The Salvation Army, 1882-1982

William Booth, a former Methodist preacher, founded the Salvation Army in 1865 to promote the "salvation of the masses." To achieve this task he decided it would first be necessary to alleviate human suffering. The Salvation Army gained a foothold in Canada in 1882 and spread quickly, often through the efforts of dedicated women Salvationists. In 1888 Toronto Saturday Night noted that "the Salvation Army does much good in reclaiming drunkards and providing places and methods suitable for those who do not feel inclined to show their rags and uncounthness in a fashionable place of worship". By 1900 the Army was operating rescue houses, men's and women's hostels, a children's home, a maternity home, and various other ventures. The Army's colonizations campaign, begun around this time, attracted approximately 250,000 immigrants to Canada. The Salvationists' war work, especially during the Second World War, brought comfort to thousands of service personnel and civilians. Today most people know the Salvation Army best for its aid to the less fortunate. Toronto graphic designer Theo Dimson designed the Salvation Army stamp. The stamp depicts male and female members of the Army in period costume set against an 1880's urban street scene background.