Murwillumbah Citadel History

The Salvation Army Murwillumbah made its presence known in 1898, in a town that was then a vibrant cedar hub with a rich cultural backdrop. The pioneering figure was a young woman, Ensign Rosetta White, who utilized The Protestant Hall, The School of Arts, and the streets to share her beliefs.

A plan was initiated to construct a Citadel, where hospital tents were later set up to treat the overflow of those afflicted by the Spanish Flu on the very site where the Citadel now stands, adding to the Citadel history of the area.

Interestingly, just one year after the Salvation Army arrived in the town, in 1899, Captain Ada McGrath made a visit. She was rowed downstream to the service in Tumbulgum but unfortunately did not complete the journey. The Skinner's ferry, known as 'The Uki,' collided with the rowboat carrying Ada and three others. Tragically, Ada and another female passenger drowned.

The Citadel, a significant landmark in the community, was built in 1920 and has a rich Citadel history. Throughout World War II, the church was particularly active, with the Salvation Army Murwillumbah providing vital support in various forms. They offered cups of tea, counselling, and youth groups, and shared their community music Murwillumbah by marching with their band through the streets.

The building, significant in the Citadel history, was sold and decommissioned in 1991. The Salvation Army Murwillumbah relocated north to Banora Point, where many members of the congregation resided. Since then, the building has experienced many chapters; it was revived as an antique shop, then transformed into a residence where the owner hosted community music Murwillumbah events, followed by a haberdashery, and ultimately became a venue for the arts.

For 71 years, Sunday mornings and many other occasions have been filled with the vibrant sounds of brass instruments, drums, and tambourines on Wollumbin St. In the spirit of the community of the original owners, The Citadel embraces its rich Citadel history by welcoming patrons and performers to experience unity through community music in Murwillumbah, arts, and much more, reflecting the values of the Salvation Army Murwillumbah.