National Salvation Army Week story series, Part I: History
National Salvation Army Week is May 12–18. To celebrate, The Salvation Army Northern Division is publishing stories about some of our most important services to illustrate how your donations and volunteer work are Doing the Most Good® for people and families in Minnesota and North Dakota.
The Salvation Army is one of the oldest charities in the world, founded in 1865 – nearly 100 years before President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared the first National Salvation Army Week in America in 1954.
The Salvation Army first organized in London, England when a 36-year-old Methodist minister named William Booth (pictured above) and his wife, Catherine, began reaching out to drunkards, prostitutes, and thieves in local slums. The Booths offered food, shelter, clothing, and the message of Christ. (Listen to William Booth preach.)
Thirteen years later, in 1878, The Salvation Army brand was born when William Booth and his son, Bramwell, stumbled upon the name by accident. (Watch what happened.)
The Salvation Army came to America in 1880, later opening its first operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota in 1886 and 1896, respectively. By 1900, The Salvation Army had opened 21 facilities in most of the largest cities of both states. Today, most of those same operation centers are still open, along with dozens of shelters, housing facilities, and other service centers.
William Booth died in 1912 (watch video of his funeral), yet his legacy and vision remain alive and well. Across America and in 134 countries around the world, The Salvation Army – the sixth largest charity in America – continues to serve millions by demonstrating the love of Christ through food and shelter programs, rehabilitation services, disaster relief, and so much more.
Last year in Minnesota and North Dakota, The Salvation Army Northern Division provided food, shelter and care for nearly 300,000 people. Thanks to your gifts, we serve about 8,200 meals every day while providing shelter and housing for hundreds of people every night.
Our commitment to serving those in need, without discrimination, is what led President Eisenhower (pictured) to speak the following words when he declared the first National Salvation Army Week 71 years ago: “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood.”
Help us Celebrate National Salvation Army Week by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer.