The History of the Salvation Army

 

The Salvation Army is the second largest relief agency in the world. This organization is usually the first one to respond to most disasters.  At first they meet the physical needs of individuals such as food and clothing and then they address the spiritual needs.  Couples, a husband and wife, are assigned to communities. Both before taking on their assignments have to attend a seminar for two years to be trained as ministers.  The core of every Salvation Army agency is a church.  The Salvation Army ideals were proposed during a time period in England in which there were no child labor laws.  Children were used to clean chimneys because of their size.  Girls who were at least 12 years of age with their fathers not present were used for prostitution.  Children could order alcohol and gin was the common drink of choice during that time period for children.  Throughout history many generous souls try to help the poorest of the poor and William Booth was one of those people.  He began his career as a minister in 1852.  He walked the streets in London to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor.  Instead of spreading the word in a church, he decided to bring the message to the people.  These public acts went against the church leaders in London so he withdrew from the church and traveled throughout England to preach with his wife Catherine.  She is also known as a cofounder of The Salvation Army.

In 1865, William Booth was requested to hold a series of evangelistic sessions in the East side of London.  Booth set up a tent at a Quaker graveyard and his sermons received much applause.  This episode ended his travels throughout England.  He became a well-known religious leader throughout London.  He drew a large number of followers who became devoted to helping others.  Thieves, prostitutes, and drunkards were some of the ones who exchanged their wanton ways and bought into Christianity.

Many churches did not accept his followers because of their pasts.  So Booth continued to provide them with religious guidance.  Soon his followers were preaching and singing in the streets.  In 1867, Booth had ten full-time workers, but by 1874 he noticed this statement “The Christian Mission is a volunteer army.”  Crossing the words “volunteer army” and penned the name “Salvation Army.” From this point on people who converted became soldiers of Christ.  Booth experienced serious opposition from many people in the British Isles.  In spite of the violence and antagonism, approximately 250,000 people joined the Salvation Army between 1881 and 1885. The business owners vehemently opposed the inception of the Salvation Army. 

In 1879 the Salvation was brought to the United States by Lieutenant Eliza Shirley.  She left England to join her parents.  She held her first meeting in Philadelphia.  The Salvation Army was welcome passionately.  Booth was convinced to pioneer work in the United States in 1880.  Edward J. Higgins served as the first publicly elected general in 1929.  Evangeline Booth was elected as the first female general, serving from 1934 to 1939.  According the Wikipedia article about the Salvation Army, General Shaw Clinton is serving as the general in 2006.  In an article of the Washington Times Linda Bond, who dedicated 44 years of active service to the Salvation Army, resigned in June 2013. Possible replacements according to the article may be Barry Swanson or James Knagg.  A high council meeting to discuss Bond’s replacement was held July 29, 2013 with 118 members, 64 women and 54 men, with an average age of 59. I am not sure if the position of general has been filled at this point.   No officers can possess property such as furniture, cars, and homes.  According to Steve Francis associated with the chapter located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the officers receive their orders in June.  Oftentimes, they are moved to other locations to serve that community.

Today the Salvation Army has expanded to 125 countries around the world.  In the United States the well-known bell heard outside of businesses was introduced in 1901 followed by the red kettle in 1905. The organization is set up for those who buy hook, line and sinker into the role of serving communities as a volunteer.  Officers cannot own property such as furniture, homes, cars, or even the towels that are purchased for the homes of the ministers, only the clothes on their backs and a few personal items.  In June of each year ministers await to learn about their future assignments and if they are going to be requested to move to another location.  The organization manages to secure services from qualified people.  Steve Francis was a corporate lawyer before joining the Salvation Army team.  He informed us, the Lake Superior Elders in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, about the services that are provided by his branch of service, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, being a part of that branch.  In November 2013, 643 meals were served, 90 people were assisted with groceries, and there were 54 family cases.  The Salvation Army provides assistance with housing also. Two truckloads of food arrived from the local casino which was distributed to needy people immediately.  The Salvation Army will assist families and individuals with medical and medicine costs.  Many people obtain training by learning how to work in the Salvation Army stores.  In December there will be an increase with individuals needing energy assistance with the cold weather of winter approaching.  A needs assessment is conducted regularly to determine what needs are specific for each community and the services are tailored to meet those needs.  All in all, the Salvation Army provides a vast amount of services that has addressed the needs of many.