History of The Salvation Army
William Booth, an ordained Methodist minister, founded the Army in London, England, in 1865. From the beginning, Booth and his followers took the message of hope and salvation to the hungry and homeless. They dedicated themselves to helping the impoverished and spiritually malnourished.
The work of The Salvation Army was brought to the United States in 1879 by a dedicated young lady named Eliza Shirley. She established the first mission in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Driven by zeal to serve their fellow man, the many converts and supporters of The Salvation Army quickly spread the work across the country.
Today, there are countless Salvationists, volunteers and supporters who continue the mission of William Booth and Eliza Shirley in almost every city and town throughout America.
From day care centers to drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs to worship services, The Salvation Army is here to serve you with a "Heart to God and Hand to Man."