The Salvation Army is marking the huge milestone with a two-day celebration this weekend.
Hundreds of people from across the region and from as far as Auckland were expected to come together to remember the humble beginnings of the international religious and charitable movement in the city.
Salvation Army community ministries co-ordinator Brenda King said everyone was very excited to celebrate the important date because they had a lot of pride in the work they did daily.
"It’s just about lifting the spirits of your fellow man. There are so many people who are lonely and need help.
"There is a quote from our founder, William Booth, which reflects what we do: ‘Soup, soap and salvation’ — feed them, clean them up and get them right with God."
The team of about 20 volunteers helped about 150 people weekly though their programmes such as finance training, positive lifestyles, cameo events, support for prisoners pre- and post-release and alcohol and drug services, she said.
They also held a Sunday church service, ran a food bank which delivered about 50 food parcels every week, a family store and a transitional housing programme which housed 17 families and individuals.
"It’s hard to describe ... the more people you get to help, the better it is.
"When you see people’s lives starting to change, when you see people with low self esteem begin to feel like they are valuable members of the community — those are the rewards we get."
Invercargill Corps leader Wendy Sanson said the Salvation Army was founded in England in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth and the movement had become one of the largest non-governmental social services providers in the world.
In 1883, it sent officers captain George Pollard and lieutenant Edward Wright along with three Australian Salvationists to New Zealand, in the midst of an economic depression.
They landed in Bluff on Easter Monday before establishing the army in 21 centres throughout the country — by 1886, it had about 5000 members.
Invercargill was the ninth centre to be opened in the country and since then had been helping the community through their services and social programmes, she said.
She and Mrs King wanted to invite everyone to come along and celebrate the milestone.
The programme for the weekend begins today with a visit to the former hostel and former Dee Street Hospital nurses’ home in Leven St, Invercargill, from 2pm-2.45pm, followed by an open-air performance by the Salvation Army National Youth Band in Esk St at 3pm and a free concert with the National Youth Band and supper at the Salvation Army Church in Victoria Ave at 7pm.
Tomorrow, there will be a 9.30am prayer meeting at the church and then a celebration service, followed by a shared lunch and time to reminisce from 10.30am at the Victoria Ave site.
By Luisa Girao and Toni McDonald
