Salvation Army Family Store history

It was in 1878 that The Christian Mission got its present name.

The first such venture was in 1879, when Salvationist Amos Shirley travelled to Philadelphia, USA with his family and began working for the Army unofficially.

By late 1880, 1,500 people had come to have a Christian faith through the relationships built by these Salvation Army pioneers.

The first meetings in Paris were held in 1881 by Catherine Booth-Clibborn – or la Maréchale (marshal’s wife) as she was known – eldest daughter of the Founders.

In 1883 a prison-gate home was opened in Melbourne, Australia, to provide support for prisoners re-entering the community.

1885 saw the age of consent in the UK raised following a campaign by the Army.

In 1890 it opened its first labour exchange to help people in finding work.

In 1894, The Salvation Army Naval and Military League was established.

In 1896 Ballington Booth, another son of the general and national commander in the United States, resigned after a dispute and set up the Volunteers of America.

The first Salvation Army hospital was in founded in 1897 in Nagercoil, India – there are now tens of hospitals worldwide, plus thousands of schools, health projects, sanitation programmes and other social services.

Frederick Booth-Tucker wearing a version of Salvation Army uniform tailored for India (photo: Library of Congress, 1914)

1931 saw The Salvation Army Act come into being, meaning that the terms are office are now enshrined in UK law.

Evangeline Booth, previously Commander in the US, became the first female leader, elected the fourth General in 1934 – and other women have followed.

For nine months following that day it provided pastoral support and refreshments to those involved in rescue and recovery efforts, and was involved in the larger rebuilding projects until 2006.

Lee said that in spring 2013 an ad hoc committee was formed to explore getting back into the the thrift store business.