William Booth, a Methodist clergyman who started an evangelistic ministry in London's East End in 1865, formed the Salvation Army. In order to feed and shelter the needy, he constructed mission stations. The Christian Mission received its current name in 1878. William Booth took issue with the statement "The Christian Mission... is a Volunteer Army" in the annual report for that year. By swapping out the word "volunteer," The Salvation Army gained a fresh name and an ingenious metaphor for its work exposing social injustices and educating people about God. Throughout time, the organization acquired military-style titles (ministers called "officers," for instance), as well as attire meant to symbolize devotion to God in public.Along with his son, William Bramwell Booth, he eventually fashioned the Army after a military structure, serving as general for life. It swiftly spread across Britain before becoming global. The Salvation Army was active in more than 130 nations and other political entities at the start of the twenty-first century, preaching the gospel and running thousands of evangelistic centers, hospitals, schools, and other organizations.
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The Salvation Army's International Headquarters Communications. (n.d.). Transforming lives since 1865 – the story of the Salvation Army so far. Transforming lives since 1865 – The story of The Salvation Army so far. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://story.salvationarmy.org/