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 1931 with a corps being opened in the town of Usakos. The campaign ended in tragedy when Captain Claasen, the officer in charge of The Salvation Army in Namibia, was accidentally killed in Italy at the start of World War Two. On 3 January 2008 The Salvation Army returned for the second time after Major Lenah Jwili opened a new corps in the capital Windhoek. Namibia is now part of the Southern Africa Territory, which also oversees Salvation Army work in Lesotho, St Helena, South Africa and Swaziland. Currently The Salvation Army Namibia is led by Captains Rob and Felicia