Recently, the Salvation Army of Grand Haven celebrated its 100-year-anniversary. The organization started its work in Grand Haven in December 1890 when two Irish girls started serving in Grand Haven. This is about 40 years after William Booth started the Salvation Army in England.
The Army’s first home was the old Armory on Second and Franklin streets in downtown Grand Haven. However, the doors closed before the end of 1891, after four commanding officers and six assistant officers had served in the community.
In 1922, the three-story Gray Block at 16 Washington Street was willed to the Salvation Army by Mattie (George) McBride. Through the years, the space at Washington was expanding upon as well as other facilities added throughout the city. The organization celebrated its 100th anniversary with a three-day event in September that included a celebration of its new expanded facility at 310 N. Despelder, Grand Haven.
To date, 47 officers and 20 assistant officers have served the Grand Haven post.
