The Salvation Army - Providence, RI

Title: Historical Background


Detail:
The Salvation Army (called The Christian Mission until 1878) began as a ministry to the unchurched in 1865, when a former Methodist minister named William Booth began to preach in the slums of London's East End.

When converts from these meetings were sent to established churches, they felt ill at ease, so Booth and his wife Catherine established Christian Mission centers for them. The Christian Mission grew beyond all expectations. The name The Salvation Army was adopted and a military form of government was established, with uniforms and other distinctive features. Military terms have been used throughout the years to designate ranks of officers (Salvation Army ministers) and to describe the activities of the organization.

In order to attract the multitudes that would not enter a place of worship, the Army organized street meetings and marches, using flags, brass bands and religious songs set to secular tunes.

Those who become soldiers (members of The Salvation Army church) are required to acknowledge Jesus Christ as a personal Savior from sin, and to exhibit a sense of responsibility to win others to the Christian faith.

As of this printing, The Salvation Army operates in 118 countries where it maintains religious and social service centers, including schools and hospitals. Officers and soldiers preach the gospel in 175 languages.