FAQs

What is the Salvation Army?

It's an international religious and charitable movement. The Salvation Army is a branch of the Christian Church that is organized and operated in military fashion. Members of the Salvation Army include:

  • Officers (clergy)
  • Soldiers/adherents (laity)
  • Members of various activity groups and volunteers

The Salvation Army gladly helps all people in need - regardless of race, color, creed, sex or age, without discrimination.

What is the history of the Salvation Army's International Movement?

1865...William Booth left the Methodist ministry to preach as an independent evangelist in the slums of London's East End. Many converts were won, but they didn't feel "at home" in churches, so Booth set up Christian Mission Centers

1878...Booth adopted the name "The Salvation Army" for his organization. Missions became "corps"; members, "soldiers"; ministers, "officers"; and Booth himself, "General". This "army" was furnished with uniforms, a flag, a brass band, and martial music. It met in tents, theaters, dance halls and the outdoors.

At first, church people persecuted the Army, because it was so unconventional. Despite this persecution, the Army successfully attacked social ills - hunger, homelessness and poverty. Booth wrote a book called "In Darkest England and the Way Out", which set a pattern for social welfare.

1880...Commissioner George Scott Railton and seven young women began work in New York City, helping the poor and combining Gospel preaching with social work.

Army work soon began to spread rapidly around the world -- to India, Australia, South America, Pakistan and many European countries.

Early 1900's...The Salvation Army had thousands of officers and soldiers in 36 countries. Many special services emerged, such as women's social work (1884), the first food depot (1888), the first day nursery (1890), and the first Army missionary hospital (1901).

During World War II...The Salvation Army operated 3,000 service units for the armed forces and led in the formation of the USO. Since World War II, the Army has continued its own worldwide program.

TODAY...The Salvation Army continues to work in 102 countries, wherever the need is greatest, motivated by its faith in God and its love for all people.

Learn about the history of The Salvation Army of Greenville County.

What are some of the community programs offered by the Salvation Army?

Every day, the Army offers a helping hand to people of all ages, races and cultural backgrounds. The many people who receive help in Army centers include:

  • Elderly People
    • Senior citizens are served through drop-in clubs, senior centers, housing facilities, friendly visitation in hospitals and nursing homes, and other programs, all designed to make their lives richer and more independent.
  • Families
    • Well-staffed and thoroughly equipped day-care centers serve thousands of children and their parents. Counseling services cement family ties and help parents through difficult times.
  • Young People
    • An expanded network of summer camps, scouting groups and community centers for Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs gives children a chance to learn, grow and have fun.