The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth (1829-1912) on military lines in the East End of London, to wage war on in, and to help the poor and desperate. It has since become established in more than 70 countries.
General Booth, as he was to become known, was born of poor parents in Nottingham and was still a child when he determined to help the “down and out”. He joined the Methodists and was ordained a minister, spending his free time as a wandering preacher. In 1855 he married Catherine Mumford who assisted him in his mission, and also bore him eight children. In 1865 he left the Methodists to form his “army” in the East end of London. At first his movement was known as the Christian mission, but in 1878 it was named the Salvation Army and modeled on military lines. Its head is known as general, its officers have military ranks and its other members are soldiers. The importance of obedience is stressed, and campaigns are fought all over the world.
William Booth used rousing hymn tunes, banners, trumpets and drums in his battle to lure the poor from the gin palaces. At first the army met persecution in some districts, but it defeated the opposition and flourished, founding hospitals, homes and other institutions, and campaigning in the very worst slums, which others would not enter.
The “Sally army” believes that God will forgive anyone who is truly sorry for his wrongdoings. It shares the general beliefs of the Protestant church, but has no sacraments because it regards the whole of life as a sacrament. Its work and care for the poor has made it loved and respected throughout the world, for it believes that a hungry, homeless person is more likely to become a good Christian if first given help, food and shelter.