Woonona Corps celebrates 125 years of service to God
The Sydney Composite Band were guests for the 125 years celebrations. (Photo by Captain Phil Cardew)
A time capsule, the Sydney Composite Band, concerts and warm fellowship were just some of the highlights from the Woonona Corps’ 125 anniversary celebrations on 8-9 September.
The Salvation Army Australia Eastern territorial leaders, Commissioners James and Jan Condon, supported by Lieutenant-Colonels Peter and Jan Laws, Sydney East and Illawarra divisional leaders, were special guests for the weekend, which focused on giving thanks for the past and looking to the future.
The celebrations began on Saturday with Bandmaster Norm Short leading a Sydney Composite Band in concert, followed by an afternoon tea and a display of corps history dating back to 1887.
To close the afternoon, Max Rawlinson opened a time capsule he had helped SAGALA members place in the ceiling of the corps building 25 years ago. It contained audiotapes, letters written to leaders from SAGALA members, letters leaders had written, and other memorabilia.
“You could hear the buzz of people talking as they remembered times past,” said Captain Phil Cardew, Woonona Corps Officer.
Commissioner James Condon led the Sunday morning meeting where more than 70 people gathered to thank God for 125 years of Woonona Corps.
“The commissioner’s message of ‘Looking Forward, Looking Back’ helped us to reflect on learning from the past, the need to let go and focus on Jesus, and that God indeed has a plan,” said Captain Cardew.
The time line display illustrated corps highlights over the years. (Photo by Captain Phil Cardew)
Bittersweet moment for corps
The celebrations were tinged with sadness as the weekend also marked the official closure of Woonona Corps.
“Our current expression of work with our church will cease, however, that does not mean that The Salvation Army is leaving the area,” explained Major Peter Sutcliffe, Divisional Communications and Public Relations Secretary
“We are working closely with The Salvation Army Illawarra Advisory Board and also The Salvation Army Integration Group to identify new opportunities in the northern Illawarra.”
At the conclusion of the weekend there were many mixed feelings.
“We are assured, though, that God never leaves us and as we look forward we wait with eager anticipation to see what new thing God is going to do in our lives and in the lives of the people in Woonona,” said Captain Cardew.
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.