1829

William Booth & Catherine Mumford, future co-founders of The Salvation Army, are born in England.

1858

William Booth is ordained by the Methodist church.

1859

Catherine Booth publishes her first pamphlet, “Female Teaching,” asserting that women have the right to teach, laying early bricks of the foundation for the ordination of women.

1865

First Official Meetings of The East London Christian Mission.

1868

The East London Christian Mission is renamed The Christian Mission as the work extends all over Britain.

1878

The War Congress officially declares The Christian Mission will now be called The Salvation Army.

1879

Sixteen-Year-Old Lieutenant Eliza Shirley comes to Philadelphia with her parents. Permission for starting “something along the lines” of The Salvation Army is given. First converts are made.

The Salvation Army’s first brass band begins.

1880

Commissioner George Scott Railton, Captain Emma Westbrook and six other Salvation Army women are “officially” sent to America.

1881

Salvation Army Publications get their start! The American version of The War Cry is first published and Little Soldier, The Salvation Army’s first youth publication, begins.

1883

First Prison-Gate home is opened in Australia.

1885

The Maiden Tribute Campaign, in which The Salvation Army played a key role, is successful in raising the age of consent in England from 13 to 16, helping to protect young girls from trafficking.

1886

First “Slum Corps” is opened, lending much needed aid to some of the poorest residents in London.

1887

Ballington Booth becomes National Commander. He stabilizes and popularizes The Salvation Army.

1888

Youth Work is formally organized throughout Great Britain.

1890

William Booth plunges The Salvation Army into social work with the publication of his book, “In Darkest England And The Way Out.”His scheme was the most comprehensive approach to defeating poverty ever seen.

1891

The Salvation Army Opens A Match Factory to fight against the low pay, long hours and dangerous exposure to chemicals that were found in other match factories.

1896

Inauguration of Corps Cadets.

1897

First Youth Councils is held in London.

1900

The Salvation Army’s first disaster response to the devastating hurricane in Galveston, Texas that claimed more than 5,000 lives

1903

The Salvation Army’s Migration Department was founded, eventually helping over 250,000 people with immigration.

1907

The Salvation Army’s Anti-Suicide Bureau is founded.

1912

William Booth dies in London.  Bramwell Booth succeeds his father as second General.

1914

International Congress in London brings Salvationists from all over the world together. Six weeks after the Congress, World War I begins in Belgium and France.

1917

The USA Enters World War I, and Evangeline Booth pledges the support of American Salvationists. The donut becomes the symbol of home and The Salvation Army in the trenches of France.

1921

First Sunbeam Troop begins.

1927

The USA is divided into four administrative territories.

1934

Evangeline Booth elected General. She serves four years.

1938

Torchbearer Group Movement, aimed at attracting young adults from outside of The Salvation Army, begins.

1939

World War II begins. General George Carpenter vows to stay in London.

1943

The Salvation Army Medical Fellowship is founded.

1945

World War II Ends. IHQ is damaged, and a bomb fire has destroyed some valuable archives.

1979

The First Angel Tree was launched in Lynchburg, VA, providing clothes and toys to children at Christmas.

The Salvation Army’s Boy’s Adventure Corps is launched.

1985

The Salvation Army reaches a landmark, existing in over 100 countries.

2000

International Millennial Congress held in Atlanta, GA. 20,000+ Salvationists from around the world attend.

2007

International Social Justice Commission begins.

2013

European Anti-Human Trafficking response is launched in Hungary.

2015

International Congress “Boundless” celebrates 150 years in London, England.

2019

Peer is launched with a new print magazine and online design, targeting high school and college-aged young adults.  

2020

The Salvation Army recognizes its 155th year, now officially open in more than 130 countries. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army is providing aid to more than 100 countries.