The Salvation Army Parkhead Citadel Corps, No. 59 was opened on Thursday 21 January 1886 by Captain William Palmer (later a Lt. Commissioner) and major Thomas Adams (later Commissioner) when on a tour of the Glasgow District of the Scottish Division.
The weekday meetings were originally held in a shop in Parkhead with the Sunday meetings being held in Parkhead Public Hall
A report in “The War Cry” of February 1886 (A Tour in The Glasgow District) reported “Parkhead was opened on Thursday 21 January 1886. The Bridgeton Brass Band came over to help us. Large bills had been posted, advising the people of our entry. There were great wonderment and excitement. There were crowds of people on the line of the march, and on our arrival at the Parkhead Public Hall we were unable to get into the main door, owing to the crush of the people who wanted to get in. However, we got in by a side door. The people got in were just the right class – men with black faces and working clothes; women without bonnets, and the majority the working class. God blessed our efforts. At the close two souls came to the Cross.
Another report in “The War Cry” of March 13 1886 stated; “A wonderful change has taken place here since our first visist, three weeks ago – being the opening. God has been d
oing great things, and quite a harvest of souls gathered in. The barracks which hold about 200 was packed to excess, and many unable to get in.
The present day hall was opened in 1908. Building work commenced in 1907 and three foundation stones were laid on 31 August 1907;
One has the inscription, Laid by Major John Carroway V.D. (Volunteer Decoration) 4th V.B. (Volunteer Battalion) Scottish Rifles. Fight the Good Fight.
Another has the inscription, Laid by James Templeton Esq. 31 August 1907. The Foundation of God Standeth Sure.
The third stone has the inscription, Laid by The Provincial Commander on behalf of Scotland Province and the E. Glasgow Division.
50th Anniversary:
The souvenir programme for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations shows that the celebrations were held over the weekend of Friday 8th November to Sunday 10th November 1935 with a Great Jubilee Banquet being held on the Friday with Lt. Colonel Pennick (Divisional Commander) and Mrs. Pennick presiding.
A Great Reunion Gathering was held on the Saturday and an Armistice Service held on the Sunday.
71st Anniversary
The 71st anniversary celebration were conducted by Lt. Commissioner & Mrs. W. Grottick (Territorial Commander) and supported by Lt. Colonel & Mrs. R Trainer (Divisional Commander).
Renovations & Reopening:
The hall was closed in 1972 for renovations to the Senior Hall and the building of an extension which was to be the New Young Peoples Hall.
The Dedication and Reopening of the Parkhead Citadel took place on Saturday 17th November 1973 by the Territorial Commander and Mrs. Commissioner John Fewster.
Thanks were expressed to the Local Traders who contributed to the costs of producing the programmes and amongst these local traders was our own Tam McCann’s father George who owned and ran a butchers shop on Tollcross Road.
Centenary Celebrations:
On Friday 24th January 1986 a centenary dinner was held in Calton & Parkhead Parish Church, Helenvale Street at 7pm. And tickets were £5 each.
A centenary Festival of Thanksgiving was held on Saturday 25th January 1986 in Shettleston Halls, Wellshot Road with guest leaders Colonel & Mrs. W. Layton.
A Centenary Reunion Weekend was held on 13th & 14th September 1986 and Leader was Major Jack Izzard.
Television presenter Jeremy Paxman visited the hall in 2005 for the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are documentary. The presenter was moved to tears when he was told that his Great Grandmother, Mabel McKay brought up 11children in a slum in Ardenlea Street, Dalmarnock.
Many thanks to Captain Linda Dunlop for her help and hospitality in gathering this information.