100 years of changing lives
The Campsie corps flag, unlocked from the 75th Anniversary time capsule of 1987. (Photos courtesy of Major Bruce Harmer)
Despite being homeless, The Salvation Army Campsie Corps in south-west Sydney was not about to let a century of service to God and its community go by without a celebration.
The Corps is currently undergoing extensive renovations at its Anglo Road site in Campsie, but despite this, members were determined to acknowledge God’s hand in their journey. Although they don’t have their own building to occupy at the moment, they were reminded byCorps Officers, Majors Bruce and GlenysDomrow, that: “it is not about us. It all has to do with the transforming grace of God changing human lives in the process.”
Campsie Corps began its journey in a little wooden citadel in Harold Street, Campsie, on 22nd June 1912. About a year later the corps relocated to its current site at Anglo Road where it has stoodfor the past 99 years. A few renovations may have changed its appearance over the years but the message is still the same: everyone is welcome to hear the words of the gospel.
Former Divisional Commanders, Lieutenant Colonels Ian and Marilyn Hamilton were the special guests for the weekend celebrations, held at the Canterbury Leagues Club. They enjoyed sharing in a celebration dinner with many friends associated with the Campsie Corps on Saturday night followed by a day of praise and worship on Sunday.
In recent years the corps has seen a change in direction, reaching out to other cultures within the local community and embracing multiculturalism in the life of the corps. This couldn’t have been more evident than on Sunday morning with the brass band accompanying the congregation singing “Praise my soul the King of Heaven” and an African bongo drum beating from the other side of the room. The Sunday afternoon celebration concert featured performances from a Chinese dance group, a group of singers from Sierra Leone and a quartette of Korean musicians.
Jack Jarrett, at 92 years of age, testified of giving his heart to the Lord when he was in the junior band and of being a soldier ever since. Other friends and family of the Campsie Corps were thankful for the youthful teaching they had received from faithful Sunday school teachers, opportunities for service in their church, and for the support of many missionaries. A number of people testified to receiving prayer support during times of crisis, of the corps being a place for their whole family, and how their lives have been transformed since coming to the corps.
The soldiers, adherents and friends of the Campsie Corps have reflected on the past and now look forward to the next 100 years of serving God and seeing lives changed.
In-text image: Special guest, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Hamilton. (Image courtesy of Major Bruce Harmer)
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