The Salvation Army Crest
The Salvation Army Shield
The Salvation Army Red Kettle

A brief history of The Salvation Army

.In 1865 William Booth, a young minister, left the "Methodist New Connection" in order to begin a mission in the poverty-ridden London East End. With his wife, Catherine, he "reached for the worst," rather than cultivate the comfortable middle class.

In 1878, by a fortunate inspiration, the name was changed from the "Christian Mission," to "The Salvation Army." Immediately, the movement captured the public imagination. Incorporating paramilitary ranks and uniforms, the movement spread throughout the British Isles. In 1880 the first missionary, George Scott Railton, was sent to New York. With the aid of seven untutored "lassies," The Salvation Army was soon on its way along the East Coast.

Work in the West begins

Conditions around San Francisco's Barbary Coast begged for a religious revival. Some sincere Christians, feeling that Booth's organization was needed, asked for officers to be sent there to form their group into the first corps in the West. Aided by reinforcements from England and new converts, Major Alfred Wells and Captain Merry Stillwell founded the vibrant, innovative Army that is today's Western Territory. In ten years there were 67 corps, (Churches), spreading north to Seattle, south to San Diego and east to Montana and Utah.

The west now encompasses the 13 western states as well as the Marshall Islands, Guam and Micronesia. Led by Territorial Commander, Commissioner Linda Bond, the territory enters the new millennium with more than 300 corps community centers and numerous social service units.

In Orange County, California

In 1887 The Salvation Army commenced its work in Orange County. The Orange County Coordination was originally based in Santa Ana; then moved to its present Tustin Ranch location in the early 1990's. The Tustin Ranch Corps (Church) is also situated on the seven-acre site along with the Doy and Dee Henley Youth Center and "The Creator's Corner" Christian Preschool and child care center. Captain Lee Lescano is the Orange County Coordinator overseeing the programs and services that serve the 31 communities in Orange County.

Social Services

William Booth's ministry recognized the inderdependence of material, emotional and spiritual needs. In addition to preaching the Gospel, Booth became involved in providing food and shelter for the hungry, homeless and alcohol rehabilitation for the addicted.

The basic social services developed by William Booth have remained an outward visible expression of the Army's strong religious principles. In addition, new programs that address contemporary needs have been established. Among these are disaster relief services, child care centers, summer camps, holiday assistance, services for seniors, hospitals and medical facilities, AIDS care and counseling facilities, shelters for battered wives and children, family and career counseling, vocational training, correctional services and drug rehabilitation.

Today, The Salvation Army ministers in more than 100 countries worldwide. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached by its officers in 114 languages.

Additional historical information can be found on The Salvation Army's International, National and Western Territory web sites.

The Salvation Army
Fact Sheet
(Cased on US Statistics)

DID YOU KNOW…

Because Need Knows No Season, The Salvation Army provides assistance to those in need 365 days a year.

Founded by William Booth in 1865. The Salvation Army is an international organization that meets the physical needs of people in 107 countries around the globe, and nearly 1,400 communities across America without discrimination.

The Salvation Army assists more than 33 million individuals throughout the year in the United States - over 6 million of those during the holiday season alone.

The Salvation Army operates several domestic violence shelters nationwide, where abused women and children can get a fresh start in life, safety and confidentially.

Salvation Army adult rehabilitation centers annually help more than 150,000 people from every walk of life fight substance abuse and return to their communities as participating, contributing members.

The Salvation Army operates AIDS hospices in several cities across the country including "Alegria" in Los Angeles.

The red Christmas kettle debuted in San Francisco in 1891 in the guise of a crab pot. A depression had thrown many out of work, including hundreds of seamen and longshoremen. The campaign proved so successful that by 1900 it was imitated nationwide.

Movie actors Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Mae West and Joan Crawford have all appeared in movies with Army characters.

The Salvation Army has more than 1.6 million volunteers and provides assistance to those in need through more than 9,000 service units across the country.

The Salvation Army's disaster relief program assisted more than 2 million disaster victims and relief workers last year (year 2000).

The Salvation Army operates a Missing Persons Service, which reunites more than 2,000 people annually.

The Salvation Army assists over 17.6 million people with social service casework projects each year.

The Salvation Army provided an opportunity to camp for more than 177,000 underprivileged children, seniors and adults last year.

The donations Americans made to The Salvation Army red kettles last Christmas totaled more than 84 million dollars.

The Salvation Army was at the frontlines in World Wars I and II, offering comfort and pastoral guidance.

The Salvation Army provided more than 33,000 job referrals last year.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy has ranked The Salvation Army as the number 1 charity in the United States for eight consecutive years.

The red shield dates from 1896 and serves as the trademark for the Army's social services.

The Salvation Army flag is the only flag, other than the U.S. flag, to have flown on the moon.

Known for their brass band music, The Salvation Army has approximately 2,500 brass bands worldwide.

Since the 1920's, a Salvation Army brass band from Southern California has marched in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena.

FAQ
What is the Army?

1. Is there a Salvation Army center in my community?
Probably; there are over 40 Salvation Army corps community centers (churches) in Southern California and over 1200 in the United States. If you would like to find one near you in Orange County click here.

2. What types of services are provided at these centers?
In addition to Sunday morning worship services, weekly Bible studies, outreach to people in hospitals and other traditional church activities, The Salvation Army Corps offer special services for the needy in their area. Some corps have Meals on Wheels programs, day care and after school programs, emergency food and shelter, senior programs and more.

3. How long has The Salvation Army been in Southern California? The U.S.?
The Salvation Army has been in Southern California for over 100 years. The first ministry in the United States opened in 1880. For "A brief history", click here.

4. Is The Salvation Army in other countries?
Yes, The Salvation Army is in 107 countries around the globe, serving humanity in more than 160 languages. Our international headquarters is in London, England where the Army was founded by William and Catherine Booth in 1865.

5. Does everybody who works for the Army wear a uniform?
No, only Salvation Army officers and members of The Salvation Army Corps (called soldiers), wear uniforms.

6. Is The Salvation Army a church or a non-profit organization?
Both. The Army is a non-profit religious organization based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. A Protestant denomination, The Salvation Army is a provider of social services to needy people. For the Army's Mission Statement, click here.

For further information regarding the work of The Salvation Army, click on the Southern California Division, Western Territory, National or International Web sites