The Salvation Army is an international religious and charitable movement, began in 1865 by William Booth, and continuing today in over 85 countries.  The Salvation Army's International Mission Statement follows below - if you would like to see the local (Spokane, Washington) Mission Statement or the Camp Gifford Mission Statement click here -> "Mission Statements". 

Jump to "History"  "Coming to America"  "War Efforts"  "New Stuff".  The International Headquarters of The Salvation Army offers a "'History' Link" with lot's of information.

The Salvation Army International Mission Statement:

The motivation of the organization is love of God and a practical concern for the needs of humanity. This is expressed by a spiritual ministry, the purposes of which are to preach the Gospel, disseminate Christian truths, supply basic human necessities, provide personal counseling and undertake the spiritual and moral regeneration and physical rehabilitation of all persons in need who come within its sphere of influence regardless of race, color, creed, sex or age.  (back to top)

History

The Salvation Army is a church with an attitude!   It's more than just a building where people worship God once a week - it's a worldwide organization that serves God through it's efforts to serve mankind.  To know more about the spiritual beliefs of The Salvation Army take a look at our "Doctrines".  The Salvation Army started in 1865 when William Booth left the Methodist ministry and began preaching to "undesirables" in London's East End.  Booth soon found that the converts of his new ministry weren't welcome in mainstream churches so he set up Christian Mission Centers where they could interact, grow and help one another. 

Later, in 1878, Booth adopted the name "The Salvation Army" for his organization.  The missions became "corps"; pastors became "officers"; members were known as "soldiers".   William Booth became the first general of The Salvation Army.  The Salvation Army became a phenomenon, ostracized by some, loved by many others.  In it's early years the Army faced persecution because of it's differences to other churches and because, as time went on, it challenged problems like child labor and the use of alcohol.   The Salvation Army, through William Booth, set forth with a challenge of not only changing the spiritual condition of all persons - but with a vision to battle hunger, deprivation, homelessness, poverty and abuse.  In his book "Darkest England and the Way Out" William Booth set a pattern for social welfare in which he proposed ways to meet the social problems of individuals using private (non-governmental) resources.  (back to top)

Coming to America

In 1880 The Salvation Army came to America in the person of George Scott Railton and seven "lassies".  Their work of helping the poor and spreading the gospel in New York spread like a wildfire across America.  The uniqueness of The Salvation Army, it's combination of meeting basic human needs, without distinction, added to the desire to change the spiritual condition of all persons, drew thousands as lives were touched and changed.  Those that once lived on the streets as outcasts of society now served God and man in the organization that had changed their life.  Those who once had no hope now shouted to all who would listen that hope, and help, was available to all. 

By the early 1900's the work of The Salvation Army had spread to over 35 countries.  Army missionaries were spreading the gospel around the globe.  Innovative ministries and services emerged such as women's social work (in 1884), the first food depot (in 1888), the first day nursery (1890), the first Army missionary hospital (in 1901) and the beginning of CAMP GIFFORD in 1921.  (back to top)

WAR EFFORTS

During World War II The Salvation Army gained prominence and profile through it's service to the armed forces.  The Salvation Army operated 3,000 service units for the armed forces and led to the formation of the USO.  Many lives were touched by the 'donut girls' during the World War as the Army began to be favorably accepted by people and nations around the world.  (back to top)

What's New?

The Salvation Army now continues it's work around the globe.  New ministries continue to develop as the needs of humanity continue to change.  Homes for pregnant teens, shelters for abuse victims, hospice care for children and adults with HIV/AIDS, counseling to gang members and leadership; these are a few of the programs that have caused the Army to move forward in it's service to mankind.   Booth would have found little need for many of the new Army programs, but I believe he would be proud to see the continued emphasis on meeting the needs of the physical, as well as the spiritual person.

There is MUCH more to know about The Salvation Army - more than I will take time to write about here.  However, if you would like to know more about this unusual God-powered organization take time to look through the links listed in the Related Links page.  Additionally, the International Headquarters of The Salvation Army offers a "'History' Link" with lot's of information. (back to top)