Learn about the history and timeline of Salvation Army Founder’s Day, and discover ways to observe this important day through volunteering, donating, attending services, and more. Find out how The Salvation Army helped during the Great Depression and why it’s called The Salvation Army.
Salvation Army Founder’s Day is an annual event that commemorates the life and legacy of William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army. Booth was born on April 10, 1829, and he established The Salvation Army in 1865 as a Christian organization dedicated to helping the poor and needy.
Founder’s Day is celebrated on or around April 10th each year with special services, events, and activities that honor Booth and his vision for The Salvation Army. It is an opportunity for members of The Salvation Army and the community at large to reflect on Booth’s life and the impact he had on society through his commitment to social justice and Christian ministry.
The day typically includes speeches, music, and prayers, as well as a time for reflection on the mission and work of The Salvation Army. It is a reminder of the organization’s ongoing commitment to serve those in need and to continue Booth’s legacy of compassion, service, and love.
History of Salvation Army Founder’s Day
Salvation Army Founder’s Day has been celebrated annually since 1912, seven years after the death of William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army. Booth passed away on August 20, 1912, at the age of 83, and his death was felt deeply by members of The Salvation Army around the world.
To honor Booth’s life and legacy, The Salvation Army established Founder’s Day as an annual event to be celebrated on or around April 10th, Booth’s birthday. The first official Founder’s Day was observed on April 10, 1912, and it included special services and events at Salvation Army corps and centers throughout the world.
Over the years, Founder’s Day has continued to be an important occasion for The Salvation Army, with celebrations taking place in countries around the globe. The day is an opportunity to remember the organization’s origins, reflect on its mission and values, and renew its commitment to serving those in need.
Today, Founder’s Day is an important part of The Salvation Army’s calendar, and it serves as a reminder of the vision and dedication of William Booth, who founded an organization that has helped millions of people in need over the past 150 years.
Salvation Army Founder’s Day Timeline
Here is a timeline of important events in the history of Salvation Army Founder’s Day:
- 1865: William Booth establishes The Salvation Army in London, England, as a Christian organization dedicated to helping the poor and needy.
- April 10, 1912: The first official Founder’s Day is observed on William Booth’s birthday, seven months before his death.
- August 20, 1912: William Booth passes away at the age of 83, and his death is felt deeply by members of The Salvation Army around the world.
- April 10, 1913: The second Founder’s Day is celebrated with special services and events at Salvation Army corps and centers throughout the world.
- April 10, 1929: The Salvation Army celebrates the centennial of William Booth’s birth with special events and activities around the world.
- April 10, 1965: The Salvation Army celebrates its 100th anniversary with events and activities that coincide with Founder’s Day.
- April 10, 2012: The Salvation Army marks the centennial of Founder’s Day with special services and events around the world, including a ceremony at William Booth’s gravesite in London.
- April 10, 2015: The Salvation Army celebrates the 150th anniversary of its founding, with Founder’s Day serving as a centerpiece for celebrations around the world.
- April 10, 2021: The Salvation Army celebrates the 192nd anniversary of William Booth’s birth, with events and activities held online and in person due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
What did The Salvation Army do during the Great Depression?
During the Great Depression, The Salvation Army played a crucial role in providing assistance to those in need. Here are some of the ways that The Salvation Army helped during the Great Depression:
- Soup Kitchens: The Salvation Army set up soup kitchens throughout the country to provide hot meals to the hungry. At the height of the Depression, The Salvation Army was serving more than 150,000 meals a day in New York City alone.
- Emergency Relief: The Salvation Army provided emergency relief to families who were struggling to make ends meet. This included distributing food, clothing, and other essentials to those in need.
- Employment Services: The Salvation Army provided job training and placement services to help people find work during the Depression. The organization also operated work relief programs to provide employment for those who could not find jobs elsewhere.
- Housing Assistance: The Salvation Army provided housing assistance to those who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This included operating homeless shelters and providing financial assistance to help people pay their rent or mortgage.
- Christmas Assistance: The Salvation Army continued its tradition of providing Christmas assistance to families in need, despite the difficult economic times. The organization distributed food, clothing, and toys to families who otherwise would not have been able to afford them.
Overall, The Salvation Army played a critical role in helping people through the difficult times of the Great Depression, and its work continues to this day in communities around the world.
Why was The Salvation Army called The Salvation Army?
The name “The Salvation Army” was chosen by the founder of the organization, William Booth, to emphasize its mission to bring salvation to those in need. Booth wanted the organization to be a “volunteer army” that would fight against poverty and spiritual darkness, and the name reflected this vision.
The word “salvation” in the name refers to the organization’s Christian roots and its belief that the gospel message can bring hope and healing to individuals and communities. The word “army” reflects the organization’s structure and the disciplined approach it takes to carrying out its mission.
Booth also chose the name as a way to distinguish the organization from other charities of the time, which he felt were not doing enough to address the root causes of poverty and social injustice. He wanted The Salvation Army to be more than just a charity; he wanted it to be a movement that would bring about lasting change in the lives of those it served.
Today, The Salvation Army continues to be known for its work in providing assistance to those in need, and its name remains a powerful symbol of its mission to bring salvation and hope to communities around the world.
How to Observe Salvation Army Founder’s Day
There are several ways to observe Salvation Army Founder’s Day, including:
- Attend a special service: Many Salvation Army corps and centers hold special services to commemorate Founder’s Day. These services may include music, prayer, and reflections on the life and legacy of William Booth.
- Volunteer: Founder’s Day is a great opportunity to get involved with The Salvation Army by volunteering your time and talents. You can help with food distribution, assist with fundraising efforts, or volunteer at a local shelter or thrift store.
- Donate: You can make a donation to The Salvation Army in honor of Founder’s Day. Your donation will help support the organization’s mission to serve those in need.
- Share on social media: You can use social media to help spread the word about Founder’s Day and The Salvation Army’s work. Share information about the organization’s history and mission, or share your own experiences volunteering with The Salvation Army.
- Learn more: Take some time to learn more about The Salvation Army and its history. You can read books, watch documentaries, or visit The Salvation Army’s website to learn more about its work and impact.
Observing Salvation Army Founder’s Day is a great way to honor the legacy of William Booth and support The Salvation Army’s ongoing mission to serve those in need.
