History of Our Christian Movement
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.
His original aim was to send
converts to established churches of the day, but soon he realized that
the new believers did not feel comfortable or welcome in the pews of
most of the churches and chapels of Victorian England. Regular
churchgoers were appalled when these shabbily dressed, unwashed people
came to join them in worship.
Booth decided to found a church
especially for them — the East London Christian Mission. The mission
grew slowly, but Booth's faith in God remained undiminished.
In
May of 1878, Booth summoned his son, Bramwell, and his good friend
George Railton to read a proof of the Christian Mission's annual report.
At the top it read: THE CHRISTIAN MISSION is A VOLUNTEER ARMY. Bramwell
strongly objected to this wording. He was not a volunteer: he was
compelled to do God's work. So, in a flash of inspiration, Booth crossed
out "Volunteer" and wrote "Salvation". The Salvation Army was born.
By
the 1900s, the Army had spread around the world. The Salvation Army
soon had officers and soldiers in 36 countries, including the United
States of America. This well-organized yet flexible structure inspired a
great many much-needed services: women's social work, the first food
depot, the first day nursery and the first Salvation Army missionary
hospital. During World War II, The Salvation Army operated 3,000 service
units for the armed forces, which led to the formation of the USO.
Today, The Salvation Army is stronger and more powerful than ever. Now,
in over 106 nations around the world, The Salvation Army continues to
work where the need is greatest, guided by faith in God and love for all
people.
Other recent books about the beginnings of The Salvation Army
William and Catherine Booth by Helen Kooiman Hosier (Paperback - May 1999)
Travel with William Booth: Founder and First General of the Salvation Army by Jim Winter (Paperback - January 2003)
God's Army: The Story of the Salvation Army by Stephen Brook (Hardcover - December 4, 1998)
Blood & Fire : William and Catherine Booth and their Salvation Army by Roy Hattersley (Hardcover - 2002)
William
& Catherine: The Life and Legacy of the Booths, Founders of the
Salvation Army: A New Biography by Trevor Yaxley (Hardcover - April
2003)
> Don't forget to check the books on SA history at shop.salvationarmy.org
Our relationship between ministry and social work
The Salvation Army is a branch of the Christian Church with social ministries spanning the globe. Founded in 1865 by William Booth in London, England, The Salvation Army challenged the complacency of Christian churches by forging a tradition of compassionate response to the poor and disenfranchised among us. Following the example of Christ, The Salvation Army believes that worship, witness and service are inseparable. While church membership is not a prerequisite for receiving services, all are encouraged and welcome to attend our churches and to take part in our many spiritual ministries.
