Fairfield Salvation Army History
Outpost beginnings: The Salvation Army in Fairfield began as an 'outpost’ of the Liverpool Salvation Army in April, 1936.
Meetings were held at the School of Arts building. Less than four years later, the Fairfield Outpost was made an official Salvation Army Corps (church) on 13 January, 1940, with its first officer Pro. Lieutenant Charles Bennett.
On 29 November, 1947 Commissioner Joshua James officially opened The Salvation Army’s first citadel in Fairfield on the corner of Barbara Street and Hamilton Road.
A Young People’s Hall was erected during 1951, with voluntary labour under the direction of Captain J. Vicars. It was opened as a Youth and Community Centre on 28 June, 1952.
A new Citadel was completed and opened by Commissioner Harold Scotney on 21 March 1970.
In 1973 the Youth Group renovated the Community hall into a Coffee Shop which attracted many people and workers were always kept busy. 110 people attended the opening night on 3 June 1973.
On the 2nd July 1994 the new Salvation Army Complex was opened at 473 Hamilton Road Fairfield West, by Colonel Keith Parkinson, and the Corps name was Changed to "Fairfield City".
The Salvation Army in Fairfield today:
The Salvation Army remains a vibrant presence in Fairfield today at its Fairfield West Location.
Weekly activities include connect groups, home league (a women’s group), men’s fellowship, and a courtyard cafe on Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings where anyone can pop in for a free cuppa and a chat.
The Corps is celebrating 75 years of service to the local Fairfield community this year (2015).
In times of need:
It’s said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of presence, of ‘being there’ in times of need.
For people in the community who are struggling financially, Fairfield Salvation Army offers emergency assistance through it's Salvos Connect Site, and the Moneycare Financial Counselling service.
Low-cost clothing and household goods can be found at the Fairfield Salvos Store located at 8-10 Hamilton Rd. Fairfield.
For the team at FYRST, The Salvation Army’s Follow-On Youth Recovery Support Team in Fairfield, ‘presence’ is what it’s all about. A support service for young people 16-25 years who would like to address their drug and alcohol issues, FYRST also offers support to those who are completing, or have completed detox, rehab or are leaving detention.
It provides a mobile support team that can visit at a client's home, meet at a cafe or pick up a client from local transport. Walking alongside young people in need is what it’s all about, says Youthlink General Manager, James Selby. Just knowing that they’re not alone and that they have people around them who care about and want them to achieve their dreams them often makes all the difference.