Korean officers special guests for 2026 history symposium
- deansimpson7
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
BY MATTHEW PLON
A date has been set for the 2026 Salvation Army History Symposium, which will feature a keynote speaker from the Korea Territory.
Co-hosted by The Australasian Journal of Salvation Army History, The Salvation Army Historical Society – Brisbane Chapter, and the Ipswich Corps (Qld), the symposium will take place from 11-13 September 2026, with Lieutenant-Colonel Sunyup Hwang as the main speaker and his wife, Lieutenant-Colonel Myung Soon Choi, as a special guest.
The symposium offers an opportunity to explore, discuss and learn about Salvation Army history.
The 2026 theme is ‘History – a narrative of many lives.’ This theme will explore the people and biographies that shape the history of The Salvation Army, rather than its policies and events.
“We hope that The Salvation Army History Symposium 2026 will explore the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ in the lives of early Salvationists,” said event organiser Garth Hentzschel.
“Through the collection of presentations, a pattern may be observed that will inform current Salvationists as to the best ways to practise their faith. We pray this will have a lasting impact on their individual life of holiness and how to better serve their wider community.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Sunyup Hwang serves as Director of The Salvation Army Museum of History in Seoul, Korea.
He has authored several books on the history of The Salvation Army in Korea and oversaw the redevelopment of the Army’s Museum of History.
His leadership also extended beyond The Salvation Army when he was appointed to the Executive Committee of the National Unification Advisory Council, a constitutional advisory body to the President of South Korea on matters of peace and reunification.
His wife has held several key leadership roles, including corps officer appointments, Secretary for the League of Mercy, as well as roles at THQ and the Officer Training College.
After the symposium, the couple, who completed their officer training at Eva Burrows College in Melbourne, will participate in the Sunday evening meeting at Riverview Outpost.
“A call for papers will be sent out within a month,” Garth said. “Anyone interested in the history of The Salvation Army or its culture is welcome to attend, but note that these are academic discussions, not a collection of feel-good stories about the ‘good old days’. Participants of past symposiums rate the experience very highly and many return each time it is held.”
More information regarding registrations will follow. Save the date and book accommodation for another great weekend of Salvation Army History!
