The Salvation Army, Parramatta: Difference between revisions

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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}

{{Infobox_MCC_Congregation | name = Parramatta Citadel

{{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}}

| image=[[Image:PARRA.jpg]]

{{more citations needed|date=December 2011}}

| motto="Our mission is lives changed by Jesus Christ through an integrated program of worship, Christian development, evangelism and community service."

{{primary sources|date=October 2024}}

| founded=[[1884]]

{{Infobox building

| pastor=Majors Kelvin & Cheralynne Pethybridge

| coordinates = {{Coord|-33.8133921|151.0070133|format=dms}}

| lay_delegate=Matthew Wright (''Corps Sergeant Major'')

}}

| membership= 400+

{{The Salvation Army}}

| worship= Sunday 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 6:00 pm

'''The Salvation Army, Parramatta''' (often abbreviated to ''PSA'') is a [[Salvation Army]] Corps located in the suburb of [[Parramatta, New South Wales]], [[Australia]]. It is the 75th oldest active Salvation Army Corps in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://salvos.org.au/about-us/our-story/our-history/local-history/gwst/parramatta-granville/small-beginnings/|title = Our history &#124; the Salvation Army Australia}}</ref> Situated in the western suburbs of Sydney, it has survived two arson attacks {{citation needed|date=August 2017}}, been led by some of the most prominent Australian [[Officer of The Salvation Army|Salvation Army officer]]s of the modern era, and has actively ministered to the people of Parramatta and the surrounding regions since 1884.

| free_label =

| free_text =

| ___location = [[Parramatta]], [[NSW]]

| information = +0061 (02) 9635 6870

| website = http://www.parramattasalvationarmy.org.au}}

[[Parramatta]] [[Salvation Army]] is a Salvation Army Corps located in the CBD of Parramatta, [[New South Wales]]. 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 [[Officer of The Salvation Army|officer]]s 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.

== History ==

The Salvation Army's ministry in Parramatta started in September 1884, at the corner of Church and Argyle Streets. In 1919, the first permanent church building was opened in George Street, opposite the Roxy Theatre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://salvos.org.au/about-us/our-story/our-history/local-history/gwst/parramatta-granville/small-beginnings/|title = Our history &#124; the Salvation Army Australia}}</ref>

== P.E.E.C ==

In 1969, after compulsory land acquisition by Parramatta City Council, Parramatta Salvation Army moved to a new site at 34 Smith Street, Parramatta. Over the years, this site housed the main citadel, an auxiliary hall, church office space, Divisional Headquarters, Christian bookstore, and community welfare services.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

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]].

In 1973, the Corps was subject to two arson attacks. The first, in January, caused approximately $30,000 damage and saw the Corps unable to use their buildings fully until May of that year. The second, in September, caused a further $16,000 damage.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

== Current Officers ==

[[Image:Pethy2.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Current Corps Officers Majors Kelvin and Cherylinne Pethybridge]]

Majors Kelvin and Cheralynne Pethybridge were commissioned by The Salvation Army as Officers in [[1983]]. Throughout their service with the Salvation Army they have served as corps officers (or C.O's) for most of this time. As corps officers they have served in [[Blackwater]] (Central Queensland), [[Campbelltown, New South Wales|Campbelltown]], [[Shoalhaven]] and [[Wollongong]], prior to coming to Parramatta Corps in January, [[2002]]. They also have spent five years as Divisional Youth & Candidates Secretary (Kelvin) and the Divisional Guard Organiser (Cheralynne).

On 14 January 2018, Granville Corps officially merged with Parramatta Corps. In March 2018, The Salvation Army vacated their Smith Street citadel, beginning the move to 426 Church Street, North Parramatta.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://salvos.org.au/parramatta/contact-us/our-history/|title = Our History » the Salvation Army Parramatta &#124; the Salvation Army Australia}}</ref> While the new facility is being renovated, the majority of ministry activities are being held at 60 Good Street, Granville (former home of Granville Corps), with the exception of the Corps social welfare programs, which are run from the ground level of the new Church Street site. The construction of the new Corps building is expected to begin in the middle of 2019, with the opening currently scheduled for February 2020.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

In [[1998]], they attended the Brengle Fellowship in [[Wellington]], [[New Zealand]] and in [[2003]] Kelvin attended the International College for Officers[http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki%5Cwww_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/7F34E2816CB69689802570F400378255?openDocument] in London, UK.

== Music Sections ==

[[2007]] is their sixth year as Parramatta's Corps Officers, and is the longest any Corps Officers have been posted there.

The Salvation Army - Parramatta has a number of music sections, including Brass Band, Contemporary Worship Ensemble, Songsters, and junior groups. These serve the primary purpose of supporting corporate worship.

== Brass Band ==

Parramatta Salvation Army Brass Band (aka ''PSA Band'') is an atypical [[Salvation Army Band]] with a membership of approximately 30-35 people. It is currently under the leadership of Graham Ainsworth and his assistant, band intern, Adam Wright. 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 [[concert]]s.

=== Brass Band ===

The band has been part of Parramatta Corps for some time and is beloved by both Salvationist's and Non-Salvationist's alike. ''PSA Band'' is a common feature at the annual dawn service on [[ANZAC Day]] and features "around town" playing [[Christmas]] carols from mid-[[November]] to [[December]] 25th 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, Western Australia|Perth]] and Hamilton (in [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]]). In [[June]] 2007, they made a trip to [[Forbes Shire Council|Forbes]].

Parramatta Citadel Band (''PCB''), part of Parramatta Salvation Army, is a typical [[Salvation Army]] [[Salvation Army Band|Band]] with a membership of approximately 30-35 people. It has existed uninterrupted for close to a century. The bands 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."<ref>[http://www.salvoaudio.com/bands/parramatta.htm PCB performing at Sydney Congress Hall]</ref> The Band is currently under the leadership of Major David Collinson.

=== Songsters ===

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 pretense that you are looking to be enrolled at some point in the immediate future. Many poeple were wary of allowing this to occur, but having seen the impact joining the band has on younger players, soon warmed to it.

The ‘[[Songster]]s' 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 [[Wiktionary:congregation|congregation]] each Sunday through song. The songsters are supported by a small ensemble of musicians on instruments including [[piano]], [[bass guitar]], and [[Drum kit|drums]].

As well as local ministry, the group has toured in areas such as Asia (June 2001), [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]] (2006), and other New South Wales regional centres such as [[Tamworth, New South Wales|Tamworth]] and [[Dubbo]]. The group also sings within the community at Christmas time, sharing carols and Christmas songs in shopping centres and carol services.

== 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.

The following individuals have held the role of 'Songster Leader' since 1969:

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.

* Errol Grice

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 20th, 2007.

* Ross Duncan

* Jim Muir

* Margaret Poore

* Murray Mayday

* Matthew Pethybridge

* Nicola Poore

* Tannie Kwong

=== YP Band ===

The group currently has nine [[member]]s that are also part of the Sydney Staff Songsters [http://www.sydneystaffsongsters.com/](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. But this has been avoided in recent years by the use of a [[loophole]] that allows people to maintain membership if they originally joined whilst at another Corps.

[[File:Standard of the Salvation Army.svg|thumb|right|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 23.

The songsters are supported by a small ensemble of fine musicians on instruments including [[piano]], [[bass guitar]], and [[drums]], and led by Songster Leader Matthew Pethybridge, assisted by Deputy Songster Leader Margaret Poore and Intern Gemima Gray.

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.

== YP Band ==

== Children's Ministry ==

The Parramatta YP (Young Peoples) Band is a [[brass band]] and was formed in [[1944]], it's 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.

The Children’s Ministry at the Parramatta Corps is co-ordinated by a "Young People’s Sergeant Major", commonly abbreviated to "YPSM". This person is responsible for organising and leading the various ministries the corps runs for youth and children. As of present, the role is unfilled, with the departure of the previous YPSM Carissa Ainsworth in the first half of 2019 to take up the role of Ministry Co-Ordinator for the Greater Penrith and Mt Druitt Region.

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.

Parramatta Corps provides groups for both children and [[adolescents]]. These groups are often led by members of the Corps and include:

The current YP Band Master is [[Cornet#Lists_of_important_players|Mark Roberts]]. He has been in this role since [[October]] [[2005]].

*''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.

*''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 music|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.

=== GeneralsJunior FootballSoldiers ===

[[Image:Generalsplayer.jpg|200px|left|thumb|A 'Generals' player in action]]

[[Soldier (The Salvation Army)#Junior Soldiers|Junior Soldiers]] is an age-specific program run by some [[Salvation Army]] Corps for children aged 7–13 years. Designed to increase Bible knowledge, as well as knowledge on the doctrine and history of The Salvation Army, the junior soldier program encourages children to model their lives in a Christ-like manner from a young age, through the provision of age-appropriate lessons.

Parramatta Corps is the home of the Parramatta Salvation Army [[Football]] Club, the 'Generals'[http://www.myspace.com/psafc_generals]. 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.

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 that utilises the Junior Soldiers program is compelled to have someone to oversee this program. Within the Corps, this person is known as the "Junior Soldier Sergeant". The role of "Junior Soldier Sergeant" at Parramatta Salvation Army is currently unfilled.

Some 10 years later (in [[2006]])the ban was unprecedently lifted. And hence, they currently field both a first and reserve grade side. In the [[2007]] season the first grade team is currently [[undefeated]] with 7 wins from 8 [[league]] matches, and 1 [[draw]]. The reserve grade team has 2 wins and 2 draws from 7 league matches (though they have been plagued with many injuries). Both teams have also qualified for the [[quarter final]]'s of their respective cup knock-out competitions.

== Parramatta Salvation Army Football Club ==

== Trivia ==

[[File:Generalsplayer.jpg|200px|left|thumb|A ''Generals'' player in action]]

* The corps weekly [[newsletter]] is known as the 'Parra Matters'.

Parramatta Corps was home of the Parramatta Salvation Army Football Club, the ''Generals'', a member club of the New South Wales Churches Football Association.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nswcfa.com.au/website/ListClubs.asp |title=List of Clubs |publisher=New South Wales Churches Football Association |date=2012 |accessdate=16 May 2015 }}</ref> They were a Senior team that played in the NSWCFA's Raahauge Cup 1. 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.

==See also==

The football club was revived in 2006 and took on the moniker ''The Generals'',<ref>[http://www.sportingpulse.com/club_info.cgi?c=1-3183-37175-0-0&sID=33165 Generals Executive's]</ref> however this revival was relatively short lived, and the club is currently defunct.

*[[The Salvation Army]]

*[[Generals of The Salvation Army]]

*[[Chief of the Staff of The Salvation Army]]

*[[High Council of The Salvation Army]]

*[[Officer of The Salvation Army]]

*[[Soldier of The Salvation Army]]

== See also ==

==Other miscellaneous articles==

* [[SalvationSydney ArmyCongress BandHall]]

*[[The Salvation Army, U.S.A.Australia WesternEastern Territory]]

{{Clear}}

*[[Salvation Army U.S.A Central Territory]]

*[[The Salvation Army in Manchester]]

*[[Chalk Farm Salvation Army Band]]

*[[Maidenhead Citadel Band]]

*[[Kroc Center]]

*[[International Staff Band]]

*[[Melbourne Staff Band]]

== References ==

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[[Category:Churches in Sydney]]

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[[Category:Salvationism in Australia]]

[[Category:The1884 Salvationestablishments Armyin Australia]]