Nat’l Salvation Army Week, Part I: History
National Salvation Army Week is May 9–15. To celebrate, The Salvation Army Northern Division will publish a new story every day of the event. Each story will highlight a topic or service that illustrates how The Salvation Army is Doing the Most Good® in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Incredibly, The Salvation Army was founded nearly 100 years before President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared the first National Salvation Army Week in 1954.
The Salvation Army first organized in 1865, when a 36-year-old Methodist minister named William Booth (pictured above) 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.
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, opening its first Minnesota operation center in 1886, then North Dakota in 1896. By 1900, The Salvation Army had opened 21 facilities in most of the largest cities of both states. Today, 20 of those same centers are still operating, plus about a dozen more.
William Booth died in 1912, yet his legacy and vision remain alive and well. Across America and in 126 countries around the world, The Salvation Army – the second largest charity in America – continues to fight for millions of souls by demonstrating the love of Christ through food and shelter programs, rehabilitation services, disaster relief, and so much more.
Last year in Minnesota and North Dakota, The Salvation Army helped about 375,000 people, including 771,000 hot meals served, 382,000 nights of shelter, 186,000 bags of groceries, and so much more.
That same commitment to serving the poorest of the poor, without discrimination, is what led President Eisenhower (pictured) to utter these words when he declared the first National Salvation Army Week more than 60 years ago: “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood.”
Explore our history
Delve deeper into The Salvation Army’s local and worldwide history during National Salvation Army Week by clicking any of the story links below.
Twin Cities history: People hurled rotten tomatoes at Salvation Army officers when they first arrived in Minneapolis and St. Paul in 1886.
Brainerd Salvation Army celebrates 125 years: Believe it or not, this northern Minnesota operation center started in a dilapidated saloon.
Historic photos: The Minnesota Historical Society has 140 archaic photographs depicting old-time Salvation Army activities in Minnesota.
Great Depression: An 87-year-old Twin Cities woman recalls receiving help from The Salvation Army in the 1930s.
Donut girls: The Salvation Army popularized donuts in America during World War I after Salvation Army “Donut Lassies” served soldiers battling on the front lines.
Origin of the Red Kettle: They’re one of the most iconic and successful fundraising tools of all time. How’d they start?
William and Catherine Booth: Learn more about the husband and wife who started it all.
Please join us during National Salvation Army Week by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community.