'National Salvation Army Week' story series, Part 1: History
National Salvation Army Week is May 11–17. To celebrate, The Salvation Army Northern Division is publishing stories about some of our most important services to illustrate how your donations and volunteer work are Doing the Most Good for people and families in Minnesota and North Dakota.
National Salvation Army Week is an annual observance that recognizes and celebrates the incredible supporters of The Salvation Army.
The first National Salvation Army Week was declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower (pictured right) in 1954 – nearly 100 years after The Salvation Army was founded.
As one of the oldest charities in the world, The Salvation Army first organized in 1865 when a 36-year-old Methodist minister named William Booth (pictured at top) and his wife, Catherine, began reaching out to drunkards, prostitutes, and thieves in the slums of London, England. The Booths offered food, shelter, clothing, and the message of Christ. (Listen to William Booth preach.)
Thirteen years later, in 1878, The Salvation Army brand was born when William Booth and his son, Bramwell, stumbled upon the name by accident. (Watch what happened.)
The Salvation Army came to America in 1880, later opening its first operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota in 1886 and 1896, respectively. By 1900, The Salvation Army had opened 21 facilities in most of the largest cities of both states. Today, most of those same operation centers are still open, along with dozens of shelters, housing facilities, and other service centers – together serving hundreds of thousands of people annually.
Last year in Minnesota and North Dakota, The Salvation Army Northern Division provided food, shelter and care for nearly 385,000 people. Thanks to your gifts, we serve about 9,300 meals every day while providing shelter and housing for close to 1,000 people every night – along with many other services such as disaster relief, rent and utility assistance, rehabilitation services, and so much more.
William Booth died in 1912 (watch video of his funeral), yet his legacy and vision remain alive and well. Across America and in 134 countries around the world, The Salvation Army – the sixth largest charity in America – continues to serve millions by demonstrating the love of Christ through life-changing services.
Our commitment to serving those in need, without discrimination, is what led President Eisenhower to speak the following words when he declared the first National Salvation Army Week 72 years ago: “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood.”
Help us Celebrate National Salvation Army Week by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer.