Volunteering Since 1865: a Brief History Of The Salvation Army

Image source: salvationarmyaustin.org

During the middle of the 19th century, Christian minister William Booth ministered to people in an unconventional manner – by stepping away from the pulpit and out of the four walls of the church. He took the message of the Gospel to the streets of London and throughout England as an independent traveling evangelist.

In 1865, Booth was asked to conduct a series of evangelistic meetings in London’s East End. That year, his time as a wandering minister came to an end as the success of the event allowed Booth and his wife, Catherine, to start the Christian Mission, which would later become known as The Salvation Army.

Booth modeled the organization after the British military to make sure that they emulate the efficiency by which the army was known back then. The group even designed its own flag, created hymns, wore military-like uniforms, and labeled leaders and members with “ranks.”

Image source: ctri.salvationarmy.org

The Salvation Army had an organized approach to reaching out to the most forsaken neighborhoods in London. Booth summarized it with “first, soup; second, soap; and finally, salvation.” The organization would set up soup kitchens to feed the destitute, then provide them physical and spiritual assistance.

About 15 years later, the organization branched out to three other countries, namely, Australia, Ireland, and the U.S. And 150 years, The Salvation Army has become one of the largest international charitable organization in the world, with over 1.5 million members from 127 countries, who are also known as Salvationists.

Robert Bassam has contributed to many charitable organizations, including the Prince George’s Salvation Army. Check this website to read more about his philanthropic works.