Booth then shifted his aim to get strong, new converters to help people who were in similar conditions of them. Soon they too were preaching in the streets as a living testimony to the power and love of God. (Read 1).
Booth began collecting a group of followers and, in 1867, had 10 dedicated workers. The small numbers, however, did not last long. By 1874, Booth had accumulated 1,000 volunteers, and 40 evangelists. They served under the name the Christian Mission. (Norman 11) Booth was given the title general superintendent, and most of his followers called him the General.
Given the alias the Hallelujah Army, the converts spread out all over London and to surrounding cities to spread the word of God. .
In 1878, while reading a paper Booth noticed a headline reading "The Christian Mission is a volunteer army." Booth pondered his foundations, crossed out the word volunteer, and put in the word salvation. From this headline came the name of Booth's organization, and what is presently known today as " The Salvation Army." From that point on converts became soldiers of Christ and were known as Salvationists. .
The group made their way through England and overcame many battles that stood in their way. Some of these battles became physical, as random crowds of people ridiculed them and attacked their causes. Despite their violence and prosecution, some 250,000 people were converted under the ministry of The Salvation Army between 1881and 1885. (Williamson 1) The organization steadily grew in size. Soon, words of Booth's followers traveled all over the country.
In the mid 1870's, Lieutenant Eliza Shirley followed her parents to America in hopes to find work. The Salvation Army was gaining much popularity in America, and in 1879 Eliza held the first meeting for people interested in Philadelphia. The gathered group received a great amount of support and encouragement. Eliza wrote to Booth telling of the need for a founding in America.