The Salvation Army prepares to celebrate 160th anniversary

One-hundred-and-sixty years ago next month, on 2 July 1865, evangelist William Booth preached to a crowd of people in a large tent in the East End of London, England. This moment is considered the birth of The Salvation Army, which today is a global movement that shares the love of God in 134 countries around the world! 

In recognition of this significant anniversary on 2 July 2025, The Salvation Army International Headquarters has created eight short films chronicling the vast and varied mission of the global Salvation Army over the past 160 years.

The first film is available now and looks at the duality of being a church and charity. It follows the early days of the mission, and considers how since its inception, Salvationists (Salvation Army church members) have lived out a doctrine of practical Christianity to encourage both social and spiritual transformation among society’s most vulnerable and marginalised.

Transforming lives for 160 years | Church & Charity

Learn more about The Salvation Army as a global church and charity. Be inspired by stories of hope, resilience, and change from around the world. 

The seven other films will be released weekly, every Wednesday, focusing on social justice, education, modern slavery and human trafficking, emergency response, healthcare, development and women in leadership.

The films will be published on Vimeo and Facebook.

If you are commemorating this anniversary in your territory or region, we’d love to know what you have planned. Please email IHQ-Communications@salvationarmy.org. On social media, you may wish to use #SalvationArmy160.

IHQ Communications

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