The Salvation Army began its work in the former Tanganyika in November 1933, in the town of Tabora, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Francis and Mrs. Jessie Dare whom came from the United Kingdom.
From the Tabora the work spread to Chunya and to Arusha in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. In 1950, at the request for assistance from the Colonial Governor, the Army was invited to oversight the work of the Mgulani Camp which had been operating under the British Red Cross Society. The Tanzania Headquarters is now located in the Mgulani Compound in Dar es Salaam. From these early beginnings, The Salvation Army’s work continued to develop and on 1st October, 1998, the Tanzania Command was inaugurated under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonels David and Jean Burrows. The work of The Salvation Army in Tanzania was no longer administratively dependent on another Africa country.
21st February, 2000 was another milestone in the Tanzania Command. In prior years, pastors (officers) were attended a 2-year training school in Kenya. But now 12 Cadets (students in training to become pastors) of the "Cross Bearers" Session commenced training at the Command’s own Training College. As a result, Tanzania has been training leaders for ministry ever since.
From our humble roots nearly 80 years ago, we have spread throughout the country. We now have over 150 national officers (pastors) who lead ministries in over 150 communities.