Salvation Army - Gulgong Corps (NSW) - 1894
Source: Photo and information provided by Barabara Gurney
1894 - [SALVATION ARMY]
It is thought that Harry Gudgeon is the person marked with an "X", back row, far left. He joined the Salvation Army in 1893 and would have been 14 when this photo was taken. George Farthing appears "second top right next to the bearded fellow with the flag".
GULGONG CORPS BAND - late 1890s
Back Row: J C Smith (CS), Dad Lyons, H Barnett (Treas), J Barrett.Middle Row: Richard Farthing, H Hall, Captain Kirgan, Harry Gudgeon (Sec)Front Row: John Farthing, George Farthing, BM Will Bowie
The following particulars are supplied by Captain Robert G. Kirgan:- "The names of the bandsmen (beginning from the left of the top row) are: 1st, James Smith (circular bass), also sergeant-major. a real sticker of some thirteen years' standing; always at his post, and can be relied on. 2nd, John Lyon (colour sergeant), of some twelve years' standing, trusty, godly, and true. 3rd, Harry Barnett (drummer), also treasurer of the corps, has been a fighter for some years; took up the collection in the open-air for the first time last week; always first at his post; foes all he can to help along the work; doesn't grumble; his motto is "Every beat for Jesus". 4th, John Barrett (Eb bass), three years converted, and trying his best to fight fully for his Redeemer. 5th (left hand side), Richard Farthing (1st baritone), is a saved junior, a real thorough, godly lad. 6th, Lieutenant Harry Hall (first trombone); he is now on furlough, completely run down in body, but a real fighter; godly and faithful, he has been over seven years converted, six of whihc he has spent as an officer. 7th, Daphne Kirgan, who takes up the collection with her mother whiel the band plays. 8th, Captain Robert G. Kirgan, the officer in charge of the Gulgong corps, has seen some nine years warfare - eight years an officer, now on his seventeenth station, and not got weary yet. 9th, Harry Gudgeon (eupho.), also secretary; saved about six years; a man of one idea, that is, fighting for God in the Army; he can be depended upon; faithful, a real sticker. 10th (left-hand side), John Farthing (first tenor); a saved junior steadily but surely climbing up; some day expect to see him sergeant-major; a good little worker. 11th, George Farthing (first cornet), bandmaster; one who believes in fighting and going forward; earnest, faithful and trusty; saved many years ago. 12th, William Bowie (son of Captain Bowie, now on rest); first cornet; a saved junior; a real good player, steady, good and reliable. This band is not afraid to speak, sing, pray, collect, or fish in meetings."
GULGONG SALVATION ARMY BAND - 1898
Captain Hardwick, CO
George Farthing, BM
1904 - Salvation Army Concert item at Gulgong Corps , "All in the Lifeboat".
Bandmaster Gudgeon is thought to be the man in the bow of the boat.
Source: The Salvation Army Australia - Museum
Source: The Salvation Army Australia - Museum
Back row: Gladys Gudgeon, Agnes McGovern, Maude Gudgeon, May McGovern.
Middle row: Candidate Wade, Bandmaster Gudgeon, Georgie Rixon, Captain Bryson, Clarrie Wade.
Front row: Gladys Gudgeon, Arthur Gudgeon.
Bathurst, ca 1933
Back row: Harry GUDGEON (middle back) and Robert James CAMPBELL (standing next to him wearing his cap).
Front row: Possibly Maud Lillian Gudgeon (2nd from right)
Gulgong Salvation Army members outside "The Elms" boarding house, Bathurst, ca 1933
Back row: Possibly Maud Lillian Gudgeon (2nd position)
The Gulgong Salvation Army was represented at the Salvation Army Congress (Bathurst division) which commenced at Bathurst last Saturday, the personnel being Captain A. V. Brown, Lieutenant Trumuji, Mr. R. Campbell and Misses M. and G. Gudgeon.
Captain L. Thomson and Mrs Thomson, of the Gulgong Salvation Army, and Bro. R. J. Campbell are leaving for Bathurst tomorrow (Saturday) to attend the annual congress of the Army. Bro. H. J. Gudgeon and his daughter will also attend.
1933 - THE ELMS
Last weekend was a busy one at the "Elms" Guest House, Russell Street. No fewer than 38 folk being entertained. Twenty-two of the guests were visitors for the Salvation Army Congress, and each was more than satisfied with the service received. The guests included ... Bandmaster Gudgeon, Sister M[aud] Gudgeon, Sister Gladys Gudgeon, Bro. F. [sic, R] Campbell (Gulgong);...
1933 - SALVATION ARMY - DIVISIONAL CONGRESS - YESTERDAY'S MEETING
The widespread ramifications of the Salvation Army in the Bathurst Division were strikingly demonstrated in Bathurst during the Week-end when the Divisional Congress, which will continue till to-morrow (Tuesday), was commenced:
THE CONGRESS... was also attended by Salvationists from all parts of the Western Districts, together with a number of Territorial Headquarters officers from Sydney. All told about 200 Salvationists were present for the meetings on Saturday and yesterday...
The Mudgee Band is one of the most remarkable in the whole Commonwealth. For the last 46 years it has been conducted by Bandmaster Searle who has a son and grandson in his band, another member of which is Ald. Gudgeon, of Gulgong. In addition a daughter of Mr. Searle, Miss May Searle, led the timbrel brigade from Mudgee.
That the music was appreciated was evident from the crowds which gathered round the bandsmen. The festival also, was a marked success.
Coral and Bob Duck Chong, 1932
Mrs Lt Colonel Martha Liddell and Coral Duck Chong (nee Taylor)
working on relief for flood victims
working on relief for flood victims
Advance party from the 'Petersham Silver Band'
arrive in preparation for the band's visit to Gulgong Corps, 1936.
Pictured: Glen Mayne (far left), Jack Saunders (2nd on the left), Claude Townsend (owner of the Ford)
WHAT a feast of fine, uplifting music Gulgong had last week end! Saturday and Sunday were red letter days for the local Salvation Army, the occasion being the Jubilee and a visit from the Petersham Silver Band. Not for very many years past has the town heard such strong, healthy music. It was inspiring.
The Band makes a practice of visiting some country town for Sydney Eight-hour Day week-end; its members having been to most centres, including those as far away as Wagga Wagga. Gulgong was fortunate on this occasion. It should be known that no Salvation Army bandsman is paid for his services.
A FINE SIGHT.
The Band arrived on Saturday morning, some of the members having travelled from Sydney during the greater part of the night. They made a fine sight as they marched up Mayne Street in their uniforms for a public reception which was given by the Mayor (Ald. J. H. Stahl), in Herbert Street, near the intersection of Mayne Street about 11.15 a.m.
The visitors were introduced by the Bandmaster of the Gulgong Salvation Army (Bro. H. J. Gudgeon) who referred to the presence of Bro. Farthing who, he stated, was a native of Gulgong. Bro. Gudgeon explained that the bands men were not professional players, but men who gave their time and money for the furtherance of the work of the Salvation Army.
The Mayor said that it didn't need any words of his to say how much the people of Gulgong appreciated the visit of the bandsmen. One of the marches which the band had played that morning had brought back memories to him, as he had played the same march in the local band 25 years ago. The people appreciated their visit and he sincerely trusted that they would have a happy time here.
Mr. J. J. Dowd, on behalf of the Advance Gulgong Association (in the absence of the president, Mr. A. Baldwin), extended a welcome, and said that the citizens of Gulgong would appreciate the very nice music the band was able to play. He hoped that the visitors would take back pleasant recollections of Gulgong.
Bandmaster N. Knight responded, and explained the twofold purpose of their visit. He was supported by Bro. Farthing, who said that 13 years ago he had the proud privilege and honor of having brought the band to Gulgong. There were few members of the band present who were here then. "We are here to try and cheer you and at the same timehelp the local Salvation Army Corp," he said.
JUBILEE TEA. |
Late in the afternoon a Jubilee Tea was held in the Oddfellows' Hall. Adjutant Hoepper, of the local Corp, presided. Seated at four tables were respectively the band, young people, Home League members and officers, a handsome birthday cake adorning the latter's table. The cake was made by Miss Taylor, of Tallawang Street, and was decorated by Mr. Bert Sweeny, baker, of Gulgong.
In opening the proceedings, Adjutant Hoepper apologised for the absence of Major Turner, Divisional Commander of the Bathurst Division, who was to have presided, but whose motor vehicle had broken down between Bathurst and Mudgee.
...
COUNTRY VISIT.
On Monday morning a number of the visiting, bandsmen were shown over the Cullengoral Gold Mine, and Mr. R. J. Campbell's property where shearing was in progress. A number of them had not previously seen a sheep shorn.
PERSONAL.
Bandsman Geo. Farthing, who was born in Gulgong, renewed old acquaintanceships and was amongst the most pleased visitors. Bro. Farthing, who left Gulgong about 35 years ago, is now foreman-blacksmith of the Harbor Trust, Sydney. He learnt the trade the same time as Bro. H. J. Gudgeon, having been employed in the same shop, which was owned by Bro. Gudgeon's father, the late Mr. James Gudgeon.
Mr. W. Bowie snr., is an ex-resident of Gulgong and is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Bowie, Mr. Bowie, who is a brother of Mrs. H. J. Gudgeon, is employed as a joinerat Saxon's Timber works in Sydney.
Other visitors in connection with the celebrations were: Mesdames Knight, Powley, Shaw, Barry and Anderson (wives of bandsmen); Miss Fury (daughter of Staff Sergeant Fury); Mrs. Leonard (mother of bandsman Leonard); Bandsman E. Marsh and Mrs. Marsh, of Burwood; Mr. and Mrs. W.: Kingston and family, of Dubbo. Visiting members of the band,were: Messrs. N. Knight (Bandmaster); N. Powley (Deputy Bandmaster); F. Shaw (Band Sergeant); G. Farthing (Band Leader); R. Fury. (Staff Sergeant; N. Bruce (Band secretary); L. Gray (Band librarian): W. Winter (Band League secretary); W. Bowie snr., W. Bowie Jnr., C. Bowie, J. Thain, F. Chaplin. A. Bedwell, A. Farthing, C. Townsend, N. Caisley, J. Hanna, J. Anderson, J. Saunders, M. Leonard, G. Mayne, H. Berry, L. Parsons, V. Heath, J. Gutheridge, R. Shaw (bandmen).
There were five members of the band unable to make the trip. The band was accompanied by Major and Mrs. W. Percy, who have charge of the Salvation Army at Petersham.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 8 Oct 1936 Page 13
Salvation Army Band Gulgong, pre-1940.
Harry Gudgeon on left with some family members.
Robert James Campbell on right.
Source: Barbara Gurney
Salvation Army Hall, 1975 (edited)
Source: National Archive of Australia (Camel pics).
Today the Salvation Army Hall houses the Henry Lawson Centre
GEORGE FARTHING'S MEMOIR - EXTRACT
Salvation Army
Salvation Army
On one memorable journey to Mudgee we had quite an experience. The matter of transport was always a problem. There were no motor cars and very few of us had our own means of travel. The corps (Gulgong Salvation Army) owned a horse (Charlie) and a sulky but that would only accommodate three at the most. This time however we were fortunate. We had in our yard undergoing repairs a big carrier van. Its tyres had been cut and shut and it was in good going order, so Harry Gudgeon got permission from his father who owned the coach works (that was where we worked) to use the van for our trip to Mudgee. That would solve our problem providing we could get the horses. The van was built for two or more horses and it would carry the whole company of us providing we could muster the steeds. Well! Harry had a pony and the corps owned one and I think we borrowed old piebald from Harry’s father. I forget where the other came from, but we got him. None of them had worked together before. Indeed I doubt if any of them had ever been in double harness before. But what did that matter to us. We had to get to Mudgee somehow and here was a bit of adventure.
The fact is, we were accustomed to handling horses all our short lives up to that time. That is Harry and me. Indeed we were handling them and shoeing them every day. However when the time arrived we raked up the harness from here and there, yoked up our steeds, packed in our human freight. I don’t remember how many of us there were exactly, about twelve bandsmen and two ladies. They were my sister Susie and Maudie Bowie. Of course Maudie Bowie played in the band and Susie was our organist.
Harry held the ribbons and did the driving. It was really his show. So off we started. The horses were in their element. You would think they had been working together all their lives, so we had a lovely trip into Mudgee and we had a lovely time. There was a large and appreciative audience.
Source: Paul Farthing from the Memoirs of George Farthing.
We Became Salvationists
Then we all became Salvationists. This is how it came about. Mother was ever of an evangelical turn of mind. One day she heard of, or read of (I don’t know which) a peculiar people called the Salvation Army. Then Mother heard of them as they used to say "opening fire" in Sydney. She read of their work, their evangelism, of the way they were persecuted. Mother was thrilled. Our poor weak-willed minister used to talk to Mother about them and more than once I remember him praying in the pulpit for the new movement. Then one day word came to Mudgee that the Salvation Army was coming to Mudgee. The Mudgee corps was opened by Capt. and Mrs Owen. Six months was the usual term for officers those days.
Then Capt. and Mrs Veitch came along. Mother was just longing to get into Mudgee to see the Army, so one day, in she went. How she got in I don’t remember. There were no railway trains to Mudgee those days, no motor cars either, a mail coach ran once daily. But we usually used to do the 18-mile trip by spring cart. Sometimes if we had an extra load we would do the journey by horse and dray. That would take 6 or 7 hours, or more. I have since (in modern times) done the journey by motor car in half an hour.
Well Mother lost no time hunting up the S.A. The first meeting Mother attended she felt she was just in the seventh heaven. Up on to the platform she went, and sat beside Mrs Veitch. Then she told Mrs Veitch that she was a Christian and would like to have a word. Mother’s request of was of course granted and there and then my dear Mother gave her first testimony in a Salvation Army service.
Arrangements were made on that visit for a copy of the War Cry to come to us every week, of course it was passed on to others. Soon a small War Cry round was established. War Crys were sent out from Mudgee to our place and yours truly, then just a small boy, was often sent out with a bundle of War Crys to deliver. Thus I became one of the first War Cry boomers in Gulgong. I remember one day having to call on a Mrs Katie Devit. How Mrs Devit became a War Cry customer I don’t know. However one day I went to deliver to Mrs D. her War Cry. I knocked, a voice said "come in". In I went and to my surprise and horror, there was poor old Katie sitting before the fire smoking an old short stemmed clay pipe. I remember disposing of the War Cry and making my exit as soon as possible. It was the first time I ever saw a woman smoking.
Another of my customers was up in the town to my old Congregational Sunday School Superintendent, Mr Barnett, at his blacksmith’s shop and coach works. It used to fascinate me to see them shoeing the horses and seeing the sparks flying from the anvil, seeing them working the bellows etc. I little thought that in a few years’ time I would be an apprentice serving my time in the same shop. But it was not under Mr Barnett, it was under Mr Jim Gudgeon.
Well it was naturally not very long before we had representatives of the Mudgee corps out at Gulgong spying out the land. Of course it was Mother who got them out. I remember among the first company who came out was a Miss Annie Rowel, elder sister to Mrs General Carpenter. She, Mrs Carpenter, was Miss Minnie Rowel those days. Of course our place was their rendezvous. We young children were sent off about our business while Mum and Dad entertained the distinguished visitors. Anne Rowel became Mrs Colonel Harris. There and then Gulgong became an outpost of the Mudgee corps. Arrangements were made that the meetings be held in our disused Congregational Church building.
At the appointed day Capt. Veitch with his company came out to Gulgong for the first Salvation Army service to be held in our town. The Capt. was a tall, well-built Scotsman with a sandy beard. He used to play a cornet. That’s what I liked about him. We younger children were not allowed to attend that first service, but of course we heard Mother and Father and our elder bros and sisters talking about it. There was of course the usual trouble with the roughs, but not a great deal. The fact is the Army was received in our town with open arms and went ahead with leaps and bounds, and in a very short time Gulgong possessed an independent corps.
The corps was opened by Capt. Veitch and a large company of Mudgee people came out for the great occasion. Our first officers were two lassies, Captain Emmie Cummins and Lieutenant Briant. They did a great work and were loved by everybody. My Mother and Father became members and my bro. Will and the elder sisters of the family got converted and joined up and we youngsters were sent to the junior Sunday school and eventually got saved and became S.A. soldiers so that the Farthing families both in Gulgong and Mudgee became well known as Salvation Army families. I don’t think there are any Farthings left in Gulgong now but the Mudgee family have greatly increased and there are still quite a number of them doing good work in the local corps and I am happy to say in and around Sydney and other cities of Australia. And in other country towns members of our families are serving God in the ranks of the dear old Army.
Source: Paul Farthing from the Memoirs of George Farthing.
