It was the beginning of something wonderful.

After much prayer and considerable planning, the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Clarence Wiseman, and Lieut. Colonel Kenneth Rawlins, Divisional Commander of the Metro Toronto Division, decided that a new Corps should be formed in Mississauga.

The idea at West Toronto Corps was greeted with great excitement and anticipation by those West Toronto comrades who were already living in Mississauga. Colonel Rawlins recalls, "In my view we would have to move into Mississauga with a strong Army nucleus, rather than attempting to build with limited Soldiery." When he asked the Soldiery of West Toronto Corps how many would volunteer to transfer to a new corps in Mississauga, "a goodly number responded, including such comrades as the Darraughs, the Pughs, and the Calhouns. At the same time we decided to close the Rowntree Corps, suggesting that the Soldiers there transfer to West Toronto."

On July 11, 1972 band rehearsals began in St. Luke's on the Hill United Church on Constitution Blvd. On Sunday, September 15, 1972, twenty-nine comrades held their first Open-Air meeting. Although a Corps Officer had not yet been appointed, a building or even a plot of land established, The Salvation Army began making its presence felt in the Mississauga area.

Later that week on Tuesday, September 17, Colonel Rawlins and Corps Sergeant Major, Al Darraugh met with fifteen others on a parcel of land that had just become available for sale. They all agreed that this lot at 3173 Cawthra Road would be an ideal location for Mississauga Temple. Another lot was first considered on Eglinton near Tomken Rd, but was rejected. In October the Cawthra lot was purchased from Mr. Norman Haist. On January 15, 1973 we took possession of the land and moved into what became affectionately known as Cawthra House. Doug Pugh acted as foreman as nearly 1,000 hours were spent on refurbishing the house for the many activities already going on in the new Corps.

In the meantime the Mississauga comrades had made their official departure from West Toronto Corps on October 1, 1972 with farewell and dedication services attended by Colonel Rawlins, Brigadier Willard Rea and our new Corps Officers, Captain and Mrs. Woodrow Hale.

The following weekend was Congress. During the afternoon meeting our new Corps flag was dedicated and presented to Mississauga Temple by the General.