Deloraine Salvation Army

In early December 1883, the Daily Telegraph reported that a detachment of the Salvation Army would be holding inaugural services in the Town Hall. The response and interactions with the town's other religious denominations were yet to be determined. The article went on to suggest:

... it is rumored that as the Oddfellows Hotel is for sale they ought to buy it. The old Assembly Room would form a splendid barracks, especially as it is in Barrack-street. But this is at present only talk.

A disturbing event took place at a meeting of the Salvation Army in the Oddfellows Hall in October 1885, when, it was reported that a young man disrupted the meeting by called out "What about Lily Armstrong?" The court found him guilty and ordered him to pay a find of 20 shillings plus costs or 48 hours imprisonment.

The new Deloraine Salvation Army Barracks were opened with great fanfare by Colonel Barker on July 10, 1888, at 3 p.m. The event featured a monster tea and entertainment provided by a brass band for the attendees.

Advocate newspaper, 18 Jul 1939

DELORAINE

- Salvation Army:

On Sunday afternoon, the officers of the Salvation Anny stationed at Chudleigh (Captain Kingham, and Lieut. Badenhop) held a meeting in the Oddfellows' Hall. This is the first time for more than 20 years that a meeting has been held in Deloraine on Sunday, although weekly street rallies have been carried on regularly since the Salvation Army barracks in Parsonage Place was dismantled. It is the desire of the officers to revive the Sunday afternoon meetings, and they intend holding another rally in a fortnight's time.