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Red Shield
The Red Shield is an internationally recognised symbol of Salvation Army service to those in need. At the turn of the century, one of the symbols of The Salvation Army was a silver shield with the words ‘Salvation Army’ emblazoned across it. The shield was worn as a badge by many Salvation Army personnel, particularly those serving with the Defence Forces. |
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In the aftermath of the Boer War, an Australian Salvationist, Major George Carpenter, was concerned that the silver shield worn by Salvationists in times of war would reflect light, particularly during the night, giving the location of troops to the enemy. As a result, the silver was replaced by the red enamel and became known as the ‘Red Shield’.
Crest
The crest is a meaningful symbol of the Salvationist’s beliefs. Captain William Ebdon designed the crest in 1878 and the only alteration to his original design was the addition of the crown. Its emblems set forth the leading doctrines of The Salvation Army as follows:
• The sun (the surround) represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit
• The cross of Jesus stands at the centre of the crest and the Salvationist’s faith
• The ‘S’ stands for Salvation from sin
• The swords represent the fight against sin
• The shots (seven dots on the circle) stand for the truths of the gospel
• The crown speaks of God’s reward for His faithful people
• “Blood and Fire” is the motto of The Salvation Army. This describes the blood of Jesus shed on the cross to save all people, and the fire of the Holy Spirit which purifies believers
The crest is a meaningful symbol of the Salvationist’s beliefs. Captain William Ebdon designed the crest in 1878 and the only alteration to his original design was the addition of the crown. Its emblems set forth the leading doctrines of The Salvation Army as follows:
• The sun (the surround) represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit
• The cross of Jesus stands at the centre of the crest and the Salvationist’s faith
• The ‘S’ stands for Salvation from sin
• The swords represent the fight against sin
• The shots (seven dots on the circle) stand for the truths of the gospel
• The crown speaks of God’s reward for His faithful people
• “Blood and Fire” is the motto of The Salvation Army. This describes the blood of Jesus shed on the cross to save all people, and the fire of the Holy Spirit which purifies believers
Flag
Around the world, The Salvation Army flag is a symbol of the Army’s war against sin and social evil. The red on the flag represents the blood of Christ; the blue border stands for purity; and the yellow star in the centre signifies the fire of the Holy Spirit.
The flag is used at special occasions such as marriages, funerals, marches, open-air meetings, enrolments of soldiers, farewells, and retirements.
The first Salvation Army flag was designed and presented to the Coventry Corps in England by Catherine Booth in 1878. At the time the centre of the flag was a yellow sun representing the Light of Life. This was changed to the star in 1882.
Around the world, The Salvation Army flag is a symbol of the Army’s war against sin and social evil. The red on the flag represents the blood of Christ; the blue border stands for purity; and the yellow star in the centre signifies the fire of the Holy Spirit.
The flag is used at special occasions such as marriages, funerals, marches, open-air meetings, enrolments of soldiers, farewells, and retirements.
The first Salvation Army flag was designed and presented to the Coventry Corps in England by Catherine Booth in 1878. At the time the centre of the flag was a yellow sun representing the Light of Life. This was changed to the star in 1882.
Uniform
The Salvation Army uniform reflects the military principles upon which the Army is organised. For Salvation Army officers and soldiers it is a visible expression of their faith that often creates valuable opportunities to provide a helping hand. Uniforms have been worn in many forms since the Army’s earliest days. The first evangelists of the Christian Mission wore suits of clerical cut, with frock coats, tall hats, and black ties. Women evangelists wore plain dresses and small Quaker-type bonnets. After the Mission became an Army (1878), it was agreed that a military type uniform should be adopted, modelled on Victorian military garb.
The first captain of The Salvation Army, a former chimney sweep named Elijah Cadman, is credited with instigating the wearing of the military-style uniforms after declaring at an early meeting, “I should like to wear a suit of clothes that would let everyone know I meant war to the teeth and Salvation for the world.”
The Salvation Army uniform has evolved over the years. Bonnets for women were replaced by felt hats and the high military-style collars were dropped for both men and women. There is variation in uniform internationally because of climate and other circumstances.
The Salvation Army uniform reflects the military principles upon which the Army is organised. For Salvation Army officers and soldiers it is a visible expression of their faith that often creates valuable opportunities to provide a helping hand. Uniforms have been worn in many forms since the Army’s earliest days. The first evangelists of the Christian Mission wore suits of clerical cut, with frock coats, tall hats, and black ties. Women evangelists wore plain dresses and small Quaker-type bonnets. After the Mission became an Army (1878), it was agreed that a military type uniform should be adopted, modelled on Victorian military garb.
The first captain of The Salvation Army, a former chimney sweep named Elijah Cadman, is credited with instigating the wearing of the military-style uniforms after declaring at an early meeting, “I should like to wear a suit of clothes that would let everyone know I meant war to the teeth and Salvation for the world.”
The Salvation Army uniform has evolved over the years. Bonnets for women were replaced by felt hats and the high military-style collars were dropped for both men and women. There is variation in uniform internationally because of climate and other circumstances.