Our Beginings
The Salvation Army was founded in 1865, when William Booth left the Methodist ministry to preach in the slums of London's East End. In 1878, the Christian Mission Center he established was renamed The Salvation Army. This new name reflected its growing legion of supporters that, by the early 1900's, were stationed in 36 countries. Today, The Salvation Army is active in more than 120 nations, meeting the needs of the impoverished and others who lack a strong voice: the very young, the aged, the frail, sick and disabled. An international movement, The Salvation Army's message is based on the Bible and its ministry is motivated by the love of God.
The Salvation Army, a nonprofit organization that started in 1865 and in Buffalo in 1886, was started to help the poor and homeless through gospel preaching and social work. The Salvation Army also helped during the World Wars in over 3,000 places, on and off the battlefield. The Army would provide soldiers with food, care packages and encouragement including writing letters for the troops and from the troops for their friends and family. The Salvation Army became known for The Doughnut Girl, because many of the girls handed out Doughnuts to the troops, as well as sold boxes of doughnuts to help the poor. We remember The Doughnut Girl today whenever The Salvation Army distributes doughnuts or food to those in need.
The Salvation Army History in Hillsdale County
In 1865 William and Catherine Booth left the Methodist Church and began evangelistic work in the slums of London, England's East End under the name of the Christian Mission. In 1878 The Salvation Army name and quasi-military format was adopted. Its clergy took ranks such as Captain, Major or Colonel and its members became Junior and Senior Soldiers. Within two years the movement spread to the United States. Arriving in Hillsdale County in 1886.
Today, as always, "With Heart to God and Hand to Man" it serves the community and has become an integral part of the local human service network, providing shelter, clothing, nutritional, social and spiritual assistance to all through its multi-faceted programs and services.
The Doctrines of The Salvation Army
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead-the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.
We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.
We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocence, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.
We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.
We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.