Salvation Army Founded: Aid for London's Poorest
William Booth was a Methodist preacher who couldn't stomach the idea of saving souls while ignoring empty stomachs. In July 1865, he and his wife Catherine set up a tent in London's East End, one of the most destitute neighborhoods in Victorian England, and began feeding the hungry before preaching to them. They called it the Christian Mission before renaming it the Salvation Army in 1878, complete with military ranks and uniforms. The organization spread to 58 countries within Booth's lifetime. The model was revolutionary: practical aid first, spiritual guidance second. By the time Booth died in 1912, the Salvation Army had become the template for modern humanitarian organizations worldwide.
July 5, 1865
161 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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