The Salvation Army Citadel - Prahran - Former

A stone records: Memorial Stone - Laid by - C W Taylor, Esq - 2nd May 1888 - William Booth, General.

Masonry sign on hall records: J.S - Hall - 1901.

A plaque on the Citadel records: Salvation Army Citadel - The Salvation Army, an evengelical and social welfare organisation strurctured along military lines, commenced work in Prahran in January 1883 when 57 'soldiers' under Captain Harry Clarkson enrolled in a cottage in Izett Street. They were known as 'Daniel's Band'. This was the third Salvation Army Corps formed in Victoria, following only months behind Hotham (North Melbourne) and Collingwood. - In May 1888, the foundation stone of the first 'Citadel' was laid at 24-26 Victoria Street, Windsor - the first to be built by the Salvation Army outside London. It was built largely by trainee ministers who worked on the building by day and studied by night. The Citadel, which provided seating for up to 1200 people, opened just three months after the laying of the foundation stone. - From the start, the Salvation Army aroused both great hostility and fervent admiration among the public. Many objected to the noisy street processions and preaching which 'endeavoured to attract the attention and attendance of the lower and fallen classes to our meetings' but their magazine, The War Cry often reported packed congregations at the Citadel. - In 1901, a YP (Young People's) Hall was built adjacent to the east side of the Citadel. In 1977, the building was purchased by Prahran City Council. From 1981 until 2001, the building accommodated the Migrant Resource Centre, which has since relocated to Grattan Gardens Community Centre.