The Salvation Amy was established in Wagga about 1885 only a few years after it had reached NSW. John Castle, who had just joined the Salvation Army after visiting his son, a recent convert in Sydney, had found an empty large store suitable as a meeting place.
The first officers were Captain Frank Bryant and Lieutenant J Clark who held the first meeting near the Australian Hotel.
The first building used as a Citadel was situated in Baylis Street, near Thompson Street and the Morrow Street Citadel was opened on 9 November 1888.
Interestingly there was some resistance from many residents upset by their marching in the streets, sounding their drums.
In January 1987 the Morrow Street Citadel was demolished and the following year a new citadel and complex
Sources: Sherry Morris, Wagga Wagga – A History & Back to Wagga
Click here for some general history of the Salvation Army.
Membership of the Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society is open to anyone with an interest in the local and regional history of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia. For more information about us and how to join our Society please visit our website at https://www.wwdhs.org.au/about-us/members
