History

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization whose work began in London, England in 1865 when William Booth, a minister, abandoned the conventional concept of a church and a pulpit and took his message of hope to the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. 

The “Army” arrived in Canada in 1882. Ottawa Citadel, then referred to as Ottawa No. 1 Corps, the 109^th Salvation Army Corps in Canada, was officially opened March 22, 1885. Local newspapers indicate it was ‘a bitterly cold day when The Salvation Army came to town, but bad weather couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of nine stalwarts who arrived as the Army’s advance guard. Waving tambourines and singing as they marched to the Opera House’. With that first historic meeting, Major Cooper and his ‘Hallelujah Lasses’ set in motion Salvation Army service in Ottawa. The early meetings were popular with the citizens of Ottawa, with their songs set to popular tunes and lots of talk of salvation.

Captain Ada Hind was appointed as the Corps’ first Commanding Officer (Minister/Pastor).  As was common in those days, she only served in this capacity until May 10, 1885, being succeeded by Captain Isabella Hall, on May 11, 1885, who in turn was succeeded by Captain Annie Totten on December 3, 1885.   By 1911 Ottawa No. 1 Corps welcomed its 63^rd Commanding Officer. Our current Officer Pastors, Major Brandi and Major Dwayne LeDrew, are the 107^th to be assigned to lead the Corps.

Ottawa Citadel, a Church of the Salvation Army, continues to serve the community offering spiritual and practical help to those in need and a friendly and welcoming place of worship, fellowship and belonging for all.