Since 1954, The Salvation Army has been serving the needs of Pasco County in myriad ways.
The Salvation Army began in 1865 when William Booth, a London, U.K., minister, gave up the comfort of his pulpit and decided to take his message into the streets, where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute.
His original aim was to send converts to established churches of the day, but soon he realized that the poor did not feel comfortable or welcome in the pews of most of the churches and chapels of Victorian England. Regular churchgoers were appalled when these shabbily dressed, unwashed people came to join them in worship.
Booth decided to found a church especially for them – the East London Christian Mission. The mission grew slowly, but Booth’s faith in God remained undiminished.
In May of 1878, Booth summoned his son, Bramwell, and his good friend George Railton to read a proof of the Christian Mission’s annual report. At the top it read: THE CHRISTIAN MISSION is A VOLUNTEER ARMY. Bramwell strongly objected to this wording. He was not a volunteer: he was compelled to do God’s work. So, in a flash of inspiration, Booth crossed out “Volunteer” and wrote “Salvation”. The Salvation Army was born.
By the 1900s, the Army had spread around the world. The Salvation Army soon had officers and soldiers in 36 countries, including the United States of America. This well-organized yet flexible structure inspired a great many much-needed services: women’s social work, the first food depot, the first day nursery and the first Salvation Army missionary hospital. During World War II, The Salvation Army operated 3,000 service units for the armed forces, which led to the formation of the USO.
Today, The Salvation Army is stronger and more powerful than ever. Now, in more than 130 countries around the world, The Salvation Army continues to work where the need is greatest, guided by faith in God and love for all people.
Can’t find what you are looking for?
Call us at 727.815.8539
Media Contact:
727.815.8539
Our Officers:
Majors Angel & Maria Hernandez
Our Address:
The Salvation Army
Pasco County Corps
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1050, Port Richey, FL 34667
Physical Address: 7745 Ridge Road, Port Richey, FL 34668
Annual Lakeland Dinner ‘Shining Hope’ benefits families experiencing housing insecurity
News, Pathway of Hope, Social ServicesTim Tebow, NFL legend and people’s MVP, was the keynote speaker Lakeland, FL. The Salvation Army of Lakeland held its annual dinner ‘Shining Hope’ to benefit families who are struggling with housing insecurity on Tuesday, March 7th. In a sold-out auditorium at Victory Church, NFL legend Tim Tebow addressed a large audience of fans […]