This Week in Christian History: Salvation Army, Father of Gospel Music, Catholic Reformer Burned

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, July 01, 2018

Salvation Army Founded – July 2, 1865

This week marks the anniversary of when revivalist preacher William Booth and his wife Catherine launched the notable religious philanthropy The Salvation Army.

Originally called the Christian Mission and based in East London, the Salvation Army was known to launch charitable efforts in the most downtrodden neighborhoods of the city.

"Soup kitchens were the first in a long line of various projects designed to provide physical and spiritual assistance to the destitute," noted History.com.

"In the early years, many in Britain were critical of the Christian Mission and its tactics, and the members were often subjected to fines and imprisonment as breakers of the peace."