Warwick Corps celebrates 125 years
The Warwick Corps of The Salvation Army celebrated its 125th anniversary on 25 and 26 August, giving thanks for the past but focusing on the present and what the Lord will do in the future.
“This is our prayer, that greater things will happen in Warwick not just because of the past, but because of what is happening now and what we believe will happen,” said Warwick Corps Officer, Captain Cathryn Williamson.
Major Mark Campbell, South Queensland Divisional Commander, kicked off the weekend’s festivities with the official re-opening of the renovated Warwick Family Store on the Saturday. The Territorial Mobile Mission Team band and timbrel brigade played in the car park at the front of the store, their music and energy attracting many onlookers.
The celebration dinner that evening was attended by more than 70 people, including two grandsons of John Charming-Head who established the Warwick Corps in 1887. A granddaughter of William Sleyer, one of the corps’ first converts, previous corps officers, friends, and Majors Darrell and Joanne Slater who went to Officer Training College from Warwick Corps, were also guests at the dinner.
The Territorial Mobile Mission Team band, songsters and timbrels presented the evening concert, during which Corps Officers, Captains Mark and Cathryn Williamson, also spoke about a recently released book on the history of the corps. The book is available for $20 from the Williamson.
The Salvation Army Territorial Mobile Mission Team travelled to Warwick for the 125- year celebration, and played for the opening of the new-look Family Store and concert in Stanthorpe. (Photo courtesy The Warwick Daily News)
Focusing on the great things God has done in Warwick in the past, is doing now, and will do in the future, was the theme for the Sunday morning celebration meeting. This included interviews, readings, a drama, the enrolment of two junior soldiers and one senior soldier, and a time for commitment.
The celebration weekend concluded with a “Pleasant Sunday Afternoon” program at nearby Stanthorpe, where the Army has an outpost and a Family Store. Major Campbell spoke on One Army, One Mission, One Message, with the theme being Jesus Christ crucified.
Image (TOP): Captain Mark Williamson displays the draft of the new book on the history of The Salvation Army in Warwick, and a scrapbook used to compile the content. (Photo courtesy The Warwick Daily News)
Comments
God did bless the weekend and I don't think there was one person there that didn't receive a blessing. Tears were shed as we one by one compared our selves to those who had been before us, knowing one couldn't hope to emulate their dedication and how we all fall so short of the example Jesus set for us. Lives were re-dedicated, those within the Corps and those who were visitors.
my name is wayne i currently attend the Gladstone corp;s my son is a junior soldier we will be moving to Warwick next christmas.
i am a member of the saes team plus i do the cooking for mainly music and kids club.
we will be going to church there and i could help in the shop if i am needed thank you.