The first Salvation Army Corps (Church) in Detroit was opened in October 1887. Around 1892, the first band was established at what was to become known as Detroit Citadel. The Band had it’s first ‘outing’ to Ann Arbor in 1895 where it assisted in the opening of The Army’s work in that city. It is not known exactly when the Songsters (Choir) were established, but the first photo of the Detroit Citad
el Songsters is dated as 1906. In 1972 the Detroit Citadel Corps moved from Second and Bagley in Downtown Detroit to Dearborn Heights where it was re-named Dearborn Heights Citadel. During the 129 year musical ministry of the Detroit/Dearborn Heights Citadel, the Band and Songsters have ministered on our own platform during meetings, and have participated in Salvation Army Divisional (Eastern Michigan), Territorial (USA Central) and national events. Our ministry is not confined to these Salvation Army events. The Band and Songsters can be found ministering in the ‘Open-Air’ at venues in Dearborn Heights, as well as nursing home visitation and at various iconic ‘red kettle’ locations in Wayne County. The Band also takes part in the yearly ‘Noel Night’ in Downtown Detroit where we can be heard playing Christmas music to accompany the yearly ‘Sing-a-long.’
Each year at Thanksgiving, the Citadel Band hosts it’s yearly festival the weekend before Thanksgiving. A tradition that started in 1920 under the leadership of Bandmaster Richard Herival. On this page, you will find historical photos of the Detroit/Dearborn Heights Citadel Band and Songsters, videos of the Band and Songsters, and information about up-coming events where the Band and Songsters are going to be participating. The mission of the Dearborn Heights Citadel Band and Songsters is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music. It is our hope and prayer that you will be blessed, inspired and encouraged in your walk with Christ through our ministry.
