Salvation Army

Founded by the Methodist Reform Church minister William Booth and his wife Catherine in 1865, The Salvation Army was created to meet the practical and spiritual needs of the poor and destitute. Originally named The East London Christian Mission, it used characteristics of the military including uniforms and flags, with members taking on the ranks of soldiers and officers. First soup; second, soap; and finally, salvation was offered to those considered the most undesirable of the destitute. These included alcoholics, morphine addicts and prostitutes. Catherine was integral to the mechanisms of the charity, successfully securing financial support and preaching to the public, an uncommon activity for women at the time. Their distinct approach to social justice reform led to the opening of a match factory in London's East End, where they increased workers wages and provided safe working conditions. During World War I and II, the charity began to offer disaster relief and it's international reach has grown significantly since then.