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...And What Do We Do?
If you would like to learn more about The Salvation Army, you have come to the right place.
Red kettles and bells at Christmas. The thrift stores. These are the most common images people have of The Salvation Army. But look a little further and you will find that we offer a diverse array of spiritual and social service programs catering to the needs of children, families, seniors and individuals. And if you would like to learn more about The Salvation Army - in the United States, and around the world - you have come to the right place...
In The Beginning...
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.
By the 1900s, the Christian Mission - now renamed as The Salvation 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 120 countries around the world, The Salvation Army continues to work where the need is greatest, guided by faith in God and love for all people.
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.
Want To Know More?
Here are several short videos about the work of The Salvation Army, which we will hope you will enjoy: