Making music

The Marrickville Salvation Army band was formed immediately, and became a regular presence marching down local streets, calling people to open-air meetings or back to the hall for worship services.

In 1894, The Salvation Army newspaper War Cry reported on a novel new ministry of the band who lately started to enliven the town from the roof of the barracks. Perched up there as shown by our artist, their cheery music can be heard for a long distance, and no one in Marrickville can forget that the Army has red-hot-soul-saving meetings on the boards.

Burwood Band has a rich history of musical service in the community. In March 1934, Burwood Salvation Army officer, Captain Norman Pack enrolled a young Len Greer as a soldier and bandsman. He gave 50 years of unbroken service to the Burwood Salvation Army band, 30 years of those as band secretary. In addition, he was active in other areas of ministry including organising yearly Red Shield Appeal collections and running young people’s and youth groups.