About The Salvation Army
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The Salvation Army is in 128 Countries & Nearly Every Zip Code Across the United States
For over 150 years, The Salvation Army has represented hope to millions of people in need worldwide. Through its community centers and a network of volunteers, The Salvation Army is on the front line each and every day in nearly every zip code across the United States- feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, emergency disaster relief, addressing poverty with a myriad of social services, and offering congregational life, educational and wellness programs for our youth and seniors. When you give to The Salvation Army, your donation stays in your community, helping your neighbors in need.
History of The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army began in 1865 when William Booth, a London minister, gave up the comfort of his pulpit and decided to take his message into the streets where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute.
His original aim was to send converts to established churches of the day, but soon he realized that the poor did not feel comfortable or welcome in the pews of most of the churches and chapels of Victorian England. Regular churchgoers were appalled when these shabbily dressed, unwashed people came to join them in worship. Booth decided to found a church especially for them - the East London Christian Mission. The mission grew slowly, but Booth's faith in God remained undiminished.
In May 1878, Booth summoned his son, Bramwell, and his good friend George Railton to read a proof of the Christian Mission's annual report. At the top it read: THE CHRISTIAN MISSION is A VOLUNTEER ARMY. Bramwell strongly objected to this wording. He was not a volunteer: he was compelled to do God's work. So, in a flash of inspiration, Booth crossed out 'Volunteer' and wrote 'Salvation'. The Salvation Army was born.
The Salvation Army Has Served West Chester Since 1897
Founded in 1897, The Salvation Army Corps Community Center in West Chester continues to serve the community to this day. It has devoted itself to embracing the homeless, abused, disadvantaged, elderly and disabled in order to meet both their material and spiritual hunger, for the glory of God. Whether it is in the form of a meal, or the bread of life that is Jesus Christ, the West Chester Corps Community Center’s goal remains the same yesterday, today and forever: to serve the most people in the most need for the glory of God.
When coming to The Salvation Army people feel loved, appreciated and important; they become part of The Salvation Army family. Our goal is to embody the same compassion and love that Jesus displayed in His earthly life when serving the community. Our prayer is that Jesus will give us His eyes, His feet and His hands so that we may identify and accomplish the work that needs to be done in this world. Indeed, The Salvation Army believes in exemplifying the heart of God and offering a hand to our fellow men, women and children for His glory.
LEARN MORE about THE SALVATION ARMY . . .
Corps Officers : Captains Jesus & Maria Corraliza