Salvation Army lights up Tower 42 to celebrate birthday

On Sunday 2 July The Salvation Army’s distinctive red shield lit up London’s iconic 183 metre-tall Tower 42 building to mark 158 years since The Salvation Army was founded.

The Salvation Army’s Territorial Commander for UK and Ireland, Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, said:

“The Salvation Army has a long history, and our birthday is a time when we give thanks for the dedication of all the people who have supported our work over the years. Without our volunteers, church members and donors we could not reach thousands of vulnerable people every year. 

“As society changes over the years, we adapt to meet the needs of those who need us the most. Every day we feed people who are struggling to put food on the table, shelter people forced into rough sleeping and help people who have survived the ordeal of modern slavery to recover. Thank you to everyone who supports this work.”

From humble beginnings, when in 1865 William and Catherine Booth began their ministry through The Christian Mission, an evangelical and charitable organisation, The Salvation Army enters its 159th year as a global movement helping vulnerable people in over 130 countries worldwide.

In the UK The Salvation Army is now a leading provider of homelessness and addiction services, support for survivors of modern slavery, and support to help people get into work. The church and charity also runs foodbanks, baby banks, formal and informal childcare, and drop-in services to help families and older people with practical support, advice and a listening ear.

Explore the history of The Salvation Army here through the Virtual Heritage Centre