newly arrived Salvationists and regularly attended the meetings but after his wife, eldest son and younger daughter became converted, Frederick was opposed to this ‘invasion’ and would throw into the fire any copy of The War Cry which he saw in the home. Once he threatened to burn his daughter’s bonnet… Later, sorry for his attitude, he expressed regret and the daughter, tears running down her face, led him to the Saviour. Shortly afterwards he passed away.

All eight of the Hoepper children became Salvationists, with many serving as Salvation Army officers.