Salvation Army Citadel (Church)
The first Salvation Army meeting was held in the Town Hall in January 1893 under the leadership of Captain Ivey Smallbone and Lieutenant Edward Holman.
Salvation Army Citadel – Richardson Street
Salvation Army officers covered wide areas often holding services in tents in outlying areas. Katanning Corps closed for a brief period in the 1900’s and reopened in 1911 under the direction of Captain Frank Wan. The first purpose-built building in Katanning was built near the town’s flour mill. Bricks were imported from Egypt and the roof was made of iron. A small room at the rear of the building provided living quarters.
On 5th October 1926 the Army bought a block in Richardson Street to erect a hall and living quarters. The Citadel was completed in 1928 and was opened by local member of parliament Alex Thompson.
Church services and Sunday School for children were held regularly. In 1925, the Home League was established and in 1928-1979 the Salvation Army Band was functional. Youth Group “Sunbeams” formed in later years. A Thrift shop for second hand furniture, clothes and general goods was conducted from the site.
After over one hundred years’ presence in Katanning, the local Salvationists were forced to close its doors in 2004 due to the decline in members and continuing maintenance costs. Over the years, the Citadel members were a familiar driving force in the community. Its members provided care, compassion and assistance in times of crisis and to those in need.
ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church and an international charitable organisation. The organisation reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7 million, consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents collectively known as Salvationists. Its founders sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their “physical and spiritual needs”. It is present in 131 countries, running charity shops, operating shelters for the homeless and disaster relief and humanitarian aid to developing countries. Continue reading
The Salvation Army in Australia
In the Australian Territory (nicknamed “Salvos” in Australian English) it is an evangelical Christian church known for its charity work. It began operating in Australia in the late 19th century. The first Salvationist meeting in Australia was held in 1880. Edward Saunders and John Gore led the meeting from the back of a greengrocer’s cart in Adelaide Botanic Park with an offer of food for those who had not eaten. In 1883, Major James Barker led the way to establish the first Salvation Army social institution anywhere in the world on a permanent basis, known as the “Prison Gate” program. Continue reading