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
General of The Salvation Army Salvation Army and assumed office on April 2, 2011 following the retirement of General Shaw Clifton. The Officer of The Salvation Army who is elected General is the worldwide spiritual leader of The Salvation Army and the chief executive officer of the organization. Since The Salvation Army maintains a heriarchical, quasi-military structure, all appointments and regulations are issued under the General's authority. Since the results of the 1929 High Council, and with the passage of The Salvation Army Act in the British Parliament in 1931, a General must "retire" at age 68. there are 5 retired Generals still living. The