The Salvation Army beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole". The Army was founded in 1865 in London by one-time Methodist circuit-preacher William Booth and his wife Catherine as the East London Christian Mission, and can trace its origins to the Blind Beggar tavern. In 1878 Booth reorganised the mission, becoming its first General and introducing the military structure which has been retained as a matter of tradition. Its highest priority is its Christian principles. The current international leader of The Salvation Army and chief executive officer (CEO) is General Brian Peddle, who was elected by the High Council
The Salvation Army in Namibia Hendricks and predominantly serves the people in Windhoek. The Salvation Army in Namibia The Salvation Army has had a turbulent history in Namibia dating back to 1913 when Major Schaud set up the first corps in Walvis Bay. Little is known of this venture which is thought to have been brought to an end by the First World War after British South Africa declared war on the then German South-West Africa. In the 1920s Salvationist families kept an unofficial presence in the towns of Walvis Bay, Usakos and Tsumeb. By 1928, unofficial corps were also operating in Swakopmund and Windhoek.