The Salvation Army in Sydney's inner-west

The Salvation Army spread like wildfire throughout Sydney’s inner-west, soon after it first came to Sydney in 1882. Now, services are consolidated at a number of social service centres throughout the area and a worship centre in Petersham.

Marrickville Salvation Army began as an outreach of Newtown Salvos in 1884. A report in The Salvation Army newspaper, The War Cry, describes one of the first open-air meetings on the streets of Marrickville: We marched through the streets. One man, who was passing in the tram, jumped out to see what was the matter. He followed us to the hall; he did not sit down, but went straight to the penitent-form, and knelt down at the feet of Jesus, and soon realised his sins forgiven. Hallelujah!

St Peters Salvation Army also opened in 1884 and operated until the early 1980s. The Salvation Army also operated a prison-gate brigade home at Bellevue Street, St Peters, from 1910. This became a centre of recycled clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac sales leading eventually to the formation of The Salvation Army’s Salvos Stores.

Burwood Salvation Army opened in 1885 as an outpost of Newtown, with early meetings held in the little hall over the tables known to many as the old Glory Shop. It remains operational today, with vibrant worship services conducted in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Leichhardt Salvation Army began on 21 February 1885 and operated until 1974 when it amalgamated with Petersham. 

Ashfield Salvation Army opened a few years later in 1887, under the leadership of Captain Emily Easton. It closed in 1975.

Petersham Salvation Army was officially opened in 1890 and is still operational today.

Haberfield Salvation Army began in 1914 but unfortunately didn’t last long, closing just 20 years later.

Enfield Salvation Army opened in January 1929 under the leadership of Captain Lily Sampson. She went on serve for several years in India. A prolific writer, she blessed the Army with several books and was a gifted songwriter.