“Are you called?” This question resonates through the history of The Salvation Army QC #1. The Salvation Army’s journey in the Philippines began with Major John Milsaps. He preached the gospel in Manila in 1898.
The real push forward came from Filipinos. They had encountered The Salvation Army in Hawaii. From 1933 to 1937, they started meetings. These meetings took place in Panay, Luzon, Cebu and Mindanao Islands. Colonel and Mrs Alfred Lindvall officially started the work on June 6, 1937.
Consider the early days of officer training. In 1938, the first class of cadets started. They were known as the “Enthusiasts”. Training occurred on C Ayala Street in Manila. The aim was to prepare young individuals for the Army’s mission. The need for officers was significant.
During World War II, things shifted. In 1940, the Training Institute moved from Manila to Baguio City due to the Japanese invasion. The location was on Abanao Street. After the war, The Salvation Army reopened in Manila.
The Salvation Army Philippines became a church in 1963. It was registered under Company Registration No 24211. Social services were incorporated in 1977. Educational services followed in 2001.
Imagine the construction of the new Training Institute at Pasig in 1969. This was The Salvation Army’s first owned training property. Funds came from local sources and abroad. The U.S.A. Western Territory donated twenty-eight thousand US dollars. The Netherlands’ Corps Cadets gifted ten thousand guilders for furnishings.
The Training Institute became the School for Officer’s Training in 1973. Later, in June 1992, it became The Salvation Army Training College. In June 1993, the Training College was renamed Officer Training College.
Reflect on the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda. The Salvation Army responded. They provided food water and counseling. Donations poured in from around the world.
Today, The Salvation Army continues to serve. It supports communities. It spreads its message of hope. The Salvation Army QC #1 is a part of this ongoing story. It stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of service. It is a place where one can truly ask: Are you called?