In 1885, The Salvation Army was met with suspicion and some hostility when it arrived in Chicago to feed the hunger, clothe the poor and bring hope to the dispirited.
Today, the Army is one of the most recognized and trusted organizations serving the less fortunate in Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana. What began with soup and sandwiches on Chicago's Skid Row has grown into a complex network of programs in communities throughout Chicagoland, offering everything from pre-school programs to family counseling to fellowship for senior citizens.
Chances are there's a Salvation Army Corps Community Center or other facility near you, providing critical social services and working to restore dignity and hope to individuals, families and neighborhoods - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
A Brief Historic Timeline
1865: William and Catherine Booth found the Christian Mission in London to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor, homeless, hungry and destitute.
1878: The Christian Mission becomes The Salvation Army and a quasi-military command structure is adopted that continues today.
1880: The first contingent of Salvation Army officers arrives in the U.S. in New York City.
1885: The Salvation Army holds its first meeting in Chicago at Bush Temple, Chicago Avenue and Clark Street.
1892: The Army opens its first "Slum Post" to fight poverty in Chicago
1905: Salvation Army wives and single women begin the League of Mercy program, which makes regular visits to hospitals, jails, poorhouses and courts to assist the needy.
1917: Salvation Army officers arrive in France to assist U.S. and Allied forces in World War I.
1925: The Army opens an emergency lodge in Wisconsin Street to provide 24-hour assistance to homeless families.
1931: Wrigley Lodge opens at 509 N. Union St., to provide shelter and food to unemployed men during the Great Depression.
1938: The Salvation ARmy holds its first annual Donut Day fundraiser to commemorate the organization's service to military personnel.
1941: The Salvation Army provides support to thousands of U.S. servicemen in World War II.
1950: Service Extension programs are introduced in Greater Chicago to expand the reach of the Army's services.
1965: The Army opens its first family counseling office.
1975: The Freedom Center, housing the Army's Harbor Light and Corrections programs, is dedicated at Monroe Street and Ashland Avenue.
1984: The Army launches a frontline feeding program to combat hunger in Chicago.
2005: The Salvation Army responds to Hurricane Katrina.
2007: The Army currently serves in 111 nations and territories with a force of 17,131 active officers.
|
