“Soup. Soap. Salvation.” That was the motto of the Heilsarmee, Korps Dresden in its early days. The Salvation Army, or Heilsarmee, is a global Christian movement. It is an evangelical church and a charitable organization.
The Heilsarmee, Korps Dresden’s story began like many others. William Booth, a Methodist preacher, founded it in London in 1865. His goal was to help those in need and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Heilsarmee in Germany started in Stuttgart in 1886. Staff-Captain Fritz Schaaf tirelessly sold the Swiss War Cry. He felt called to bring the message to his homeland after his conversion in New York.
In 1897, the Salvation Army registered as a limited company in Berlin. By 1967, it was recognized as a church and public corporation throughout Germany. The Heilsarmee is also recognized as a religious association with public rights in several states.
But what does the Heilsarmee, Korps Dresden actually do? The Heilsarmee believes everyone is equal before God. William Booth preached in public. He went to the streets and squares. He famously said, “If the people will not come to the church, we must go to the people.” He reached the poor and the hopeless. He offered them comfort and hope. He assured them that Jesus had taken their sins upon himself. He said that they would be accepted into God’s kingdom as Christians.
Originally, the Heilsarmee opted not to have church buildings and sacraments. Instead, they invite people to services in community centers. They often appear in public accompanied by brass bands. They collect donations for those in need. They bring God closer to the people.
In the late 19th century, industrialization brought poverty and hunger. Men drowned their sorrows in alcohol. Girls and women turned to prostitution. Countless children lived on the streets stealing. The Heilsarmee’s motto was “Soup. Soap. Salvation.” It meant people with empty stomachs could not hear God’s word. Feeding them, clothing them, sheltering them, helping them, and giving them hope became the mission of the Heilsarmee.
Even today, the Heilsarmee helps people in financial need. It offers a spiritual home to those on the margins of society. The Heilsarmee is active in over 130 countries. Its global presence allows it to respond quickly and effectively in disasters.
The Heilsarmee faced increasing pressure under the Third Reich. In 1942, their properties were confiscated. They were ordered to stop their work. Despite this, the Heilsarmee continued its work in Germany. After the war, Commissioner F Barrett visited Germany. He reported on the responses of the German officers. They continued their salvation and social work. Two-thirds of their homes and halls had been destroyed. Most of the officers had lost everything.
So, as you stand here today, remember the Heilsarmee, Korps Dresden’s history. Think of their dedication to helping others. Consider their unwavering faith. The Heilsarmee continues to fight against poverty and inequality. They offer practical help and spiritual guidance to those who need it most. Their motto remains true: “The heart for God, the hand for the people.”