About us

The Salvation Army Community Church was established in Cheltenham in 1879. Major Diane Henderson has been our officer (church leader) for the last 7 years.

“ I have been a Salvation Army Officer for 25 years. First working within the inner cities of our country before moving into mainstream church ministry.

I was born and raised in Aberdeen in the North East of Scotland where I was introduced to The Salvation Army when I was 8 through my grandmother being invited to the Home League (women's meeting). I left home at 18 to work in the Service Corps of the Goodwill (inner-city) work of the Salvation Army. It was whilst working alongside families in need that God's call upon my life came. Part of that call was to a holistic ministry of the individual.

From the beginning of my faith journey a verse of Scripture has sustained me through the years found in Deuteronomy 33:25 'Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.'

Whatever the day God has faithfully provided.”

The Salvation Army

As a registered charity The Salvation Army is part of the Christian church and demonstrates its Christian principles through social action. It is one of the largest and most diverse providers of social welfare. The movement, founded in 1865 by William Booth, has spread from London, England, to many parts of the world.

The quick growth of the Salvation Army was helped by the use of a military command structure in 1878 when the title, ‘The Salvation Army’, was brought into use - a recurring theme in Christianity which sees the Church engaged in spiritual warfare. The Salvation Army has used to advantage certain soldierly features such as uniforms, flags and ranks to identify, inspire and regulate its purpose.

Evangelistic and social activities are set up, under the authority of the General, by full-time officers (church leaders) and employees, as well church volunteers. Leadership in the Salvation Army is provided by commissioned officers who are recognised ministers of religion.

For more information on the Salvation Army please visit: www.salvationarmy.org