Our History

History of The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army originated from the Christian Mission that began operating in the East End of London in 1865. The Christian Mission was founded by William Booth, an ordained Methodist minister, and his wife Catherine.

At that time, William Booth was working as an itinerant evangelist. He had accepted an invitation to conduct evangelistic meetings in the East End of London. The appalling conditions experienced by Britain's working classes led William and Catherine Booth to focus their efforts on the poorest of the working classes, known at that time as the 'Submerged Tenth' of society.

Their mission was to preach Christianity to the masses, but William and Catherine Booth were realists. They recognised that in addition to spiritual rebirth, the people to whom their ministry was directed needed physical, emotional and social restoration as well as material assistance.

In 1878, the name of the Christian Mission was changed to The Salvation Army. The work of The Salvation Army spread quickly from London to many parts of the world. The rapid growth was aided by a quasi- military command structure, which allowed for quick decisions, fast implementation of policy and flexibility in the use of resources.

The vision of William and Catherine Booth is the basis of The Salvation Army's work today.

The Salvation Army in New Zealand

New Zealand in the 1880s was a young country of rich potential, but an economic depression was creating unemployment, poverty, social distress and violence. Responding to requests to help those affected by the depression, William sent two Salvation Army officers to New Zealand in 1883.
 
The two officers, Captain George Pollard and Lieutenant Edward Wright, brought with them a bank draft of 200 pounds and three Australian Salvationists. Between them they established The Salvation Army in New Zealand.

Within a short time, Army centres had been opened in 21 cities and towns, and 'flying brigades' serviced country areas. Soldiers were enrolled, bands formed, individuals persuaded to accept Jesus, and the Salvationist message was preached.

During its 120-plus years of operation in New Zealand, the Army has used many expressions of practical Christianity to 'take the gospel' (good news) to the people.

The Army has carried its social services to people of all ages, regardless of culture, financial position, religious belief or social class.

The many Salvation Army expressions of practical Christianity have included homes for the elderly, children and disadvantaged, places of refuge for women and children, treatment centres for alcohol and drug dependants, and the appointment of chaplains in hospitals, prisons and the armed forces.