It's a Sallie-bration- 125 years in Hawera

Sunday street parades are a thing of the past but the Salvation Army continues to flourish in Hawera, where it celebrates 125 years this month. What started in a small mart in 1887 has grown into a steady congregation of 50 to 100 worshippers each week. Song is still a huge part of each service, although the delivery of that has changed too, says auxiliary captain Rob Gardiner, of Hawera. "In those days they had the brass band that entertained people," he says. "The service was [performed by] the brass band. Today, of course, we use piano and guitar and drums and violin and YouTube. The songs are more contemporary but the message is still given." The message next weekend is clear – "celebrate with us". The programme starts on Saturday, July 21, at 11am, with a mix-and-mingle event combined with a memorabilia display. At 2.30pm there will be a powerpoint presentation of old photographs and the corps history followed by a private invitation-only dinner. The 10am Sunday morning worship is, as always, open to the public and is followed by a concert by the Tauranga Corps Band. Salvation Army member Graeme Bateman says the movement's evolution has required a few location changes over the years. After outgrowing the mart, it moved to a workshop, then, in 1912, to a hall on Victoria St, its first permanent home in the town. In 1999 it relocated to its current Regent St premises. The Salvation Army has been involved in many community initiatives over the years, including the creation of an employment project in the 1970s, which is still running. "A very big work skills programme was set up in Hawera, and for 10 to 15 years the Salvation Army would have been the main provider in the town," he says. There were modules run in almost every major area of employment. Mr Bateman says the Salvation Army also offers a foodbank service. All the weekend events will be held at Regent St. - © Fairfax NZ News It's a Sallie-bration- 125 years in Hawera PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 09:23 12/07/2012 Hawera Salvation Army captain Rob Gardiner and member Graeme Bateman with the movement's flag. http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/south-taranaki-star/7266004/Its-a-Sallie-bration-125-years-in-Hawera