[Latest updates: January, 2008)"Jesus, friend of little children,
Be a friend to me;
Take my hand and ever keep me
Close to thee.
Step by step, O lead me onward,
Upward into youth;
Wiser, stronger, still becoming
In thy truth."
(SASB, 842)
“Little soldiers, My heart turns to you! How can we have a successful Army and leave the children out? We have been so busy that I am afraid you have been neglected. We must do better. We must have a real Army of little soldiers… We will join hands and hearts—and we know that Jesus will join hand and heart with us also—to make a real conquering little soldiers’ Army.”
William Booth (Rohu, 1952: 53)
“The importance of the junior work is in my estimation so great and so nearly allied to goodness, happiness and godliness of the next generation that were I not burdened with so many toils and anxieties, I would gladly devote the rest of my days to the promotion and welfare of the young people.”
William Booth, 1906 (Fynn, 1906: 76)
"There is world-wide agreement and action on the need to help teen-agers. As American dead-end kids, British teddy-boys, South African ducktails, or teen-agers by any other name, they spell challenge. They call for understanding and compassion."
Bernard Watson (Neal, 1961: 175)
Over the next few months, I am going to attempt to put together a timeline of significant events that relate to the development of youth work in The Salvation Army. This post will probably change over time as I add more information, so don't hesitate to check back here occasionally if this subject interests you.
This post will serve as a centralized link to other posts that will seek to draw together information from a variety of sources.
You will notice that I integrate references to both the spiritual and social mission of The Salvation Army - I would argue that it is impossible to understand one without the other in The Salvation Army.
I will include bibliographic information to identify the sources that I am drawing on.
If you have any additional information, please don't hesitate to contact me (stevenbussey@gmail.com). I would love to be able to build an international history of Salvation Army youth work, so if you are from a different territory, I would greatly appreciate your help in pointing me to some good sources.
Much thanks to Captain Bill Garrett, the DYS of Massachussets Division for sending me a copy of Envoy Dr. George Henry Hazeel's, The Three-fold Task: A Record of the Salvation Army with Children and Young People. I believe that this was put together around 1997 in Austrailia at the Parramatta Corps. I am looking into this and will confirm this.
Also, another great resource is Commissioner John Waldron's Children in The Salvation Army (1985). Naturally, The History of The Salvation Army books have been an incredible asset.
Here's what I have put together so far:
Timeline of Salvation Army Youth Work
1850
The East London Christian Mission begins in the east end of London. This is founded by William and Catherine Booth.
1866
William Booth passes by Holywell Mount Chapel (part of the Methodist New Connexion) at Scrutton Street, Shoreditch. They gave their chapel to him where he and George T. White began a Sunday School in the style of Methodist models.
(Sandall, 1947: 62)
1867
A comment from the annual report states that the Christian Mission is "running four Sabbath and two day schools and it is one of our cherished purposes to enter largely upon ragged school work."
(Hazell, 1996:9)
1869
A report identifies that children's services are being held at Whitechapel Mission Hall on Sunday evenings. Two weekly juvenile classes are available for those seeking Jesus. Many of the children come from extreme poverty.
(Sandall, 1947: 126)
Bramwell (12), Ballington (11), Catherine (10) and Emma (9) begin to practice giving simple testimonies.
(Sandall, 1947: 192)
It is noted that unorthodox methods are employed in these meetings. These meetings are conducted on the same principles as ordinary revival services. (singing, testimonies, speakers)
(Sandall, 1947: 193)
On August 1, it is reported that at Bethnal Green,
"Mr. Booth preached the anniversary sermons of our Sunday school. We had a good day... It was with difficulty the people could be persuaded to leave the place."
(Hazell, 1996: 9)
1870
Bramwell Booth (age 13) is introduced to East London's conditions when he assists in Children's Mission meetings in Thomas Passage, Bethnal Green & Fieldgate Street. This was under the leadership of James F. Rapson.
(Sandall, 1947: 168, 192)
The 1870 report of The East London Christian Mission report included "Sunday, Day and Ragged Schools" as well as "Evening classes for reading, writing and arithmetic" among the "means employed" to reach the poor of East London.
The term "Sunday school" is used to mean a time when Bible knowledge was taught with, perhaps, some help in reading. 'Day and Ragged schools were primarily for teaching the three R's, although they did so chiefly because they wanted the children to read the Bible. Often the children did not have proper clothing (hence the name) and as well as being taught, they might be clothed and fed by the teachers of the Ragged schools. At one time, the provision of training extended to sewing classes."
(Hazell, 1996: 9)
The Children's Mission produces its' own hymnbook.
(Hazell, 1996, 152)
1871
Hackney reports plans to open "a good schoolroom" and "classrooms."
(Hazell, 1996: 9)
1872
William Booth publishes How to reach the masses with the gospel.
(Sandall, 1947: 295)
During this year, the Methodist New Connexion reported to have 78 670 Sunday School scholars.
(Methodist History, 2007)
James F. Rapson helps to excel youth work in the Christian Mission - which William Booth highly praised. Booth's children had taken part in the Mission under Rapson's direction. Bramwell sometimes led the meetings.
(Sandall, 1947: 191f.)
1873
James Rapson leaves The Christian Mission. Miss Billups seeks to reorganize the work in partnership with Booth's sons.
(Sandall, 1947: 192; Hazell, 1996: 152)
In March, John Roberts first meets mentor and friend, William Booth in Portsmouth.
(Rohu, 1952: 14)
1874
Buckland station purchases a building "with a good schoolroom, large enough for 200 children."
(Hazell, 1996: 9)
1875
Ballington Booth writes a report that order has been restored. At his first Sunday evening service, 250 are present and 13 come out for salvation.
(Sandall, 1947: 192)
Hackney Hall is opened with schoolrooms and classrooms being erected. Many slum children attend.
(Sandall, 1947: 193)
1877
The Conference of The Christian Mission takes place where William Booth orders the abandonment of Sunday Schools. He does this because of his dissatisfaction with the missional effectiveness of this approach and devotes himself to coming up with a better model. He was adamant in his opposition to giving instruction that was scholastic only. He says, "We have not as yet any real plan."
(Sandall, 1947: 191; 1950: 91; Hazell, 1996: 152)
1878
The Christian Mission officially becomes The Salvation Army during the 1878 War Congress.
(Sandall, 1947: 286f)
At the War Congress, Elijah Cadman declares that he would like to 'wear a suit of clothes that would let everyone know that (he) meant war to the teeth and salvation for the world. In November, Catherine Booth announces that uniforms with military insignia will be used into the mission.
(Sandall, 1950: 42f.)
1880
Friday, June 30: Children under twelve who are unaccompanied by an adult are not allowed in meetings. Captain John Roberts of Blyth is persuaded to have special meetings for children.
(Sandall, 1950: 92; Hazell, 1996: 153)
It is noted that in the 1880s, the majority of the converts and officers of The Salvation Army were 'ardent and high-spirited, sport-loving, pleasure-seeking young people.' Bishop Lightfoot criticized Booth saying that 'The Salvation Army should have been able to call to its banner the fiery and adventurous spirit of early manhood.'
'Youths of seventeen and eighteen, growing beards if they could to add to their carriage the dignity their years denied them, commanded corps with hundreds of soldiers and controlled sucessfully, in great halls setting thousands, crowds always at first unruly and often definitely hostile, sure in their conviction they were called by God to do so. And no less, maidens not out of their teens!'
(Sandall, 1950: 58f.)
The public swearing in of soldiers is instituted.
(Sandall, 1950: 55)
1881
On August 27, the first number of The Little Soldier is published. In this first magazine, an emphasis was made that The Salvation Army did not intend to make scholars, but soldiers of Christ. He also made clear that no child would ever be left out of a meeting because of poverty, raggedness or dirt. Rather, the greatest love and care should be bestowed upon them.
John Roberts is made editor of this magazine. In it, William Booth writes on "How Not to Hold Services for Children.":
"As the work thus begun amongst the children is entirely new, and the best plans have to be found out in action, the General prefers not to lay down any rules for these meetings as yet; but only to point out the general ideas to be kept in view, and the dangers to be avoided... Therefore everything that tends towards leading children after the human sources of instruction must be guarded against and put down. A very short lesson may be read by the leader of the meeting with comments; but reading will not, as a rule, interest children and they should not be set to read themselves lest anything school-like should be the result. It is not our business to make scholars; but Soldiers of Christ."
(Sandall, 1950: 92, 346; Hazell, 1996: 25)
"Little Soldiers Corps" are opened at various Corps in Britain.
(Hazell, 1996: 24)
1882
William Booth begins to publish in the War Cry a series of articles on childhood which will eventually become The Training of Children.
(Sandall, 1950: 91; Hazell, 1996: 153)
William Booth clarifies that his comments on Sunday School were not intended to reflect on the actions of others, but that soldiers in The Salvation Army need to take their own children to the Corps - not to be instructed in reading, writing and general knowledge, but to be saved, trained in holy living and mission. He was intending to experiment with a new methodology of youth work - one modeled on The Salvation Army corps.
(Sandall, 1950: 92)
Staff-Captain John Roberts receives instructions to organize a Little Soldiers' corps in connection with every station south of Birmingham. Children's Corps were organized with captains and lieutenants, sergeants and other officers, themselves children. Some were able to rise to the challenge, but this experiment was not successful.
(Sandall, 1950: 92f; Hazell, 1996: 153)
1883
William Booth's book, The Training of Children is published in book form.
(Hazell, 1996: 153)
William Booth admits that the little soldiers were the one matter he regarded with anxiety and hope. It concerned him that youth work was being done in a very imperfect and unsatisfactory manner, or not at all. He acknowledges the need for a sergeant who is responsible for this - who will have sense and grace to lead the children. He insisteted that nobody takes a prominent part in Salvation Army youth work "who does not act up to their profession." Rather, he was looking for people who will train the children to be saints and warriors.
(Sandall, 1950: 93)
1884
The Methodist Recorder praises Booth's book because it is intended to help parents bring up their children as thorough and earnest Christians.
(Sandall, 1950: 91)
Captain Gideon Deakin put into effect a system in which the Corps was divided into districts. Each soldiers and recruits name and address was added to a registry and divided into the particular districts. This was also done for the Little Soldiers' Corps. This was to develop a strategy for regular visitation.
(Sandall, 1950: 56f)
1885
Adjutant Stanley Ewens is appointed to the London division to look after the little soldiers. Major John Roberts reports in The Little Soldier that they are "busy getting little soldier sergeants and corporals (adults) commissioned in every corps... as soon as possible we hope to get a little soldiers' captain set apart in almost every division... also two or three little soldiers' divisional officers. So that before long we trust to be able to report that meetings for children are being held in connection with every big soldiers' corps."
(Sandall, 1950: 93)
1886
William Booth transfers Stanley Ewens to Yorkshire and appoints Captain J. Lainchbury, the little soldiers' adjutant for the London division. She comes up with a new methodology for youth work where little soldiers' meetings are divided into companies which are individually under the charge of an adult 'sergeant.' A sergeant-major oversees each of the companies and sergeants. The distinctive feature was their goal to set up programs that would intentionally lead children to 'decide for Christ as they may be able to comprehend.' As a result, they also built in intentional quarterly Decision Sundays. Another unique strategy was the enrollment of Junior Soldiers. These were saved children who were six or seven , who have given true evidence of conversion. At fifteen, Junior Soldiers would be transferred to the Senior Roll.
(Sandall, 1950: 94)
There is an attempt to provide a system on which local workers could base their activities for the younger members of the corps. A system of 'companies' each with its own company guard was developed. A company, comprising of five to ten children, was in the charge of an older Salvationist who was expected to care for them in much the same way as the old-style Methodist class leader cared for the adults in his class. ...Each was responsible for 'guarding' the spiritual life of a small group... Sometimes the various companies met together and so the 'company meeting' came into being.
(Hazell, 1996: 32)
1887 
A creche (daycare) is opened in the Borough (London S.E.) to house "slum babies" - whose condition was so bad that they grew up diseased and sickly. Egg boxes were scrubbed and covered to make cribs. Children were kept for twelve hours (8 AM to 8PM) to allow their mothers to work. Each child was given a piece of bread and jam or a bottle for breakfast (as most didn't get fed before arriving). In one year, over 6000 children had attended.
(Sandall, 1955: 21)
Booth recognizes the crisis of negative influences on slum children. "Over 300 children go to one public house (bar/saloon) in one hour. "The slums seem to be full of children who can curse, swear, fight, gamble, steal, lie, and drink; whose consciences are hardened, and whose non-religious school board education is fitting them to be the future lawless who will be the terror of respectable people and the police."
(Sandall, 1955: 21f.)
The British Field-Secretary for The Salvation Army announces his goal to have 100 little soldiers at Exeter Hall. He wanted to make this ministry more prominent to officers and the general public. Little Soldiers adjutants had already more than trebled during the previous twelve months.
(Wiggins, 1964: 340)
In December, 'Little Soldier' was replaced with 'Junior Soldier.'
(Wiggins, 1964: 340; Hazell, 1996: 153)
1888
On January 5, William Booth launches the Junior Soldier War. He states:
"Now you have a threefold work before you.
1. You want to save them.
2. You want to keep them saved.
3. You want to train them so that they shall grow up, not only consecrated to the work of saving others, but also skillful in the war.
(Hazell, 1996: 1)
In Austrailia, a Y.M.C.A. building is purchased (two years after 'opening fire') by Commissioner Thomas B. Coombs. This was to become their Territorial Headquarters.
(Wiggins, 1964: 92)
In January, the Little Soldier became The Young Soldier. That this should carry a page of congregational songs which could be used for singing. Mildred Duff is made the editor.
(Wiggins, 1964: 173, 175, 340)
British Headquarters acknowledges that the juniors soldiers' war has not been a success because the responsibility had largely rested with individual field officers, and had not been centralized and controlled from headquarters like the senior soldiers' war. Major George Mackenzie was appointed the secretary for the Chief of the Staff to consult on youth work. He was commissioned on January 4, 1888. The next day, the General held a council with the junior soldiers' adjutants of all England, and that same night met in addition with the junior soldiers' sergeants and sergeant-majors of London, of which Mrs. Mackenzie was in command. 200 Junior Soldiers were on platform at this first councils regarding the junior soldiers' war.
It was announced that there were 15 149 junior soldiers, 1000 junior sergeants, 739 junior soldiers' corps, 9 junior soldiers' adjutants, and 5 junior soldiers' field-captains.
A new song was introduced:
Thousands of children Jesus has saved,
Making them pure and holy;
Teaching them how to fight and be brave
In The Salvation Army.
William Booth laid out the plan as follows:
a. "We propose to try and set guards and guides and corresponding influences in the contrary direction of the world... to supply fun and amusement and merry times for the children, but always in the Lord..."
b. That every corps the junior soldiers are to have a barracks (building) of their own.
c. Indoor meetings and two open air meetings are to be held on Sundays, and a public and private meeting during the week.
d. Every (ii) corps is to be under the direct management of a sergeant-major or field-officer, and was to be divided into (i) companies of twelve children, each to be under the care of a sergeant. Several corps lying near to each other would form a (iii) section, under the charge of a sectional sergeant-major or field officer. So many sections near to each other would form a (iv) district under a field-officer with the rank of Ensign. Districts will form a (v) division under an Adjutant and over all Major Mackenzie and his wife would be at (vi) International.
Headquarters.
e. Every corps was to have a treasurer and secretary and a roll book.
(Wiggins, 1964: 340-342)
The Young Soldier reaches a circulation of 100 000 copies per week.
(Wiggins, 1964: 341)
In February, a policy is issued that all persons under 16 years of age who come to the Senior Corps Penitent-Form must be handed over to the Junior Soldiers' Corps.
(Wiggins, 1964: 343)
In April, the first book of the junior soldiers' war, Orders and Regulations, was published.
(Wiggins, 1964: 343)
In October the Austrailian Territory inaugurates a discipleship system of thorough training for young people. This is the precursor to Corps Cadets.
(Wiggins, 1964: 97)
In October, 719 junior soldiers' corps were in existence, with 50 field officers entierely engaged in the work and 33 staff-officers organizing and pushing it forward in every direction. George Scott Railton states that "this is an enormous development." He says, "We are determined to keep entirely clear of anything that approaches 'schoolism.' Our work is not to train children to repeat the names of words of the great soldiers of God who have lived in the past, but to repeat the lives and acts by becoming the true children of God, and true soldiers of the Army."
(Wiggins, 1964: 343f.)
In December, the first publication of The Coming Army is released. This was to be the monthly magazine of the Junior Soldiers' Movement. It was suited to officers, parents, junior soldiers' sergeants and elder junior soldiers. It talked about how to get children saved, how to keep them saved, and how to make them into soldiers.
(Wiggins, 1964: 173, 343)
In December, 2000 junior soldiers in uniform are present at the first anniversary of the establishment of the junior work.
(Wiggins, 1964: 344; Hazell, 1996: 153)
In December, the first Junior Soldiers' Brass Band is formed at Clapton.
(Hazell, 1996: 153; Yearbook 2008, 2007: 16)
1889
In January, there are 744 junior corps, 18 000 junior soldiers, 2528 sergeants, 111 junior soldiers officers, 135 junior soldiers barracks.
(Wiggins, 1964: 344f)
Captain Emma J. Brown and Lieutenant Martha Johnson begin slum work (Dive, Tenement & Garret work) in New York City. The live in tenement rooms on the ground floor. They were met with much suspicion, therefore they laid aside their uniform and put every bit of outward Salvationism away - clothing themselves in the attire of the people amongst whom they lived. They didn't even use handkerchiefs. That year, they opened their first creche (daycare) for children living in the slums.
(Sandall, 1955: 23)
The Salvation Army adopts the dedication service in place of baptism. It is made clear that the performance of this ceremony does not have any effect upon the child's present or future, beyond what may be expected if its parents or guardians carry out the promises they make to train it rightly.
(Sandall, 1950: 133)
1890
An announcement is made that both senior and junior work were to be under the direction of the Divisional Officer, who would have a secretary for junior work.
(Wiggins, 1964: 345)
1892
A partnership between The Salvation Army and the Y.M.C.A. takes place when they lend their hall, free of charge, to open the work in Barbados.
(Wiggins, 1964: 37)
In November, the "Band of Love" is first mentioned in the November 5 War Cry: "The band of love weeknight meeting has in it the elements of success." It was "booming in London and is bound to catch on."
(Wiggins, 1964: 345; Hazell, 1996: 153)
The December, 1892 issue of All the World is devoted to children - with articles by the Bramwell and Florence Booth, George Scott Railton and Susie F. Swift. Swift states:
"Let us remember that our work differs and must differ very widely from ordinary Sunday-school work - which is usually distinctly divided into effort among the children connected with the church and mission work. Among our childish, as among our grown-up congregations, we must consider always the 'uncared-for.' A recent writer in the Primitive Methodist Quarterly pronounces the present Sunday-school system a failure, not on the ground which might have been expected-spiritual inefficiency, due to the employment of unconverted and unconsecrated teachers; to the lack of wise, strong superintendence; to the deliberate doing of things likely to foster the love of the world in children with a view to increasing the numbers in attendance, and to an exaltation of mere verbal Scriptural knowledge, which amounts to idolatry and superstition. No! Mr. Reynolds arraignment is on the ground that their teaching tends to supercede that of the family, and tends to relieve parents of their responsibility for religious teaching. Alas, with many of our children we have no such concern. Our junior sergeants' whole effort and aim with half their charges must be to supercede the teaching of the family."
(Wiggins, 1964: 345f)
In December, the first Junior Soldiers' Regulations are published.
(Wiggins, 1964: 345)
The last issue of the 1892 War Cry commenced publishing Orders of Lessons which had hiterto been circulated in pamphlet form "so as to ensure the Junior Soldiers' sergeants of the poorest corps procuring them and to supply our Salvation families with a Bible reading based on the character, principles and objects of the war." These were written by a different officer almost every week.
(Wiggins, 1964: 345)
A reward-system is introduced into Salvation Army youth work. This was first met with objections, but the General defended this strategy arguing "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." During Christmas, 1200 Bibles and 2000 text cards were distributed as prizes for regular attendance and good conduct in the London division. This work was coordinated under Staff-Captain William Lord, the the only Junior Secretary in the country. His wife was the band of love sergeant-major of the Clapton Congress Hall Corps.
(Wiggins, 1964: 346)
1894
This year was declared to be the juniors' year. In the January 6 edition of the War Cry, William Booth declares:
"For the first time in our history, we will take up the work of saving and blessing the Children as a serious business - a business we have to do - to which we are called, which must be done, and which, by the grace of God, shall be done, and that with all our might... We are in danger of being merely imitators of other workers, and thereby producing little more than an old-fashioned Sunday School, and presenting the Army with nothing more than a Junior Soldier in Sunday Scholar's dress, and hardly that... What do we want? Nothing less than the salvation of our children for this world and the next."
William Booth mandates in this article that in three months from the appearance of this letter, that every corps has a junior corps connected with it:
"I shall call for that Return from all the world. It will be sent direct to me through the Commissioner of each Territory. I want to know exactly how we stand."
He appreciates what is being done by thousands of teachers of the young in other religious organizations, but he fears that:
"...many of them do not go further than simply getting the children together for so many hours a week, to keep them quiet, make them acquainted with Scripture history, teach them hymns and prayers, and good manners, and I know not what else. All excellent so far as it goes, but I want Salvationists to understand that we want our junior work to be a real fight for the salvation of the children."
(Wiggins, 1964: 346f.)
1895
The Salvation Army begins its work in Japan - with its' first meetings being held in a large Y.M.C.A. hall.
(Wiggins, 1964: 69)
1896
In January, the Young People's Legion is inaugurated. [for an alternative proposed date, see 1898] YPL was first announced in the first issue of the January War Cry by the British Commissioner, T. Henry Howard.
Its membership was to include young people between the ages of 14 and 18; and was "for those who are too old for the juniors and too young for the seniors." Members had to 'be thorough teetotal, and neither smoke, chew, nor pinch snuff. They are all anti-gamblers, and pledged to maintain the principles of purity.' The motto of each legion was to be 'For Christ and others. Each day its crowning deed.'
These meetings included a variety of diverse experiences including: salvation education, foreign languages, drawing, shorthand, typewriting, recreation, drills and exercises, sociability, outings, demonstrations, and bureaux for finding lodgings for the members, library, instruction in Army principles, government, history and geography.
(Wiggins, 1964: 347f.)
Adjutant Brindley Boon helped to inaugurate the first branch in Dover.
(Wiggins, 1964: 347f.; Hazell, 1996: 153)
In February, the Corps Cadets Brigade is inaugurated.
(Hazell, 1996: 153)
The April 25 War Cry was devoted to an explanation of the Junior Cadet Brigade, which had been recently organized following an appeal by Brigadier Miles in the February 29th War Cry. The brigade was to be composed of junior soldiers who were at least twelve years of age and who purposed to become officers so soon as age, health, experience and ability should render them eligible. They were to study lessons in the Scriptures, Salvation Army work at home and abroad, Doctrines and Discipline, and Orders and Regulations for Field Officers. They were to have a membership card which would contain a six months' record of their progress, and which would be endorsed each week by the field-officer of the corps.
The first review of Junior cadets by the General took place in August in connection with the Army's first exhibition, which was held in the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington.
William Booth:
"The junior cadet movement was pregnant with great possibilities. The future officer would begin with experience of the war, acquaintance with its methods and organizations and, given a personal realization of the Divine Spirit in their hearts, great things might be expected."
(Wiggins, 1964: 348)
Orders and Regulations for Junior Soldiers War is issued by the General.
(Hazell, 1996: 153)
Lieut-Colonel (later Commissioner) Hugh E. Whatmore was appointed Junior Soldiers' Field-Secretary at the Home Office in November.
(Wiggins, 1964: 349)
1897
On March 14, the first Young People's Councils takes place in the Congress Hall, Clapton. These combined meetings are aimed specifically at teenagers. This was described as a 'new chapter in Salvation Army history.' Some young folk stayed for the Saturday night, the councils beginning at seven o'clock the next morning and not concluding until nearly ten o'clock at night.
(Wiggins, 1964: 349; Hazell, 1996: 153)
In June, Bramwell conducted an inspiring Sunday's meetings with representative young men and women of the Army in Sheffield, in a dingy, badly-ventilated underground room.
(Wiggins, 1964: 349)
In November at Clapton, Bramwell conducted "the latest series of meetings in the interests of the young blood of The Salvation Army... There has been nothing to equal them in meetings of this kind." Portsmouth was also visited along with Newcastle-on-Tyne, where 250 young people travelling many miles to attend the 7 AM knee-drill.
(Wiggins, 1964: 349)
An exclusive branch of the YPL was launched at International Headquarters by Commissioner Pollard for the young people of the staff in November.
(Wiggins, 1964: 348)
1898
On February 10, the Junior Cadet became known as the Corps Cadet.
(Wiggins, 1964: 349)
The first united Corps Cadet Camp takes place in Hadleigh. Bramwell Booth leads these meetings with 250 attending (two thirds of the participants were young women).
(Wiggins, 1964: 349; Hazell, 1996: 154)
Commandant Herbert Booth establishes the first Corps Cadet Brigade in Melbourne, Austrailia on August 24.
(Wiggins, 1964: 97)
Commissioner Coombs organizes the Young People's Legion. This is a special junior and young people's week for the salvation of children and the making of junior soldiers. A 'Red-hot brigade" was to be raised in every Division to lift hard Corps and fan the soul-saving fire in every direction.
(Wiggins, 1964: 248)
1899
Bramwell Booth writes on the children's work:
"It deals with the WHOLE child - its soul, mind and body. The children's SOULS are catered for because they hear the simple truths of the gospel. We provide for the MINDS of the young by teaching them under our 'BAND OF LOVE' section such useful things as music, shorthand, writing, bookkeeping, ambulance, nursing, cooking, sewing, fretwork, and drills. And for the BODIES of our children experience has shown us that Drills supply a great need. Gymnasiums and playgrounds are not at the disposal of our children; but these Exercises will give them the opportunity for healthy exercise and develop their muscles, while they will also teach them useful lessons in promptness, obedience, and the value of united action."
(Bramwell Booth. Preface to International Music Drills, 1899 in Beard, 1968:50)
1900
Colonel Richard Wilson serves as the National Secretary for the Junior and Young People's War for Great Britain and Ireland.
(Wiggins, 1964: 352)
In September, the first Directory is published. It is described as being like a catechism: "a tiny but wonderfully comprehensive booklet intended for the use of children under ten years of age - very useful as the basis for many a lesson in infant theology."
(Wiggins, 1964: 350; Hazell, 1996: 154)
In October, a vast soul-saving campaign is launched to advance the junior soldiers' war. Special meetings were held in various center of the United Kingdom by William Booth, Bramwell and Florence Booth, and Commissioners Carleton, T Henry Howard, Coombs, Pollard, Elijah Cadman, Nicol and Rees. A manifesto was published in the War Cry by the General, who declared that the children had not had their due share of sympathy and attention.
The first United Young People's Campaign took place in the Congress Hall, Clapton on a Saturday night. It was conducted by William Booth. 299 children knelt after the General's talk of nearly an hour. Bramwell Booth held meetings for young people at Wood Green. Brigadier Kitching, Colonel Whatmore and the provincial staff cycled the Chalk Farm for the afternoon at Highgate. 222 boys and girls and young men and women claimed salvation.
In December, Bramwell Booth conducting young people's meetings in the London province at Clapton. 305 children were seekers. Knee-drill took place at 7 AM as 'an appetizer.' the first session commenced at 9 AM.
1901
In January, Commissioner Thomas B. Coombs states in the War Cry:
1. Sunday morning junior meetings must be held in connection with each corps in each territory.
2. The Directory must be specially taught at this meeting, and at least two Companies must be formed for this purpose - one for children under 10 years of age, and the other for those over 10.
3. Where there is no separate Junior Soldiers' Barracks, the time for the Morning Meeting should be the same as where there is, viz. 10 AM to 10:45 AM.
4. Should any children be absolutely prevented from attending the Morning Meeting, they may repeat their portion of the Directory in the Sunday Afternoon Company. Encouragement should be given to the children to attend in the morning, as it will be very largely from the results of that Meeting that the awarding of Prizes for efficiency will be decided.
5. Company lessons will continue for a time to be taken from the Directory; but all Juniors must be given to understand that the portion they are under obligation to learn by heart, is that given in the Morning Meeting.
6. Marks will be given for the Morning Attendance, as well as for the Afternoon, and the highest number attainable is 104.
The standard for Prizes for the year 1901 is as follows:
94 Stars = 1st prize
89 Stars = 2nd prize
80 Stars = 3rd prize
(Wiggins, 1964: 351f.)
1902
The Chief-of-the-Staff, Bramwell Booth, holds Young People's Councils in Glasgow, Scotland.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)1904
The Third International Congress takes place. Sir George Williams, the founder of the Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) speaks.
(Wiggins, 1964: 258)
On May 7, the War Cry reported:
"The Chief's Campaigns for the last five years in the interests of the Young People have at last assumed such a proportion as to take the rank of a truly great and distinct movement. We will not disguise the fact that at first and at times he has had an uphill fight to wage. Prejudice and fear stood in the way at the outset. The impetuosity of the first converts, the absence of experience, and lack of rules stamped the effort with those features which some misconstrue as evils, but which a wise, far-seeking Leader classifies as weaknesses inevitable to new departures. Now the whole thing bubbles with the animation of a rising concern... The young are coming out as well-instructed, deeply spiritual, and intense Salvationists."
(Wiggins, 1964: 352)
These meetings "won their claim to permanence as an institution among the Army's activities" this year. In November, the attendance at Clapton rose to 1 000 for the day.
(Wiggins, 1969: 267)
1905
During the summer, an open-air holiday camp for seventy boys is arranged on Canvey Isaland, Essex. The success of this camp helped to launch organized at Dunoon (Scotland), Herne Bay (Kent), Clacton-on-Sea (Essex), Felizstowe (Suffolk) and Fleetwood (Lancashire).
(Wiggins, 1969: 267f.)
In December, an Advisory Bureau was set up and two Young People's Counselors - Lt-Colonel Mary Tait and Staff Captain Arthur Trounce were apponted to help those who found themselves in spiritual or personal difficulties.
(Wiggins, 1969: 267)
1906
In January, The YP magazine came into being. This was later called The Warrior, and then, when the Life-Saving Scout organization was inaugurated in 1914, it became The Warrior and Life-Saving Scout. Then it became The Life-Saving Scout and Guard. It then became simply Vanguard. This was a monthly magazine of thirty-six pages for promoting the moral, spiritual, physical and educational interests of young people between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one.
(Wiggins, 1969: 165, 268; Hazell, 1996: 154)
A holiday home for young women was opened at Southend-on-Sea (Essex)
(Wiggins, 1969: 268)
Major John T. Fynn speaks at the Western Congress on How to Reach the Children and Young People.
(Fynn, 1906)
In July, Bramwell and Florence Booth launched weekend young people's staff councils at Clapton. There, it was stated that 5 600 000 young people between the ages of seven and twenty-one were untouched on Sundays by any religious influence. Bramwell spoke for more than twelve hours concerning the several danger-signals confronting the youth of the British Isles. He was troubled by:
Their disregard of authority; their love of fierce sports and excitements, which cultivate the brutal spirit; the rising tide of immorality, fed and fostered by the lowest class of poisonous literature; the increase of gambling and lunacy among the young; the boy and girl suicides.
(Wiggins, 1969: 268)
In November, a big soul-saving campaign was launched under the guidance of the National Young People's Secretary, Colonel Charles Rothwell. A notable experiment in the interest of young people was the opening by Florence Booth in the presence of the Lord Provost, of an institute, originally a hotel, in the center of Glasgow where young business girls living in lodgings could profitably spend their spare hours; sleeping accomodations were also provided for seventy girls. This was the first Salvation Army intitution of its kind. Two days after Christmas the Staff Lodge at Clapton received thirty-five daughters of officers for a special training session lasting a week; this was followed by a session for twenty-three sons of officers whose average age was sixteen. These sessions were so successful that they were continued into the following year.
(Wiggins, 1969: 268f.)
1907
The Institute for Young People is opened in Glasgow by Florence Booth.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
In October, it was reported in the War Cry that the school at Hadleigh for children of officers and employees of the Land and Industrial Coloney, and children from the village, had 138 scholars on the roll and was the only Salvation Army day school in the United Kingdom.
(Wiggins, 1969: 269)
1908
In May, Bramwell Booth visited Rochdale, he made it a condition that he be given a meeting with young people in the afternoon. It was the first of its kind that he led.
(Wiggins, 1969: 269)
A new training venture entirely in the interest of corps cadets, candidates and company guards was instituted by Commissioner Hay when he opened a new hall at The Grove, Hackney. The corps cadets were under the command of a training-home officer known as the Central Corps Cadet Guardian.
(Wiggins, 1969: 269)
The League of Promise is commenced by Bramwell Booth for the benefit of officers' children engaged at International Headquarters who had pledged themselves for officership. The league of seventy members was divided into two courts - one for men and the other for women. The leaguers visited corps to conduct weekend meetings, held court meetings once a month and united once every quarter, the first united court being held in December at Holloway Citadel.
(Wiggins, 1969: 269)
The Young Solider Anti-Smoking League, which discouraged juvenile smoking, had more than 25 000 members.
(Wiggins, 1969: 269f.)
1910
In June, 1 000 junior young people ranging from twelve to sixteen came together for a whole day's council at Clapton. This was conducted by Bramwell and Florence Booth.
(Wiggins, 1969: 270)
1912
Newly appointed General Bramwell Booth conducts the Young People's Day on Sunday, October 27. They were associated with a fresh departure in the taking of the Hackney Empire. More than 2 000 attended - which was larger than the combined totals of any two Young People's Sundays held in Clapton. There were 578 seekers and 170 new candidates for officership.
(Wiggins, 1969: 267)
Bramwell held a gathering of 500 young people's census local officers. It was announced that the young people's band leader would henceforth be a member of the young people's census board.
(Wiggins, 1969: 270)
An Intelligence Bureau and Library, with a system of education by correspondence, would be opened at National Headquarters.
(Wiggins, 1969: 270)
Some procedures for the YP Corps are set in place:
1. The transfer of young people from the young people's corps would remain at fifteen years, however, the junior soldier's name would be placed on the roll as a recruit for the senior corps at the age of fourteen, and he would at once receive the senior cartridge. and provisionally sign the Articles of War.
2. Juniors' outposts were to be established in order to gather in the children of the poorest quarters of towns and cities.
3. Directory examinatins were to take place quarterly instead of annually.
4. A Home Section, divided into three branches, was to be established: (i) Cradle Roll; (ii) Home Company [composed of children who lived at such distances that they could often not attend]; (iii) Central Company [For those who worked on Sundays and so could not attend meetings.]
(Wiggins, 1969: 270)
The Band of Love and the Young People's Legion were to be amalgamated under one leadership.
(Wiggins, 1969: 270)
1913
In May, 400 young people's local officers met with Commissioner and Mrs. Higgins in council at Blackpool where it was stated that during the past decade, while 1 600 juniors had been transferred to the senior corps, the juniors roll still showed an increase of 1 600. Attendances showed an increase of nearly 50 000 per week. This was while other churches were mourning a general decrease in membership of children.
(Wiggins, 1969: 271)
A goal was set to develop 100 young people's singing brigades after a group was observed at Blackpool.
(Wiggins, 1969: 271)
In June, a new distinctive badge for the young people's sergeant (now known as the juniors' sergeant major)- consisted of the letters "Y.P.S.M."
(Wiggins, 1969: 271)
On July 21, The Young Life Crusade was inaugurated by Bramwell and Florence Booth at Clapton Congress Hall. At this presentation, the Life Saving Scouts were publically introduced:
There are many things associated with the world-wide Scout movement which are not acceptable to the mind of the Salvationist, but there are at the same time many things which are entirely admirable, and it has been felt by the General and Commissioner Higgins and those under them who are immediately responsible for organizing the young people's work, that if the best in the Scout idea can be developed on Salvation Army lines, a great deal of lasting good will be done for the boys' ripening years. The very name "Life-Saving Scouts" will mark this boys' organization out from all other... The uniform is quite distinct - colonial slouch hat turned up at one side with red cockade, grey shirt and knickers with red facings, and red neckscarf.
The chief officers were Bramwell Booth (president), Edward Higgins, the British Commissioner (Commander-in-Chief), Colonel Philip Kyle, National Young People's Secretary (Chief Superintendent), Brigadier Thomas Lewis (Secretary of the Territorial Council), and Major Hugh Sladen (Territorial Organizer).
When Sir Robert Baden-Powell was considering applying for a charter for the Boy Scout Organization, he invited William Booth to become its one and only Vice-Presiden, but the General could not see his way clear to accept the generous gesture and signal honor.
(Wiggins, 1969: 271; Hazell, 1996: 154)
The Children's Employment Abroad Bill sought to ensure protection for young English girls and children who were taken abroad for dancing and performing. Following a visit to Paris, Florence Booth had urged William Booth to press for legislature. After a long struggle the Government had taken the matter up, and the measure had passed through its final stages in August. Queen Mary was very interested in this bill.
(Wiggins, 1968: 296)
2000 teenagers attend the Young People's Day in the United Kingdom.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
The Salvation Army opens up its only 'secular' school in the United Kingdom, enrolling 108 scholars drawn from the children of staff and neighbors of the Hadlry Farm Colony.
(Hazell, 1996: 131, 154)
In India, two boarding schools, two 'normal' schools, fifteen industrial schools, and several village schools are organized and run by The Salvation Army.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
Corps Cadets divide into Higher and Lower Grades. The higher grades became known as The Soul Winners Legion.
(Wiggins, 1969: 271; Hazell, 1996: 154)
1914
Sixty Life-Saving Scout troops are offically registered at National Headquarters. The first was at Chalk Farm, North London, and the first Scout was Robert James. The first life-saving scout bugle Band was commissioned at Pontymister, Wales, in March.
(Wiggins, 1969: 272)
1915
On November 17, Life-Saving Guards for girls aged 11-18 are introduced into Salvation Army programming.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1917
On June 23, Life-Saving Chums for boys 8-11 are introduced into Salvation Army programming.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1921
On November 3, Life-Saving Sunbeams for younger girls 8-11 are introduced into Salvation Army programming.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1923
The Howard Institute Boarding School begins in Zimbabwe.
(Hazell, 1996: 133)
1924
In the 1924 version of Orders and Regulations, reference is made to home companies - where an adult, usually the mother, would gather children into her home and using The International Company Orders, or the Bible lesson printed in The Young Soldier, would try to encourage the children's Christian growth. These sometimes grew into an outpost or Corps, but usually functioned for a few years until the leader moved homes or the children were old enough to get themselves to a larger center.
(Hazell, 1996: 130)
1927
From May to June, the first International Young People's Staff Council takes place.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1938
In January, the first Torchbearer Groups are inaugurated for young people ages 18 to 30.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1940
In 1940, The Salvation Army opened the new Red Shield Community Center on Stockell Street in northeast Nashville. A center with limited facilities had operated her for some time, but a bequest from the late Col. William Magness made it possible to build a large well-equipped center. Here the Army provided youth and adult recreation and fellowship programs. A generous gift from the Justin and Valerie Potter Foundation helped enlarge the center, which became known as the Magness-Potter Community Center. In 1952, Milt Servais became the Executive Director of Magness-Potter, and for 33 years mentored and guided thousands of youth through its programs. The Magness-Potter gymnasium is named in his honor.
(Nashville Corps, 2008)
1943
The Salvation Army, Western Territory concentrates its' attention to youth activities. Lt. Colonel P.L. DeBevoise. At a Youth Conference at Will Rogers Memorial Park near Calabasa, they announce that they are going to focus their attention on the rehabilitation of youth. The new campaign slogan is "Better to prepare and prevent rather than to repair and repent." He states, "Because of the growing wave if juvenile delinquency we are increasing our youth work... we are sponsoring youth camps, Boy scout troops and all types of beneficial youth activities all over the country."
(LA Times, 1943)
The Territorial Youth Secretaries for USA Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Territories meet at the first American Youth Commission.
(USA National, 2007)
1945
One American Territory reports that they have 1575 volunteer workers involed in Vacation Bible Schools; another has an enrollment of 16 000 children and 5 181 are children who had previously never attended a Salvation Army activity; a third Territory reported 1521 boys and girls seeking salvation.
(Hazell, 1996: 135)
1948
In the United Kingdom, Life-Saving Scouts merge with Baden-Powell's Boy Scout Movement.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1949
On February 26, Students' Fellowship for those at tertiary institutions commences.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1950
On August 10-23, The Salvation Army conducts its' first International Youth Congress.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
Official constitution of the Students' Fellowship
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1955
Ernest Denham publishes Illustrated Bible Talks for Young People. This book helps youth workers learn how to utilize blackboards, puppets, cut-outs, and Scripture word puzzles.
(Denhem, 1955)
1956
On July 19-31, The Salvation Army conducts its' first International Corps Cadet Congress celebrates 60 years of Corps Cadets.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1959
In the United Kingdom, Life-Saving Guards merge with Girl Guards
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1961
It is reported that in the USA Eastern Territory, there were more than 3000 Corps Cadets and almost 13 000 Junior Soldiers.
(Neal, 1961: 165)
In the USA, more than 20 000 under-privileged children enjoy vacations in 58 fresh-air camps.
(Neal, 1961: 172)
In the USA, The Salvation Army has contact with nearly 800 000 children and youth. About 425 000 are members of Army youth programs, including 72% under the age of 15 years and 28% ranging from 15-21. It has indirect contact with 4 million children at Christmas, in disasters, in social welfare operations and similar activities.
(Neal, 1961: 174)
Brigadier Grace E. Dierlof is in charge of the Ridgewood Day Nursery and Settlement in Brooklyn, New York where children of working parents were taken care of. This inlcuded hot lunches, fruit juices and afternoon snacks and milk. The children were three to six years old. The "Settlement House" provided after-school care for children over six years. Often, the participants were immigrant children who were taught to speak english. Brigadier Dierlof says, "We have many children with problems, but no problem children."
During the summertime, the Settlement would open a craft and woodwork shop from 8 AM to 5:30 PM. They would also hold Sunday School classes, meetings of Girl Guards and Sunbeams, and boys' clubs for teen-agers, operated in conjunction with the Boy's Club of America.
(Neal, 1961: 172-173)
The first act of integration in Tulsa, Oklahoma took place at a Salvation Army Boy's Club where 35 African-American boys joined the previously all-white club.
(Neal, 1961: 174)
1979
In auguration of SABAC (Salvation Army Boys' Adventure Club) in the United Kingdom.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1982
The Catherine Booth Bible College opens in Winnepeg, Manitopa in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.
(Hazell, 1996: 134)
1985
On July 17-23, the second International Youth Congress takes place at Western Illinois University.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
1997
The International Youth Forum takes place in Cape Town, South Africa.
(Hazell, 1996: 154)
The Yearbook reports that the world-wide Salvation Army has 1, 505 kindergarten, primary and middle schools and 99 secondary/high schools. These have a total of 306, 185 pupils. There are also 32 domestic science and trade schools with 7, 253 students and 21 teacher training schools with 3513 students.
(Hazell, 1996: 131)
2001
The inauguration of Project 1:17 School for Youth Ministry and Mission takes place in the USA Eastern Territory.
2007
Statistics:
Junior Soldiers: 360 222
Corps Cadets: 36 374
Young People's Bands (members): 10 652
Young People's Singing Companies (members): 79 665
Other Young People's Music Groups (members): 55 776
Sunday Schools (members): 612 533
Junior Youth Groups (scouts, guides, etc. & club members): 236 067
Senior Youth Groups (members): 79 912
TOTAL: 1 471 201
Corps-based Community Development Programs: 23 035 Beneficiaries: 2 845 288
TOTAL: 2 845 288
Children's Homes: 209 Capacity: 8 500
Remand and Probation Homes: 36 Capacity: 986
Homes for Street Children: 31 Capacity: 31 Capacity: 669
Mother and Baby Homes: 40 Capacity: 1 016
Training Centers for Families: 27 Capacity: 590
TOTAL: 11 761 children & youth
Community Centers: 492
Early Childhood Education Centers: 186 Capacity: 26 195
Play Groups: 102 Capacity: 1 422
Day Centers for Street Children: 10 Capacity: 924
Day Nurseries: 174 Capacity: 15 127
Drop-in Centers for Youth: 183
Other Day Care Centers: 368 Capacity: 48 137
TOTAL: 91 805 children & youth
Community Youth Programs: 2 780 Beneficiaries: 189 837
Social Services Summer Camps: 205 Participants: 17 991
TOTAL: 207 828 children & youth
Kindergarden/sub primary: 732
Primary Schools: 934
Upper Primary and Middle Schools: 176
Secondary and High Schools: 185
Colleges and Universities: 6
Vocational Training Schools/Centers: 253
Pupils: 494 491
TOTAL: 494 491 children & youth
Total of direct contact with children & youth for 2007: 5 122 374
(Yearbook 2008, 2007: 29-31)
Project 1:17 becomes Railton School for Youth Worker Training.
Bibliography
Beard, Marie Keighley. (1968). The contribution of The Salvation Army to the religious and moral education of children and young people in Great Britain 1865-1965. London: University of London.
Denhem, Ernest N. (1955). Illustrated Bible talks for young people. London: Salvationist Publishing and Supplies.
Fynn, J.T. (1906) "How to reach the children and young people." Western congress addresses.
Chicago, IL: Western Press.
Hazell, George Henry. (1996). The threefold task: A record of the work of The Salvation
Army with children and young people. Unpublished paper.
L.A. Times. (1943). 'Salvation Army to concentrate on youth work.' Los Angeles Times. July 4, 1943. ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times (1881 - 1986), p.10.
Methodist History. (2007). Introduction to Methodist history. http://www.methodist-central-hall.org.uk/history/IntroductionToMethodistHistory.pdf
Nashville Corps. (2008). "About us: History" http://www.salarmy-nashville.org/History.html (Downloaded: January, 2008)
Neal, Harry Edward. (1961). The hallelujah army: The Salvation Army in action. Philadelphia, PA: Chilton Company.
Rohu, Ethel B. (1952). John Roberts: Evangelist. London: Salvationist Publishing and Supplies.
Sandall, Robert. (1947/1979). The history of The Salvation Army: Volume one - 1865 - 1878. New York: The Salvation Army Supplies and Purchasing.
Sandall, Robert. (1950/1979). The history of The Salvation Army: Volume two - 1878 - 1886. New York: The Salvation Army Supplies and Purchasing.
Sandall, Robert. (1955/1979). The history of The Salvation Army: Volume three - Social reform and welfare work. New York: The Salvation Army Supplies and Purchasing.
USA National. (2007). Roll call through the years 1943-2003: 60th anniversary youth commission. Unpublished paper.
Watson, Bernard. (1954). The tender years: A handbook for Salvationist workers among adolescents. London: Salvationist Publishing and Supplies.
Wiggins, Arch. (1964/1979). The history of The Salvation Army: Volume four - 1886 - 1904. New York: The Salvation Army Supplies and Purchasing.
Wiggins, Arch. (1968/1979). The history of The Salvation Army: Volume five - 1904 - 1913. New York: The Salvation Army Supplies and Purchasing.
Yearbook 2008. (2007). The Salvation Army year book. London: Salvation Books.
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