About
In Summerside since 1886
Motivated by our love of God and concern for the needs of humanity
Our Mission
The Salvation Army, founded in 1865, is an international religious and charitable movement organized and operated on a quasi-military pattern and is a branch of the Christian church. Its membership includes officers (clergy) soldiers/adherents (laity), members of varied activity groups and volunteers who serve as advisors, associates and committed participants in its function.
The motivation of the organization is love of God and a practical concern for the needs of humanity. This is expressed by a spiritual ministry, the purposes of which are to preach the Gospel, disseminate Christian truths, supply basic human necessities, provide personal counseling and undertake the spiritual and moral regeneration and physical rehabilitation of all persons in need who come within its sphere of influence regardless of race, colour, creed, sex or age.
Our History
The first congregation and work of Summerside Salvation Army existed from 1886 until 1934.
May 9, 1980
Salvation Army “officially” restarted in Summerside. They met first in the Church of Scotland, then in the Kin Centre (1980), and finally into the YMCA before moving into their own Citadel (church).
April 3, 1981
The Thrift Store opened.
July 1, 1981
The 100th anniversary of the Salvation Army in Canada was celebrated.
Nov 16, 1981
There was a searching out of land for a possible site for a new Citadel (church). On Dec. 9th a site was approved. The sod turning happened in July, 1984.
June 29, 1983
The current Corp Quarters was purchased. It is the home of the current Officers.
Sept. 1984
The first church funeral is held at the Citadel
Dec. 31, 1984
The new building held its first service called A Watch Night Service (watching the old year out and welcoming the New Year in). The grand opening was on Jan. 25, 1985 after it was delayed from Jan. 18 by a snow storm that had everyone storm-stayed. On Mar. 26, 1989 the cross was installed.
Dec. 8, 1989
A daycare was officially opened and ran until March 1994.
Nov. 7, 2002
Summerside’s first Soup Kitchen called “The Lighthouse” was opened right beside The Salvation Army Thrift Store on Water Street.
Feb, 2004
Summerside became the only Salvation Army Thrift Store location on PEI when the Charlottetown Thrift Store closed.
2005
The Salvation Army became the sole Christmas Hamper supplier taking over from the Prince County Family Services.
2010
The Salvation Army Thrift Store and Food Bank moved to the store’s current address.
2014
A new addition was added to the church. The Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and Food Bank moved into the current location.