2. History
In 1865, William Booth, an ordained Methodist minister, aided by his wife Catherine, formed an evangelical group
dedicated to preaching among the "unchurched" people living in the midst of the appalling poverty in London's East
End. Booth's ministry recognized the interdependence of material, emotional and spiritual needs. In addition to
preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, Booth became involved in the feeding and sheltering of the hungry and homeless
and in rehabilitation of alcoholics
Booth and his followers, originally known as The Christian Mission, became The Salvation Army in 1878, when the
organization evolved in a quasi-military pattern. Booth became "the General" and officers' ranks were given to his
ministers
In 1880, George Scott Railton and the "Seven Hallelujah Lassies" (as they were called by the local newspaper) arrived
in New York City to "officially" open the work of The Salvation Army in the United States. They immediately set about
to preach the gospel of Christ and serve the poorest of the poor through practical acts of compassion
The Daily Leader, Lexington, KY, February 7, 1886, read, "Salvation Army to Bombard Lexington Tonight." The gospel
was preached in an open-air meeting at the Courthouse on Main Street drawing a huge crowd. Meetings followed for a
time in rented halls. The Salvation Army, which had closed due to lack of funding, re-opened for good in 1903
The kettle tradition was started in 1891 by Captain Joseph McFee in San Francisco to help fund a Christmas dinner for
the poor. He received permission to place a pot at the Oakland ferry landing to raise money for the poor. Today, the
Christmas kettle stands as a symbol of service, a refreshing reminder amid the commercialism of the holidays that
people do still care for one another
3. Mission Statement
To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their
full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
4. Core Programs
Character and Leadership
Education and Career
Health and Life Skills
The Arts
Sports, Fitness and Recreation
5. After Schools Program
Open Monday - Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Homework help and Tutoring
Computer Center
Games and Recreation
Arts and Crafts
Quarter Mile Math
Lexia Reader Program
6. Summer Camp
Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.(10 week program). Summer
2013 Dates: May 28 - August 2. Closed July 4th
swimming
the arts
field trips
sports and recreational activities
character development
