The Salvation Army began in 1865 when William Booth, a London minister, gave up the comfort of his pulpit and decided to take his message into the streets where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. Aided by his wife Catherine, Booth formed an evangelical group dedicated to preaching among the “unchurched” people living in the midst of appalling poverty in London’s East End. Booth’s philosophy of “soup, soap, and salvation” expressed his understanding that there was no point in preaching to people’s souls if their physical needs—such as warmth, nourishment and safety—had not been addressed. Because of his philosophy and work, Booth was considered one of the world’s great social reformers.
In May 1878, Booth summoned his son, Bramwell, and his good friend George Railton to read a proof of an annual report. At the top it read: THE CHRISTIAN MISSION is A VOLUNTEER ARMY. Bramwell Booth strongly objected to this wording. He was not a volunteer: he was compelled to do God's work. So, in a flash of inspiration, his father crossed out 'Volunteer' and wrote 'Salvation'. Thus, The Salvation Army was born.
Some men's ambition is art. Some men's ambition is fame.
Some men's ambition is gold.
My ambition is the souls of men.
The Salvation Army made its way across the Atlantic Ocean to the USA in 1879 when a young Lieutenant, Eliza Shirely left England to join her parents. In 1879 she held the first Salvation Army meeting in Philadelphia. Shirely wrote to General William Booth and asked for reinforcements; Commissioner George Scott Railton and seven women arrived in New York City in March of 1880 to officially begin The Salvation Army's work in America.
The basic social services developed by William Booth have remained an outward visible expression of the Army’s strong religious principles. In addition, new programs that address contemporary needs have been established. Among these are disaster relief services, day care centers, summer camps, holiday assistance, services for the aging, AIDS education and residential services, medical facilities, shelters for battered women and children, family and career counseling, vocational training, correctional services, and substance abuse rehabilitation.
More than 140 years later, The Salvation Army stretches across the globe and has a presence in more than 125 countries, with its international headquarters in London, England. The Salvation Army is dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and ministering to human need wherever needed.
Disaster Services
The Salvation Army began offering assistance to disaster survivors after a major hurricane hit Galveston, TX in September 1900, destroying the coastal city and killing thousands of people. At the request of The Salvation Army's National Commander, Frederick Booth-Tucker, officers (the clergy of The Salvation Army) from across the country moved into the Galveston area to help feed and shelter the thousands of survivors, while also providing much needed emotional and spiritual support.
Since then, The Salvation Army has responded to numerous natural disasters, transportation accidents, civil unrest situations and terrorist attacks. By providing beverages, meals, and emotional and spiritual care to first responders and survivors, The Salvation Army strives to bring hope and healing to people who find themselves in the midst of extremely difficult situations.
