On a cold bleak December 10th day in 1887 The Salvation Army 'opened fire' with a meeting in the Hart Opera House which was the largest building in town located at the corner of Carrall and Pender Streets. This building had a seating capacity of 500 and was a former roller skating rink. Oil lamps and wood stoves were the order of the day. Four young Ladies were the leaders of the Corps and their quarters were located at the northeast comer of Hastings and Main Street. History records that the first band was in action in 1888 and they were in fine fiddle for the visit of the founder William Booth in 1890.  

At this time a move was made to the top floor of a building at Water and Carrall Streets. The building was built on wooden posts and would sway with the wind. This location was home until 1907 when the Windsor Hotel at Gore and Hastings was purchased by The Salvation Army. In April 1948 a temporary building was acquired at 6th and Fir Street and on February 18,1950 the new building was opened at 301 Hastings Street.

It should be noted that the Corps was known as the Vancouver Citadel until 1950 and then changed to Vancouver Temple. At the time of the opening it was regarded as the Army's finest Corps. Downtown Open-Airs were a feature and Carrall and Hastings became a Cathedral to many.

Conditions changed over the years and it was necessary to move again in 1982 to a school for their worship services. The congregation moved into its present building on Cariboo  Road in June 1985, and became known as Cariboo Hill Temple.