This week in Christian history: Salvation Army arrives in US; John of God born

Salvation Army arrives in the United States – March 10, 1880

This week marks the anniversary of the arrival in the United States of eight members of the Salvation Army, which was founded in the United Kingdom in 1865.

The group consisted of George Scott Railton, the first Salvation Army commissioner, and a group of seven women, who sailed on the S.S. Australia, landing at New York, New York.

Soon after landing, the group founded chapters in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with Railton going as far west as St. Louis, Missouri, in his efforts to advance the organization.

“They went right to work, stopping to hold an outdoor evangelistic meeting even before leaving the waterfront. To say the least, it sparked a sensation,” wrote Salvation Army Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder in 2021.  

“The Salvation Army serves in every ZIP code, with a ministry operated by and for every race, ethnic group, and identity. And our commitment is as strong as ever. We still welcome everyone, we still worship together, and we still serve anyone in need.”