The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) has been located at 101 Queen Victoria Street in London since 1881. Today, the third IHQ building is a modern six-story edifice that was dedicated by Princess Anne on November 9, 2004. 

Transparency is the key factor in its innovative design today. The building’s glass exterior is encircled with Bible verses. Five million people a year walk past IHQ located on the pedestrian pathway between St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge, across the Thames River. The 145-year history of the Army’s IHQ begins with its first building on Whitechapel Road in 1870. Over the next decade, the Army increased in size five-fold, forcing the fledgeling movement to look for a new headquarters.  

In the summer of 1881, General Booth and his son, Bramwell, were walking along Queen Victoria Street when they stopped to read a sign. Across the street at number 101 was a notice: “These desirable premises to let (rent).” Without hesitation, they hurried back to Whitechapel. After discussion and prayer, William and Bramwell sought the financial help of Thomas A. Denny, a friend who agreed to pay the first year’s rent. Ten years later, William Booth bought the building. 

Known for keeping detailed records of daily events, the Army chronicled moving day: September 8, 1881. The movers were cadets who made two trips via a horsedrawn van and a handcart. Twenty-year-old George Holmes, who later became a colonel and candidate secretary, helped load the van. He then hopped on the back end as the horses trotted over Whitechapel’s cobblestones to Queen Victoria Street. The hand cart was pushed by Cadets William Whattam and Zulu George. All went well for them until a wheel came off! Cadet George reloaded the cart. For the remainder of the journey, George held up one side of the cart while Cadet Whattam pulled the cart forward. 

Sixty years later, the IHQ building was destroyed by fire resulting from the Blitz, the World War II bombing campaign against Great Britain lasting eight months. IHQ was bombed on the last night of the campaign, May 10, 1941. The rebuilding took two decades to complete. The reconstructed headquarters were opened on November 13, 1963.

In 2001, IHQ moved to William Booth College (the officers’ training college in South London) when it was decided to redevelop the site in Queen Victoria Street. Three years later, IHQ again assumed residence at the now legendary 101 Queen Victoria Street.

So What?

Think back. Is there a building that holds deep spiritual meaning for you? A building where your past intersects with your purpose, or collides with your calling? A building that gives you comfort and peace?

Illustration by Paul Ryding