Parramatta Salvation Army

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Parramatta Citadel
Founded 1884
Pastor Majors Mark & Julie Campbell
Lay delegate Matthew Wright (Corps Sergeant Major)
Membership 400+
Worship Sunday 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 6:00 pm
Location Parramatta, New South Wales
Information +0061 (02) 9635 6870
Website http://www.parramattasalvationarmy.org.au

Parramatta Salvation Army (abbreviated to PSA) is a Salvation Army Corps located in the CBD of Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia.[1] It is one of the oldest active Salvation Army Corps in Australia. It is the largest of its kind within the Greater-West Division. Situated in the western suburbs of Sydney it has survived two World Wars, an arson attack, and countless other disasters, it has been led by some of the most prominent Australian Salvation Army officers of the modern era, it has held onto the traditional Salvation Army image by maintaining a Brass Band and Timbrel Brigade since its inception, and, most importantly, its soldiers have ministered to the people of Parramatta and the surrounding regions for over 120 years.

Contents

[edit] History

The Salvation Army first came to Australia in 1880, Parramatta Corps opened four years later in 1884. The first leaders of the Corps were quite young by comparison to what was later regarded an appropriate age to command a Corps. They were also all men, John Dean, George Walker and Matthew Thompson made a name for the movement through meetings held at the local Masonic Hall. Within the first two months Matthew Thompson was viciously attacked and killed, though no charges were laid.

The Corps grew rapidly which allowed for the first Citadel to be built in 1919.

The current building was erected in 1969.[2]

[edit] Current officers

The current officers are Majors Mark and Julie Campbell. They replaced their predecessors Majors Kelvin & Cherylinne Pethybridge in early January 2008. They have two sons and a daughter and have taken up residence at the officer's quarters in Winston Hills.

[edit] P.E.E.C

Parramatta Easy English Congregation (or P.E.E.C) refers to a group of people that attend a 9.30am meeting at Parramatta Citadel on a Sunday. This worship service is aimed for people who use English as a second language. It is usually followed by a morning tea.[3]

[edit] Brass Band

Parramatta Citadel Band (PCB) is a typical Salvation Army Band with a membership of approximately 30-35 people. It is currently under the leadership of Graham Ainsworth. The band is one of the largest Salvation Army brass bands in Sydney and is also one of the youngest by average age. Its purpose is to minister the word of God to the people of Parramatta and its surrounding area's through the use of music found in the Salvation Army Brass Band Tune Books, they also commonly use arranged music of both secular and Christian origin for open-airs and concerts. The motto of the Band is derived from psalm 150: "Praise Him with Melody."

It is considered a large brass band (as far as Corps bands go) and currently consists of the following:

The band has been part of Parramatta Corps for some time and is beloved by both Salvationists and Non-Salvationists alike. PCB is a common feature at the annual dawn service on ANZAC Day and features "around town" playing Christmas carols from mid-November to December 25 of each year. They have been on overseas tours but their last one was some time ago. It is also common for them to attend other Salvation Army Corps on "band trips", the most recent being to Dubbo, Perth and Hamilton (in Newcastle). In June 2007, they made a trip to Forbes, and in August travelled to Gosford.

For some time, to be able to join the band, it was necessary to be enrolled as a Soldier of The Salvation Army. This rule, however, has been relaxed in recent years, but under the pretence that the individual is looking to be enrolled at some point in the immediate future. Many people were wary of allowing this to occur, but having seen the impact joining the band has on younger players, soon warmed to it.

[edit] Songsters

The ‘Songsters’ have been a long-standing fixture of the Parramatta Corps. Songsters are a four part choral group that aim to bring the message of Jesus Christ to those that don't know him and also bless the congregation each Sunday through song. The group toured Asia in 2002 and Perth in 2006, as well as other New South Wales regional centres such as Tamworth and Dubbo. The group also sings within the community at Christmas time, sharing carols and Christmas songs in shopping centres and carol services.

Through a program of modern, relevant music, evangelistic concerts, prayer and caring community, the Parramatta Songsters have become one of the premier Salvation Army choirs in Australia, boasting a wide range of generations within their healthy membership.

As well as providing musical support for the Sunday church services at Parramatta Corps, the Songsters are active with a busy concert schedule and are currently finishing their first solo record, to be released with an album launch concert, Saturday October 20, 2007.

The songsters are supported by a small ensemble of fine musicians on instruments including piano, bass guitar, and drums, and led by Songster Leader Nicola Poore, assisted by Deputy Songster Leaders Simon Gough and Elwyn Humbley.

[edit] Timbrels

The PSA Timbrel Brigade (commonly known as The Timbrels) has enjoyed a long history at Parramatta Corps, involving many young and older ladies that enjoy worshipping God through the playing of the timbrel to music. In previous years, their musical accompaniment for musical "programs" was provided by the Brass Band, but recently they have been more inclined to use electronic media in their performances. They play at every Sunday meeting (much like the band) during hymn tunes and marches.

The Timbrels had a brief hiatus from 2001–2003, but were revived by Carissa Ainsworth in 2004 with 6 members; currently there are 8 members. The current leader is Jen Moyse, who has been in this position since April 2007.

[edit] YP Band

The Standard of The Salvation Army, of which the YP Band marches under.
The Standard of The Salvation Army, of which the YP Band marches under.

The Parramatta YP (Young Peoples) Band is a brass band and was formed in 1944, its main objective is to provide a medium in which young people can worship God (through the playing of brass instrument's) and also partake in fellowship with other like-minded young men and women. The band is made up of young people ranging from ages 7 to 21 and has experienced varying levels of membership over the years. In previous years up to 35 players were regularly involved, but currently there are more like 12-14. It currently consists of:

  • 7 Cornets
  • 2 Tenor Horns
  • 1 Baritone
  • 1 Euphonium
  • 1 Trombone
  • 1 EEb Bass

The Parramatta YP Band has toured all around New South Wales, this usually consists of a Saturday night concert, followed by a worship service at the local Salvation Army Corps on the Sunday morning. The men that have led the YP Band over the years have been some of the finest musicians in the state and include the likes of Bandmasters (B.M(s)) Ray Entwistle, Peter Godkin, and Rodney Everett.

The current YP Bandleader is Mark Roberts. He has been in this role since October 2005.

[edit] Children's Ministry

The Children's Ministry has been given the title of YP (or "young people"). The YP is overseen by the Young People's Sergeant Major (or YPSM), which is currently Kylie Maxwell, she also oversees Singing Company (a junior version of the Songsters), YP Timbrels and YP Band.

Parramatta Corps provides groups for both children and adolescents. These groups are often lead by Soldiers of the Corps and include:

[edit] Mini God Squad (previously Primary)

Mini God Squad is held on Sundays prior to the morning meeting and is often involves games, activities, music and Bible stories for children from 2 years of age until they complete year 2 at school. It is a basic introduction to Christianity.

[edit] God Squad (previously Sunday School)

God Squad is held prior to the meeting on Sunday. It aims to teach the values of the Christian faith and often involves games and live music for children of primary school age. The live music is of a contemporary nature and features songs from current Christian groups. It is sung by the children with an accompaniment of drums, bass guitar and electric guitar.

[edit] Junior Soldiers

Junior Soldier's is held during the morning meeting on a Sunday morning, the children usually attend the "worship segment" of the meeting and then depart to a separate part of the Citadel. It is an age-specific discipleship model for children aged 7-12 years and aims to increase the children's knowledge and understanding of Bible truth as well as The Salvation Army's doctrines and history.

The program consists of a weekly teaching time and an award scheme. The award work allows the Junior Soldiers to complete tasks that help them to understand how they can daily live out their Christian faith. Every Corps is compelled to have someone to oversee this program, this person is formally known as the Junior Soldier Sergeant.

The Current Junior Soldier Sergeant is James Lloyd, he has been in this position since early 2005.

[edit] Youth

Youth is a general term that refers those aged 13-25. The "youth" are overseen by current Youth Pastor Sean Harrison, he has held this position since January 2007. The following groups are available for "youth" to attend:

[edit] Junior Youth

Junior Youth (or JY's) is for high school aged teenagers and is held fortnightly at Parramatta Corps Function Centre. This normally falls on a Friday night and mostly includes games and food. It has proved extremely popular with numbers growing from an initial four, to over fifteen.

[edit] Youth Group

Is for those aged 16 and over. Events are held sporadically throughout the calendar year. These include but are not limited to movie nights, beach trips, karaoke box socials and disco's. Also, an annual weekend called "House Party" gives the youth two days away together in which they share in worship, activities and many late nights.

[edit] TRIBE (previously Corps Cadet's)

Tribe is held prior to the morning meeting on a Sunday and is for teenagers from 13-17 years of age. It offers a four year curriculum of teaching material with a balance of Bible teaching, faith issues and Salvation Army doctrine, principles and practices focusing on issues teenagers have today.

It is hoped that after four years, the young person has touched every Salvation Army doctrine, various ethics issues and a range of Bible teaching from Genesis through to the Revelation. Some Army history is presented as well.

Many decide to become enrolled as Corps Cadets as a sign of their commitment to service through the Army (seen by many as the final step before becoming a Soldier). But regardless of whether the youth decide to be enrolled, they are still permitted to partake in all Corps Cadet activities.

[edit] PSA sport

[edit] Generals Football

A 'Generals' player in action
A 'Generals' player in action

Parramatta Corps is the home of the Parramatta Salvation Army Football Club, the 'Generals'[1]. PSAFC is a member club of the New South Wales Churches Football Association. They are a Senior team that play in the NSWCFA's Raahauge Cup, North Division. Little is known about the history of the club other than that it has existed in several stints over the past 30 years. The records that are available indicate that Parramatta Salvation Army, as they were known then, tasted success in 1992, as All-Age Division 4 Runners-up and in 1994, as All-Age Division 3 Premiers. On both these occasions the teams were under the coaching of Arthur Hodge. This team also notoriously received a 'lifetime ban' from participating in Church competition in the mid 1990's.

Some 10 years later (in 2006) the ban was unprecedentedly lifted. And hence, they currently field both a first and reserve grade side. This new generation of players saw Daniel Evans take over as "Club President" and Mark Roberts step in as "Club Secretary".[4]

[edit] 2007 season

In the 2007 season the first grade team lost only 1 regular league match, finishing in 2nd place on the ladder. They qualified for the grand final but lost 1-0. The reserve grade team put in a much improved effort from the previous season finishing 7th on the table. Both teams also qualified for the quarter final's of their respective cup knock-out competitions, the 1st's side made it to the grand final, though they did not win.[5]

[edit] Endorsement from the General

The team was thrilled when they received a personal message from the General which, among other things, said:

"May you prepare diligently, play hard but fair, being generous in victory and gracious in defeat. May you devote equal application, skill and flair to your witness and evangelism through sport. May your friendships and contacts prove to be bridges for others into faith in Jesus Christ."[6]

[edit] PSA Touch Football

PSA also boasts a Touch Footy side. They were previously nicknamed Macquarie Lodge (a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Salvation Army's local aged care facility[7]), but are now referred to as GeneralsTouch. PSA have entered a team in the Salvation Army's annual "Gala Day" event held at the College for Officer Training since its inception in the mid-1980's, they normally enter an A and B-Grade side as well as a Women's team (called the Commissioners). They haven't qualified for the finals of the event since 1989 and before 2005, the men's sides last previous win was in 1990.

At the event in 2005, the A-Grade side won one, drew one, and lost two, although they did not qualify for the finals, this was the best result for the current generation. They have started training for 2007 and hope to qualify for the finals for the first time in almost 20 years. They have only entered an A team in the hope that the "stacking" of talent will give them the advantage.

Although gala day is the main event of the year GeneralsTouch have also attended the Salvation Army gala day in Canberra (in 2003) and partake in the competitions (if held) at MAD [2]and TPAC [3].

[edit] Trivia

 Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines.
The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.
  • The Corps weekly newsletter is known as the 'Parra Matters'.
  • Parramatta Youth Group was previously known as PYG''s (Parramatta Youth Groupers, pronounced - pigs).
  • The YP Band is also known as JB (Junior Band), a name coined by Timothy Griffin.
  • 6 people from YP Band and 3 from the Senior Band also play in the Sydney Youth Band (or SYB) This is the highest percentage of players from any one Corps
  • 9 people from the songsters are also part of the Sydney Staff Songsters [4](or SSS), a group that was formerly only for the highest performance level vocalist's in the territory. In previous years, it was a condition that no more than four people join the SSS from any one Corps Songster Brigade. Parramatta currently has the highest percentage of singers from any one Corps.

[edit] See also

[edit] Other Salvation Army Bands

[edit] Other Salvation Army Corps and Territories

[edit] Other Salvation Army facilities

[edit] References

  1. ^ Location of PSA
  2. ^ History according to PSA
  3. ^ Info on PEEC
  4. ^ Generals Executive's
  5. ^ 2007 Generals final ladder
  6. ^ General Shaw Cliftons letter to The Generals
  7. ^ Location of Macquarie Lodge