HISTORY OF THE SALVATION ARMY

In July, 1865, William Booth began The Salvation Army. It wasn't until 1878, when Booth adopted the name of The Salvation Army for his movement. He preached to a small street congregation in the slums of London. Because of his undaunted spirit, he attracted loyal followers whose numbers continued to grow as the years went by. Thirteen years after it's start, The Salvation Army became a legal entity with a military structure. At first, the Army was persecuted by church people, because it was so unconventional. Despite this persecution, the Army successfully attacked hunger, homelessness, and poverty.

Unknown to the Salvationist in London in 1879 the Salvation Army was gaining a foothold in America through a young immigrant Eliza Shirley. Eliza had gone to America to join her family who had immigrated several months before. She soon began preaching. Shirley sent Booth a letter requesting reinforcements to be sent to America. No one was available to come at that time. The request did not go forgotten and on March 10, 1880 George Railton and seven women officers knelt on the dockside at Battery Park in New York City to give thanks for safe passage and for the Ministry outreach they were to officially start. Today the United States have 9,600 service centers where the Red Shield continues to be a beacon for compassion.

The latest dispatches from the front lines of life's battles often leave little hope. But where The Salvation Army offers shelter and meals for the homeless, Group homes for handicapped persons, Spouse abuse shelters, Drop-in centers for run-aways, Job training for the unempolyed, Camps for disadvantaged children and seniors, Treatment centers for substance abusers. During a disaster, The Army is one of the first on the scene offering food, water, clothing, counseling and furniture to disaster victims.

But more important, The Salvation Army offers hope to hurting souls.

We take seriously our responsibility to care for our fellow men and women. Whoever they are, what-ever their need. Around the corner, and around the world.

The Salvation Army is continuing to meet human needs in the name of GOD.

"WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME." MATTHEW 25:40 NIV