Who We Are... (click here for youtube video)

History
In 1865, William Booth, an ordained Methodist minister, aided by his wife Catherine, formed an evangelical group dedicated to preaching among the “un churched” people living in the midst of appalling poverty in London’s East End. Booth’s ministry recognized the interdependence of material, emotional and spiritual needs. In addition to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, Booth became involved in the feeding and shelter of the hungry and homeless and in rehabilitation of alcoholics.

The Salvation Army began in 1878. The military-styled structure of the "Army" reflected William Booth's vision of fighting injustice, poverty and lack of salvation with the same zeal as found in an armed campaign. The ordained ministers are "officers"...the laity are "soldiers." Mr. Booth became General Booth. The churches are Corps. And the uniform? An imaginative way to solve a problem when early organizers realized that Army "soldiers" could often not afford the proper suits of clothing.

In 1880, the "Army" landed in the United States, in New York City, combining preaching with social service work under the leadership of Commissioner George Scott Railton.

By 1897, just seventeen years after the Army's introduction in the U. S., The Salvation Army came to Tyler, Texas. The first command was opened here in May of that year. Since that time, The Salvation Army in Tyler expanded to embrace many ministries, all designed to reach people in our community who need a helping hand.

By the early 1900's, The Salvation Army had thousands of officers and soldiers in 36 countries.

Many special services emerged, such as women's social work in 1884, the first food depot in 1888, the first day nursery in 1890 and the first army missionary hospital in 1901.

As of 2007, its outreach has been expanded to include 113 countries, and the Gospel is preached by its officers in more than 160 languages.