William Booth started the Salvation Army in 1865. Booth was a London minister
who decided to take his message to the public to reach those who were hungry, poor and homeless. Initially, Booth sent those he reached to familiar churches. However, he soon discovered that theydid not feel welcome or wanted in most places. It was then that he decided to find a place where the homeless and poor could come to worship in peace (the East London Christian Mission). Booth kept faithin the Lord, even though the mission grew slowly.

Booth called upon his son, Bramwell, and his close friend George Railton to read a proof of the Christian Mission’s yearly report in 1878. At the top of the document were the words: The Christian Mission is a Volunteer Army. This did not sit well with Bramwell, who stated he was there to do God’s work and was not a volunteer. Inspired, Booth crossed out the word “Volunteer”and in its place wrote “Salvation.” It was at this moment that The Salvation Army was created.

As time moved on, The Salvation Army grew throughout the world. Soon, there were soldiers and officers in36 countries, including North America. Many services were created to aid countless people, including The Salvation Army mission hospital, food depot, women’s social work and more. During World War II, The Salvation Army organized 3,000 service units for the military. From this, the USO was formed.

The Salvation Army is now stronger than ever before. Currently, The Salvation Army is in over 106 nationsworldwide and provides efforts where most needed. They continue to be guided by faith in the Lord and love for all people.