Salvation Army Funerals in Perth
A Salvation Army funeral is unlike any other. It's a Promotion to Glory — a celebration of a life lived in service, and a confident declaration that the best is yet to come.
At Greenfields Funerals, we understand this deeply. Our family is part of the Salvos community at Perth Fortress Corps, and we've had the privilege of serving Salvationist families across Perth and the Southwest. We know the traditions, the songs and choruses, the flags, and the meaning behind every element of a Salvos farewell. Read more about our Salvation Army connection →
What makes a Salvation Army funeral different
Promotion to Glory
In Salvation Army tradition, death is not an ending but a promotion — a transfer from earthly service to heavenly glory. The funeral service reflects this theology of hope. While there is grief, there is also celebration. The tone is confident, joyful, and anchored in faith.
The Corps Officer
The Corps Officer typically leads the funeral service. They know the soldier or friend, know the family, and speak from a place of genuine relationship. If your loved one's Corps Officer is available, they'll usually officiate. If not, arrangements can be made with another Officer or a Salvos Chaplain.
The Salvation Army Flag
For soldiers of The Salvation Army, the Army flag is often draped over the coffin during the service. This is a powerful symbol of the soldier's lifelong commitment. The flag is removed before cremation or burial and returned to the corps. We handle this with care and reverence.
Music and Songs
Music is central to Salvos life, and the funeral is no different. Band pieces, congregational songs, and songster items are common. Favourites might include O Boundless Salvation, Blessed Assurance, or To God Be the Glory. We coordinate with the corps to arrange live music where possible, or can provide recordings.
Tributes and Testimonies
Salvos funerals often include personal tributes from comrades, friends, and family — reflections on the person's character, their service, and the impact they had on those around them. These are typically warm, honest, and sometimes humorous. Your corps officer will help shape the order of service.
Service options for Salvos families
Every Salvation Army funeral is different, shaped by the wishes of the family and the life of the person being honoured. Here are the most common approaches.
How we work with your Corps
We coordinate directly with your Corps Officer to plan the service. We've worked with corps across Perth and the Southwest, and we understand how each corps does things. If there are specific traditions at your corps — a particular processional, a memorial wall, a special reading — we'll accommodate them.
- Arrange the venue — cemetery chapel, church, or Corps hall
- Coordinate the flag ceremony with the corps
- Work with the band or songsters if available
- Manage the order of service and printed materials
- Handle all logistics so the Officer and family can focus on the service
- Liaise with interstate corps when family is travelling from elsewhere
Part of the Salvos community ourselves
Our team holds more than 150 years of combined Salvation Army life — as soldiers, band members, and Corps families. We've written more about what that means for the families we serve.
Planning ahead as a Salvationist
Many Salvationists plan their funeral in advance. It's consistent with the Army's emphasis on being prepared, organised, and considerate of others.
A prepaid funeral plan lets you document your wishes — the hymns, the readings, the style of service — and know that your family won't have to make those decisions under pressure. You can specify your preferred corps officer, your favourite songs, whether you'd like the flag, and any other details that matter to you. We write it all down and keep it on file until it's needed.
If you'd like your corps officer involved in the conversation when arranging a prepaid plan, we're happy to include them. Some families find it helpful to have the officer present when discussing the spiritual elements of the service.
Frequently asked questions
Does the funeral have to be at a cemetery chapel?
No. Salvation Army funerals can be held at a cemetery chapel, the corps hall, a church, or another venue. The choice depends on the family's preference, the size of the congregation, and practical considerations.
Can non-Salvationists attend a Salvation Army funeral?
Absolutely. Salvos funerals are open and welcoming. The service may include elements specific to the Army — the flag, specific songs, references to soldiership — but everyone is welcome to attend and participate.
What if my loved one was a Salvationist but hadn't been active recently?
Every person's relationship with the Army is their own. Corps Officers are typically willing to conduct a funeral for any Salvationist, active or not. We can help make the connection.
What does a Salvation Army funeral cost?
Our pricing is the same regardless of faith tradition. A traditional cremation service starts from $6,950 and a direct cremation is $4,260. View our full pricing. Corps Officers do not typically charge a fee, though a donation to the corps is customary.
Part of the Salvos community?
So are we. Call us for a quiet conversation about planning ahead or arranging a service now.
Get in Touch or call 1300 69 79 89 any time