Session 4

The Salvation Army ofYesterday and Today

HISTORY - YESTERDAY

1. Beginnings in England – 1865 – William and Catherine Booth

– Their ‘Christian Mission’ changed its name to ‘The Salvation Army’ in 1878

2. Beginnings in the United States – 1880 – George Scott Railton pleaded with the General to head a contingent to the U.S. The Army was thus officially established in 1880 by Railton and with him came seven women officers who became popularly known as the ‘Seven Hallelujah Lassies.’

OUR ARMY – AT WORK TODAY

•Our Task – We must GO OUT and REACH the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ

•Our Program – In addition to our meetings for worship and fellowship, we need to reach out into the community

OUR ARMY – AT WORK TODAY

•Our Battlefield – is the WORLD. The Army is a worldwide organization serving 111 countries.

•Our Responsibility – to be involved in the activities and programs of your corps because of your love of Jesus Christ.

The Army’s 126 years in America

•1880 to 1904 – formative era of struggle, hardship and rapid growth

•1904 to 1934 – further expansion and gradual, then mass, acceptance following World War I

•1934 to present – a period of broader interweaving of The Salvation Army with other national policy-making and fundraising agencies.

ARMY TERMINOLOGY• Soldier• Penitent Form• Holiness Table• Uniform• World Services• Harvest Festival• Testimony• Firing a cartridge

ARMY SYMBOLS

THE FLAG•Red

•Yellow

•Blue

ARMY SYMBOLSTHE CREST – International

symbol of the Army• “Crown of glory” sits above

the sun• Sun represents the light and

fight of the Holy Spirit• Cross is the symbol of the

cross of Christ• “S” stands for salvation• Swords are symbols of the

sword the Spirit• Shots remind Salvationists of

the truth of the Gospel

The Shield• This is the trademarked

symbol of the Army.

• It is the symbol that is most recognized by the general public.

QUESTIONS• In view of the study of Salvation

Army history and doctrine, do you think “The Salvation Army” is a good name for our movement?

• How does uniform wearing help a Salvationist?

• In what ways is the Army different from other churches?

• Do you believe that your corps is fulfilling the purposes of The Salvation Army as it serves the people of your community?