VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA






<PRE>
   An organization for religious work in America formed in New York City in
1896. At that time Ballington Booth (q.v.), Commander of the American
Province of the Salvation Army, and his wife, not approving certain of the
orders of General Booth for conducting operations in America,  withdrew from
the Army, and, with a few other officers, organized the Volunteers. The
general  aims and methods are the same as those of the Salvation Army, but
certain modifications were introduced supposed to be better adapted to
conditions in America. The organization of the United States Army is taken
as the model, and the Commander-in-Chief is elected by the soldiers for nine
years: he is assisted and advised by a Grand Field Council composed of those
commissioned officers of and above the rank of major. The Volunteers observe
the sacraments of baptism and communion, and seek affiliation with the
churches.
   The organization in 1903 included 6 regiments or districts, under the
direction of as many sectional officers and their wives, embracing 14
chartered companies, besides nearly 100 self-supporting posts or societies,
with outposts. These societies, in 1902, raised $86,819 for their
maintenance and work, and attracted 3,920,893 to their indoor and outdoor
meetings; while 30,522 families were visited by their officers. Homes for
the destitute and for workingmen are maintained in many of the larger
cities, where 252, 760 people were lodged during 1902, and 344,450 persons
were furnished  meals at a nominal cost. There are houses of mercy for young
women at Newark, N.J. and Boston, Mass., where 2760 beds  were furnished. In
the homes for unprotected and neglected children, 426 were provided for. In
connection with the Volunteers' Prison Work leagues have been formed in 16
State prisons, embracing 14,000 prisoners leading reformed lives,
correspondence has been carried on with about 22,000 men, and homes
designated as "Hope Halls" have been established at Chicago and at Flushing,
N.Y. The Volunteers' Gazette  is published weekly in New York.

Source:  The New International Encyclopaedia
Copyright:  1902, 1903, 1904, 1905
Publisher:  Dodd, Mead and company--New York
Volumes:  Total of 21 volumes
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Transcribed by Miriam Medina
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