THE SALVATION ARMY.

Evening Star, Issue 23021, 28 July 1938, Page 12

THE SALVATION ARMY.

Tx 1878 the “ Christian Mission,” founded by William Booth, having spread beyond London, where it began, was reorganised on a quasi-military basis, and in ISSO the title of the Salvation Army was definitely adopted, with Booth as its first “ General.” Its history since then has been a wonderful record of constantly expanding

evangelism and philanthrophy. To-day the Army’s colours are known in ninety countries, it preaches in nearly as many languages, its day schools number more than a thousand, it has 16,776 corps and outposts, its officers, cadets, and employees (including social) number 35,536, its local officers (unpaid) 113,500, its bandsmen 50,000, songsters nearly 40,000, and corps cadets 34,788. The total number of its institutions and agencies exceeds 1,600, and in one year it supplies over twelve million bods and more than twenty-five million meals. Work in this Dominion is carried on from over 200 halls and institutions by 600 officers, who are servants of the people. There is no aspect of life which the Army does not touch in its zeal for “knotting broken threads.” All its work of rescue arid uplifting is done without any consideration of class or creed. It helps all who are in need of help, and so it is helped by all. To that extent the Army makes a second church for thousands of all denominations. They do not share its services, but it is impossible for them to see its bonnets or its jerseys without a feeling of goodwill. Its officers accept a voluntary poverty, being content to receive sufficient for their simple needs. Its funds are raised from the voluntary offerings of the corps, from open-air and other collections, from the profits on publications and general trading, and from the contributions of well-wishers and friends. To-morrow has been fixed for its street day appeal in Dunedin, and we have no doubt that the response will be as generous as it has always been.