New Salvation Army museum site officially opened in Sydney
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
“May this museum continue to honour the past, strengthen the present, and inspire the future.” – Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Paul Hateley
BY DEAN SIMPSON
The Salvation Army entered a new chapter of safeguarding and showcasing its history with the official Opening and Blessing of The Salvation Army Australia Museum’s Auburn site in Sydney on Friday 6 March.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas officiated alongside Museum Specialist Don Callaghan, who oversees the Sydney operations.
“I love how Don, you are so passionate about this museum,” Miriam said in her address. “And it’s not only about the history, but it’s about the now, it’s about who Jesus is and what he means to you as you run this space ... and we say a huge thank you to you.
“We do honour the past, we do honour the present, and we do believe there’s a future. The story of The Salvation Army is still being written. How we thank God for what he’s done, how we thank God for what he’s doing, and we thank God for what might be ahead.
“And let me just say that one of the things I love is where our museums are now ... in corps premises ... at Project 614 in Melbourne and here at Auburn Corps in Sydney.
“That’s what we want, isn’t it ... people seeing our museums sitting alongside our corps outreaches ... here’s our DNA, here’s our history. We are saying to people, come and see, come and experience. From the past to the present, this is the story still being lived. Very exciting days, but never let us forget the history, why we are raised up, whose we are, where we are going. We continue to write that story.”
About 50 people attended the opening, including Melbourne Museum Specialist Barry Gittins, with a small band playing some tunes before the official ceremony began.
An Acknowledgement of Country was given by Adrian Kistan, a prayer by Natalie Kistan, and a Bible reading by Robyn Edge (Psalm 145:3-13).
(From left) Robyn Edge, Adrian Kistan and Lieut-Colonel Paul Hateley.
Secretary for Communications Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Hateley extended a warm welcome, recognising the many people who had dedicated time and effort into setting up the museum space.
“Today is a very special day as we come together to celebrate the opening of The Salvation Army Australia Museum here in Auburn,” Paul said. “It is a celebration of dedication, teamwork, and a shared commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history, mission, and ministry of The Salvation Army in Australia.
“This museum holds countless stories of faith, service, sacrifice, and hope – stories that continue to inspire and shape our future. The move from our former Bexley site to this new location was no small undertaking. It required careful planning, expert handling, and countless hours of hard work behind the scenes. [Formerly known as a heritage centre, the Sydney Museum had been housed at The Salvation Army’s Bexley North property since 1983.]
“This next chapter for the museum challenges us to think creatively about how we share our story, and it gives us new opportunities to educate, to inspire, and to connect all generations with the remarkable story of The Salvation Army’s mission and ministry.”
Commissioner Miriam Gluyas with Museum Specialists Barry Gittins and Don Callaghan; Don addresses guests during the cake-cutting ceremony.
Guests were then guided to the museum entrance for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ribbon, cut by Miriam, was held by Doorways Caseworker Mark Liu and museum volunteer Leonie Bell.
“I would like to declare the Auburn site of the Museum of The Salvation Army officially open,” said, Miriam, as she cut the ribbon to the cheers of all assembled.
Miriam then presented a framed Commemorative Certificate to Don before a cake-cutting ceremony.
Those present were invited to browse through the museum before a morning tea was served at the Auburn Corps Welcome Café.
Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the official opening at Auburn:
