Salvation Army’s big celebration

The Salvation Army is celebrating its long service in Deniliquin, which is about to reach 130 years.

The Salvation Army announced its presence in June, 1888 with a street parade by Staff Capt Cole and several officers playing musical instruments.

After parading for over an hour the group adjourned to their barracks in End St, a leased office building opposite the Exchange Hotel, where it was found there was insufficient room to accommodate the crowd of 300 or so that had gathered and wished to enter.

It was the second church in town and has since played a major role in the Deniliquin community through its services.

The Salvation Army has seen many officers come and go over the years, and currently is under the charge of Captain Sandra Walmsley and is still in the business of transforming lives through the love of Jesus.

‘‘The Salvation Army has always had a close connection with families and people in the community.

‘‘Someone in some way has been touched by the the Salvos in one form or another,’’ she said.

The Salvation Army is celebrating its 130 years of service to Deniliquin on the Easter holiday weekend from March 29 to April 1.

The four day celebration will feature special guests Hurstville Salvo Band, com- ing all the way from Sydney, and songsters, along with a variety of celebratory other services.

The celebration kicks off on Thursday, March 29, with a Passover feast at the Edwardes St church.

On Friday, March 30, there is a 9am service, a 10.30am morning tea in the Waring Gardens, followed by Stations of the Cross at 11am.

Saturday, March 31 at 11am there is a concert teaser in Waring Gardens opposite Target.

That evening at 5.30pm there is a buffet dinner, followed by a concert at the Deniliquin RSL Club.

On Easter Sunday a dawn service will be held at the Ute Muster gates, when bacon and egg rolls will be served, followed at 10am by the Easter Sunday and 130th anniversary celebrations.

Capt Walmsley said as well as the significance of the celebrations, the church also wants to celebrate Easter.

‘‘It is a good opportunity for those who want to see and hear something different, and learn what Easter is all about,’’ she said.

To RSVP for the Passover Feast and RSL buffet dinner phone Captain Sandra on (03) 5881 8677.