The Salvation Army traces its colorful beginnings from July 2, 1865, when a Methodist minister started work in East London that would spawn a massive movement before the 19th century ends. Founder William Booth preached the Gospel to the poor, and by 1867, the ministry had been offering reading rooms, basic schooling, soup kitchens, penny banks, and relief aid to the needy and underprivileged.
Booth and his wife, Catherine, trained evangelists throughout England, and within a decade, their organization had more than 1,000 volunteers and evangelists. Among their first converts to Christianity were thieves, prostitutes, drunkards, and gamblers, and soon they were preaching the Word of God on the streets. Here, women were also given ranks equal with men as the couple launched their programs into London’s more destitute neighborhoods.
In 1878, Booth was looking at a printer’s proof that referred to their group Christian Mission as a “volunteer army.” He was quick to change it into Salvation Army, proclaimed in succeeding meetings as such. The Salvation Army responded to a call from America in early 1880, followed by the call to commence operations in Australia.
From there, it has grown into an international evangelical movement with an array of social services, now based in 106 countries and reaching 160 languages. The Salvation Army provides not only different forms of support to the poor and disenfranchised, but also offers spiritual counsel and a sense of community to them regardless of their race, creed, or conviction.
A car dealership owner, Robert Bassam is a staunch supporter of Salvation Army as well as other organizations. Learn more about his passion for philanthropy on this blog.
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Image source: Wikimedia Commons
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In 1878, Booth was looking at a printer’s proof that referred to their group Christian Mission as a “volunteer army.” He was quick to change it into Salvation Army, proclaimed in succeeding meetings as such. The Salvation Army responded to a call from America in early 1880, followed by the call to commence operations in Australia.
From there, it has grown into an international evangelical movement with an array of social services, now based in 106 countries and reaching 160 languages. The Salvation Army provides not only different forms of support to the poor and disenfranchised, but also offers spiritual counsel and a sense of community to them regardless of their race, creed, or conviction.
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Image source: SalvationArmyNorth.org
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