2 days ago3 min read

Keeping Salvos heritage alive

Colonel Kelvin Merrett (left) and Marcus Packham, General Manager of Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, with the 'Publishing Office' plaque.

BY LERISSE SMITH

A unique plaque that once proudly adorned The Salvation Army’s old printing works factory in East Melbourne is back in the spotlight thanks to an exciting transformation within its historic walls.

The historical ‘Publishing Office’ plaque, belonging to the old printing press that published all Salvation Army publications, including the well-known ‘War Cry’ magazine, was proudly on display at The Salvation Army Museum in Melbourne.

Now, the plaque takes pride of place as part of the Lanson Place Group’s transformation of the old building at 502 Albert Street into its first boutique hotel in Australia, the ‘Lanson Place Parliament Gardens’.

Printing press workers gather around General George Carpenter (second from left) to check one of The Salvation Army publications that was printed at the old printing factory.

The company has ensured it has paid homage to the old building’s history on its new hotel site, featuring the plaque plus historical black and white pictures of its colourful past provided by the museum. It has also kept the façade, which is a heritage-listed piece.

The 1901 facade of the old Salvation Army printing works factory that remains today and welcomes people to the new Lanson Place Parliament Gardens Hotel.

“It is very exciting they want to keep the heritage of The Salvation Army alive,” said Judi Agnew, Relationship Manager of Corporate Partnerships.

“It’s special they are very keen to keep the heritage they have picked up and to recognise it. They wanted to pay homage to The Salvation Army, and one of the first things they did was to volunteer their staff to do something for the Salvos before the hotel was half finished. The staff took part in activities at The Well in St Kilda and undertook a tour of the Salvos museum.”

Victoria’s Divisional Commander, Colonel Kelvin Merrett, attended the hotel’s official opening on 2 December along with Judi, who took part in the plaque presentation to the hotel and its ribbon-cutting ceremony, plus an evening celebration event.

One of the historical photos of The Salvation Army’s old printing press machine with a staff member checking one of its printing plates.

The Salvos’ presence at the opening helped strengthen the relationship with the Lanson Place Group, which bought the site (circa 1901) 18 months ago. It wanted to incorporate a Salvation Army connection throughout the building and named the hotel’s restaurant ‘Chronicle’ as a nod to the building’s history as a printing press.

Installation artworks referencing print and typography reflecting the building’s past history are throughout the hotel. Additionally, historical books on the life of General Eva Burrows, and a book by Museum Manager Lindsay Cox, titled Cuppa tea, Digger?, are displayed within the hotel.

Judi said the Lanson Place Group is committed to giving back to the community through The Salvation Army and inviting guests to consider making a donation.

Printing press staff gather for a group photo at the height of operations earlier last century.

Setting sights on the future, both the Salvos and the Lanson Place Group are eager to maintain their special connection and find new ways to support the Salvos while also connecting their staff to the mission.

“We look forward to progressing thoughts and ideas as we partner together into the future,” Judi remarked. “We will forever be linked in history.”