Salem’s Salvation Army Corps Timeline

1883  The Salvation Army arrives in San Francisco with Major Alfred Wells and Captain Henry Stillwell 

1886  Captain Mary Stillwell departs for Portland with her baby and two Cadets to open a corps. 

On December 28th, 1886 The Salvation Army established in Salem.

1888  The Salvation Army (August 25th) “decamps.”

1891  An effort is again made to reopen the work in Salem in June, but it appears that a second closing takes place.

1895  In March of this year, a third opening takes place, and permanency succeeds for the Salem Corps. 

1905 Every evening services take place at 8:00 p.m..  On Sunday, there are three services-at 11:00 a.m.,3:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. 

1911 First mention of Sunday School (at 3:00 p.m.) and a Young People’s Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 

1920  The Salvation Army Band is photographed at 241 State Street

1927 First mention of the Women’s Home League in Salem. The Salvation Army Camp Trestle Glen opens near Estacada.

The Salvation Army moves to its new building at 241 State Street. First mention of The Salvation Army Thrift Store at 155 Commercial Street NE.

1946 or ’47  The Salvation Army booth is opened at the State Fair in Salem. It will continue through 1974.

1957  The Salvation Army’s Emergency Shelter is opened near what is now the Gilbert House at the riverfront. Also, Donut Daze are initiated between 1956 and 1958. This becomes very popular with the community and state employees.

1965 The Salvation Army Corps moves to 693 Chemeketa.100th Anniversary year of The Salvation Army.

1966 The Salvation Army Emergency Shelter operation is moved to 1901 Front Street NE

1977 The Salvation Army Corps moves to 1230 Winter Street NE.

1980 Salem Salvationists attend the national 100th Anniversary Congress in Kansas City. Mount St. Helens blows her top.

1986 100th Anniversary of Salem Salvation Army’s first opening.

1991 The Salvation Army adds a multi-purpose building to corps structure.

2003 December marks 117 years of The Salvation Army’s first opening in Salem.

Compiled by Florence Robb and David Vanderhoff, Salem Salvation Army members, 2003

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This article originally appeared on the original Salem Online History site and has not been updated since 2006.