“The Story of William Booth: How He Started The Salvation Army Church”

“How did William Booth Started The Salvation Army Church?”

From History

by Neil McBride

William Booth, a British Methodist preacher and pioneering social reformer, founded The Salvation Army in 1865 with a bold and compassionate vision: to bring spiritual salvation and practical assistance to the poor, the destitute, and the forgotten members of society in Victorian England. At a time when the gap between rich and poor was growing ever wider, and industrialization had created sprawling urban slums filled with suffering and despair, Booth saw an urgent need for a new kind of ministry, one that went beyond the walls of the church and into the heart of the streets. Deeply moved by the struggles of the working class and the countless individuals trapped in cycles of poverty, addiction, and exploitation, he was determined to offer them not only the message of God’s love and redemption but also tangible help in the form of food, shelter, employment training, and moral support.

His journey from a conventional Methodist preacher to the founder of one of the world’s most impactful and enduring Christian humanitarian organizations was marked by unwavering conviction, innovative thinking, and relentless effort. Booth challenged the traditional church’s reluctance to engage with society’s most broken and outcast, believing that Christianity should be as much about action as belief. His holistic approach to ministry, addressing both the soul and the body, set the foundation for a movement that would grow beyond the borders of England and into a worldwide mission of service and salvation. Today, The Salvation Army stands as a living testament to Booth’s original vision, continuing to embody the principles of compassion, inclusivity, and faith-driven action he championed over a century ago.

Early Life and Ministry

William Booth was born in Nottingham, England, in 1829, during a time of significant social and economic upheaval brought on by the Industrial Revolution. Raised in a working-class family, Booth experienced poverty firsthand after his father’s death when he was a child. The family’s financial hardship forced him to leave school at 13 and begin working as an apprentice in a pawnbroker’s shop. These early experiences left a deep impression on him and ignited a lifelong empathy for low-income people and a burning desire to alleviate human suffering.

At 15, Booth underwent a personal religious conversion and committed his life to Christ, joining the Methodist movement, a denomination known for its strong emphasis on social justice and outreach to the marginalized. His deep faith and growing sense of purpose led him to begin preaching within a few years, and by the time he was 23, Booth had become an ordained Methodist minister. However, his bold, passionate, and unorthodox approach to evangelism often clashed with the more conservative and restrained style favoured by church leadership at the time.

Booth was not content with merely preaching to those already within the church. He firmly believed that the Christian message of hope and redemption needed to reach those who were most in need: the poor, the homeless, the addicted, and the outcasts of society, many of whom felt alienated from traditional religious institutions. Instead of limiting his ministry to the pulpit, he took to the streets, conducting open-air meetings and engaging directly with people where they lived and struggled.

He focused much of his early mission work in London’s East End, an area notorious for its overcrowded slums, widespread unemployment, crime, and extreme poverty. There, Booth would stand on street corners and in public squares, preaching to anyone who would listen. He spoke in plain language, offered practical help, and extended a message of hope and dignity to those society had largely forgotten. His direct, compassionate approach began drawing large crowds and considerable criticism. Yet, Booth remained undeterred, driven by a deep conviction that faith should be lived out in service to others, especially the most vulnerable.

Birth of The Christian Mission

In 1865, William Booth and his wife Catherine formally began their evangelical work in earnest by organizing a series of revival meetings in a large tent set up in the East End of London, one of the city’s most impoverished and densely populated areas. This initial effort marked the birth of what would eventually become a worldwide Christian movement. At first, their ministry was called The Christian Revival Society, but as the Mission expanded and evolved in purpose and scope, it was soon renamed The Christian Mission. This new name reflected Booth’s growing conviction that his work was not just about individual salvation but about building a broader movement to reach and uplift the forgotten masses of society.

From the outset, Booth’s approach was revolutionary for its time. Rather than follow the more passive, sermon-focused models of traditional church life, he emphasized an aggressive and deeply practical form of ministry. Booth firmly believed that preaching the Gospel must be accompanied by concrete acts of love and service. His Mission offered food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless, jobs for the unemployed, and support to those suffering from addiction or exploitation. The Booths also welcomed people who were often shunned by mainstream churches—such as alcoholics, former prisoners, and sex workers—and treated them with dignity and compassion.

Catherine Booth was crucial in shaping the Mission’s Mission’s philosophy and outreach strategy. A gifted speaker and writer, she advocated fiercely for women’s involvement in ministry and the Mission’s commitment to addressing spiritual and physical needs. Together, the Booths laid the groundwork for a movement that was as concerned with lifting people out of poverty and despair as saving souls.

Combining evangelism with social action, this dual Mission quickly gained attention and attracted followers. By the 1870s, The Christian Mission had grown significantly in size and influence. It became known for its tireless work and no-nonsense, action-oriented faith among low-income people. Rather than waiting for people to attend church, the Mission went out into the streets, pubs, prisons, and workhouses—anywhere people were suffering and in need. Volunteers and workers from similarly disadvantaged backgrounds joined the cause with enthusiasm and conviction, creating a grassroots movement that resonated deeply with those it aimed to serve.

Through bold preaching, compassionate outreach, and unwavering commitment, William and Catherine Booth laid the foundations for one of the most influential Christian social organizations in history, one that would soon adopt a new name and an even greater global mission: The Salvation Army.

From Mission to Army

In 1878, a pivotal transformation occurred in William Booth’s growing movement that would define its identity for generations. While reviewing an annual report on the progress of The Christian Mission, Booth came across a phrase that referred to the ministry as a “volunteer army.” Although the description was intended to reflect the spirit of the people involved—ordinary men and women giving their time and energy to serve the Mission—Booth was not entirely satisfied with the term. It lacked the sense of urgency, purpose, and divine calling that he believed characterized their work.

Then, his son, Bramwell Booth, made a simple but profound suggestion: replace the word “volunteer” with “salvation.” The revised term—”Salvation Army”—immediately struck a chord with William Booth. It captured the essence of the movement: a tireless, disciplined force fighting not with weapons but with love, compassion, and the message of hope found in the Gospel. It wasn’t just a ministry, a mission, and a campaign for humanity’s spiritual and social salvation.

With this new name came a dramatic and symbolic restructuring of the organization. Booth adopted the title of “General,” the head of a spiritual army engaged in battle against sin, poverty, injustice, and despair. His ministers were now “officers,” and his followers were “soldiers.” They wore distinctive uniforms and adopted military-style ranks, salutes, and terminology—not to glorify war but to reflect the seriousness and urgency of their Mission and to create a sense of unity, identity, and purpose.

This quasi-military structure was not merely symbolic. It introduced a level of discipline, accountability, and organizational efficiency that set The Salvation Army apart from many other religious movements of the time. The clear hierarchy and chain of command allowed for rapid decision-making, strategic deployment of resources, and the effective coordination of relief efforts. Whether responding to local needs in East London or establishing new outposts in other parts of the world, the Army could move quickly and decisively.

The adoption of military imagery also served a powerful psychological purpose. For many who joined the movement, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, it offered a sense of belonging, dignity, and personal transformation. Former alcoholics, criminals, and the destitute found in The Salvation Army not only redemption and hope but also a new identity as disciplined, uniformed members of a worldwide mission.

As a result, The Salvation Army began to grow at a remarkable pace. New corps (local units) were established across the United Kingdom and, eventually, around the globe. Its distinctive uniforms and brass bands became familiar sights in cities and towns, as did its tireless work among the poor, the homeless, and the brokenhearted. The structure that began with a simple name change would become one of the key elements in the Army’s success, helping it sustain its vision and expand its reach across continents and cultures.

Growth and Global Impact

By the late 19th century, The Salvation Army had grown far beyond its humble beginnings in the streets of East London to become a dynamic international movement. William Booth, driven by an unwavering belief that the Gospel should be both preached and lived out through action, began sending out officers to establish missions not only across the British Isles but throughout the vast expanse of the British Empire and into countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, and parts of continental Europe. These early Salvationists, many of whom had experienced hardship themselves, carried the Army’s message of hope, redemption, and practical support into communities plagued by poverty, addiction, crime, and social isolation.

Despite their noble aims, Salvation Army workers often faced fierce opposition in the early years. In many towns and cities, they were ridiculed, harassed, and even violently attacked. Local authorities and business owners were sometimes hostile, especially when the Army’s work interfered with the alcohol trade or challenged social norms. Mobs broke up open-air meetings, and “Skeleton Armies”, organised groups who opposed the Salvationists, frequently disrupted gatherings and assaulted members. Yet the movement endured. Fueled by faith, discipline, and a deep sense of Mission, Salvationists remained committed to their cause, often returning daily to the same hostile environments, undeterred by threats or abuse.

Under William Booth’s visionary leadership, The Salvation Army became more than a religious movement—it became a powerful force for social reform. Long before governments or other institutions took systematic action to address the causes and consequences of poverty, The Salvation Army was stepping in to meet urgent needs. Booth and his followers pioneered a wide range of social services that would later become models for public welfare programs. They established soup kitchens to feed the hungry, shelters and hostels for the homeless, and homes for women escaping prostitution or abusive relationships. They created employment bureaus and job training programs to help the unemployed find work, and they opened rehabilitation centres for those struggling with alcoholism and other addictions.

One of the hallmarks of the Army’s approach was its belief in the possibility of personal transformation. It wasn’t just about providing a meal or a bed; it was about restoring dignity and purpose to individuals discarded by society. Each act of service was rooted in Christian compassion and a belief that every person, no matter how broken, could find a new beginning.

Catherine Booth, William’s wife, was instrumental in shaping the theology and the practical outworking of the Army’s Mission. A gifted preacher and passionate advocate for women’s rights and social justice, she played a central leadership role alongside her husband. Their children were also deeply involved in the organization’s growth and leadership. Their son, Bramwell Booth, would later succeed his father as General, and several of their daughters became prominent leaders and missionaries. This made The Salvation Army not just a movement but a deeply family-led enterprise rooted in shared faith and purpose.

As the 19th century drew to a close, The Salvation Army had firmly established itself as a global mission, distinguished by its distinctive uniforms, brass bands, red shields, and unwavering commitment to serving “the least of these.” Booth’s dream of a practical, living Christianity, reaching into the darkest corners of society, was no longer just a dream. It was a reality, changing lives around the world.

Legacy

William Booth passed away in 1912, but the legacy of his life’s work has continued to grow and flourish long after his death. At the time of his passing, The Salvation Army was already a global force for good, firmly rooted in Booth’s unwavering commitment to spiritual outreach and social action. His death was mourned in Britain and worldwide, with thousands attending memorial services to honour the man who had dedicated his life to lifting others out of suffering. Newspapers called him a “Prophet of the Poor,” even heads of state acknowledged his profound impact on society.

Though Booth was gone, his vision lived on in the movement he built. His children and trusted followers carried forward his Mission with vigour and integrity. Today, more than a century later, The Salvation Army operates in over 130 countries across six continents, continuing to serve as a beacon of hope and a practical lifeline for millions of people each year. Its work encompasses an extraordinary range of services, including emergency disaster relief, homeless shelters, rehabilitation centres, anti-human trafficking programs, education initiatives, job training, support for veterans, and aid for families in crisis, among many others.

At the core of this expansive humanitarian effort is a simple but powerful mission statement: “to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” This statement reflects Booth’s balance between spiritual ministry and social service. It’s not just about preaching; it’s about action and living out the teachings of Christ through compassionate and inclusive service to others. The Army does not ask those it helps to convert or conform. Instead, it seeks to love unconditionally and serve faithfully, echoing Booth’s belief that the Christian faith must be seen in action to be truly understood.

Booth’s foundational idea that religion must be practical and that faith must reach both the soul and the body remains deeply embedded in The Salvation Army’s philosophy and daily operations. For Booth, salvation was not a distant, abstract concept but a real and transformative experience that touched every aspect of life. He believed that it was the duty of Christians not only to preach about heaven but also to fight against the “hell on earth” caused by poverty, addiction, and injustice.

In this spirit, The Salvation Army continues to evolve, adapting to modern challenges while remaining faithful to its roots. Whether responding to a natural disaster, feeding hungry families during a global crisis, or helping someone recover from addiction, the Army’s work remains grounded in the same principles that guided its founder: compassion, dignity, faith, and action.

William Booth’s voice may have been silenced more than a century ago, but the Army he built still marches forward, carrying with it the enduring hope that lives can be changed and that love in action can transform the world.

How did William Booth Started The Salvation Army Church?

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)