8.31.2006

History of SA Music

As with much of its history, the growth of The Salvation Army occurred without the aid of human planning. So it was with its music. The early Salvationists’ mission was that of evangelizing the world and the Army’s music developed to assist in this task.

And so, since its very begins, music has played an important and integral role in the worship and evangelism of The Salvation Army.

On these pages you will find information on the history of Salvation Army music and discover that things are just as commonly born out of need and improvisation as they are planning and vision.

Congregational Singing: The Army's first music

The Birth of the Band

The Army's first Choirs

The Music Department

Timeline of signifcant events in History of Salvation Army music

The Timbrel

Richard Slater

Richard Slater - 'Father' of Salvation Army music.
Excerpts from article, by Colonel Brindley Boon on the 150th anniversary of Richard Slater's birth, reproduced from The Salvationist, June 5th, 2004.