Here for good

The Salvation Army has served the residents of Monroe County for 100 years through spiritual and material means. However the places where these services have been offered have been varied since the first Salvationists arrived in Bloomington in 1907.

The Salvation Army began its work here humbly and moved frequently. In July 1907, the address for The Salvation Army was 401 E. Main St. At that time Faris Meat Market occupied that location, and the growing members of the Salvation Army met on the second floor of the building. In August of 1907, The Salvation Army moved to the back of the Graham Hotel. Again in October, the Army moved to the second story of the Princess Theater, but they only stayed there for one month. In November 1907, The Salvation Army moved to the second story of Bloomington Paint and Hardware. It was here they stayed for a relatively long period of time: 6 months. By May of 1908, The Salvation Army had moved into the old Methodist Church, which was called the Tom O’Daniel Corner. During the first year in Monroe County, The Salvation Army moved five times, and yet continued to serve and grow.

The year 1909 offered The Salvation Army a stable location. In May of 1909, 500 South Morton became the home of The Salvation Army. Captains Mitchell were in charge of this period of growth until they were replaced in 1910.

In 1912, The Salvation Army moved yet again to 505 W. 11^th Street, close to present day Bender Lumber. This was the first time that The Salvation Army moved out of Downtown and into the west side of Bloomington. At this time, the officers made the decision to move based on the migration of working-class families to that side of town.

Plans for a more permanent Citadel were being made at the corner of 3^rd and Walnut. However, while the Citadel at that site was being constructed, The Salvation Army moved twice, further west to the locations at 1200 W. 6^th St. in 1913 and 1225 W. 6^th St. in March 1915.

The Salvation Army moved into the Citadel at 300 S. Walnut with much fanfare. The building was constructed out of Indiana limestone, the first Salvation Army to do so. The Salvation Army had built its first structure in Monroe County and remained in this central location for over twenty years waging war against the devil’s work. Unfortunately, this building no longer stands.

In 1939, the Army built on the present day location at 111 N. Rogers. The officers wanted to get back to a neighborhood feel, and so a building was constructed out of limestone, complete with a chapel, officers quarters, an office and classroom/activity space. This building is still in use by the Salvation Army for much of the same purposes, however, Corps officers no longer live on the premises.

In 1975 the Community Center was dedicated to God’s glory by Divisional Commander Major Robert Thompson. This addition included a gymnasium, offices and a conference room.

The present day Thrift Store was another addition that was made in 1994.