The
Salvation Army is an international Christian evangelical organization that was founded in
London in 1865 by William Booth (pictured), a Methodist
minister and evangelistic preacher. As a religious movement
engaged in social services, the army has, since its
inception, made a goal of approaching sociological problems
with Christian concern.
In keeping with its name (adopted 1878), the Salvation Army is operated on a military pattern. Ministers are officers with military rank, and the general, headquartered in London, is the army's top international leader. Parishioners are soldiers, the main center of worship is the corps, and the Articles of War are signed as a declaration of faith by enrolling Salvationists. Both officers and soldiers are entitled, as missionaries of God, to wear the army uniform and to bear the symbolic red shield.
In an effort to attract those frightened away by church formality, the Salvation Army stresses music rather than the sacraments; music has been made an integral part of its ministry. Salvation Army brass bands, string combos, and vocal groups exist the world over.
