Salvation Army

Founding of the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army spread rapidly in its early years, partly as a result of its adoption of the quasi-military structure that it still has and which is symbolized by the wearing of uniforms, awarding of ranks, and so forth. The military symbology is adopted on the basis that its members are in spiritual combat with the various forces of evil and, being well organized and equipped as an army should be, its members have a better opportunity to win the particular battles in which they are involved.

However, to be successful, an army requires discipline and this has always been difficult to ensure in so many Christian organizations, especially Protestant organizations. One early schism involved the American branch of the Salvation Army.

The organization had rapidly spread across Britain and then internationalized. The American branch wished to become independent and struggled against William Booth to this end in 1884. Eventually it was expelled and soon withered, having sought to become the American Salvation Army. Activities subsequently became successful in America, although not before hostile reactions led to the deaths of several army members. Second, Ballington Booth, a son of the general, again sought to establish his own independent society, which he did through resigning and establishing the Volunteers of America. This has grown into a large and successful venture that now employs some 14,000 professionals and 70,000 volunteers in a variety of programs.

The Salvation Army early in its life established its role as a worker among those who were often outcast or despised by society. These people included alcoholics, the homeless, prostitutes, and drug addicts. Army members traveled through the districts of cities in which people with these characteristics were likely to be found and would seek to offer personal assistance and relief while, at the same time, attempting to persuade them to convert to the religious beliefs the army members favored. This occasionally brought about confrontation with other people who rather resented being told that their lifestyles were sinful and shameful and should be radically changed. Violence occasionally threatened and so army members took to taking bodyguards with them. In due course, the bodyguards sought to disguise their role and this was the origin of the brass band music that has become so redolent of Salvation Army activity.

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