Taunton’s Salvation Army marks 140 years of ‘punching above its weight’

In 1882, the first Salvation Army ‘barracks’ in Taunton had to be registered under a fake name — ‘The Temperance Hall Committee’—just to avoid being torn apart by violent mobs nicknamed the ‘Skeleton Armies’. On Sunday, 7 June, that same small but resilient church will make a very different kind of noise: one of thanksgiving, brass bands, and children’s laughter in Vivary Park.

Taunton’s Salvation Army Church will celebrate 140 years of serving the town, beginning with a “Thanksgiving Service” at 10:30 am at the Salvation Army Hall in South Street, followed by an “Afternoon of Praise” in the Park at 3:00 pm at the Vivary Park bandstand, featuring a lively band, children’s crafts, and activities. Everyone is welcome to both events.

Yesterday’s problems, today’s mission

The challenges that faced the founders of The Salvation Army over 160 years ago—homelessness, addiction, loneliness and unemployment—are much the same as today. Their pioneering work included shelters for people who were homeless, a family tracing service, soup kitchens, rescue homes for women fleeing domestic abuse and prostitution, the world’s first free labour exchange, and campaigns to improve working conditions.

Lieutenant Jon Culshaw who leads The Salvation Army in Taunton said they stand on the shoulders of giants gone before them and striving to serve the community through practical help, unconditional assistance, and support to transform lives.

Jon said, “The 7th of June will be a beautiful moment in our 140-year journey—a chance to pause, give thanks, and remember. We’ll honour those who built this church with their bare hands and faithful hearts, the lives that were lifted from darkness, and the love that has quietly held this community together for generations. But we won’t just be looking back. We’ll also be looking ahead—with hope, with purpose, and with the same fire that stirred our founders.”

A history of hope against hostility

Although members of The Salvation Army first arrived in Taunton from Wellington in 1880, it was in 1886 that the Taunton church was officially opened. The congregation faced immediate opposition to its lively worship style and its uncompromising stance against social deprivation. Early meetings were broken up by crowds of 500 hurling rotten eggs and ripe oranges.

But The Salvation Army persisted. Over the decades, its modest numbers have packed a considerable punch. As the church in Taunton celebrates this significant milestone, it reflects on the lives touched and an enduring legacy of compassion and service that continues to shape the lives of many in Taunton.

The church has consistently served the needs of the people of Taunton, offering a range of inter-generational support services that have evolved alongside the needs of the community. 

In addition to church services every Sunday, every third Saturday of the month between 9:30am and 11:00am, the church hosts a Men’s Breakfast – because too many men are struggling in silence. Loneliness, mental health challenges, and isolation don't always wear a sign, but they are felt deeply. This is a safe space for men of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs to pull up a chair, share a hot meal, and find genuine friendship – no agendas, no judgments, just honest company and a listening ear. Everyone is welcome, whether you're hurting, hungry, or just hoping for a good conversation. 

For more information about The Salvation Army in Dunstable visit: Taunton | The Salvation Army.