From the beginning of the Christian Mission (1865) women were actively involved in evangelism, pulpit ministry and service to others. Occasionally women's meetings were held especially for mothers to encourage and train them in management of the home. The Christian Mission was renamed The Salvation Army in 1878 Additional ministries developed by women included Thrift Clubs and "Slum Sisters' or "
Cellar, Garrett and Gutter" brigades (groups of women who assisted the poor in their homes.) This balanced four fold program of worship, education, fellowship and service to others grew around the world. From its earliest days, women raised funds to support the world missions. In 1987 new Women's Outreach Ministries was formed to attract more women by creating groups for special interst, for example, exercise and Bible Study, Mothers of Preschoolers, crafts, quilting, scrap booking, book clubs, Girls Night Out, etc. In 1998, in recognition of its growing variety of program expressions, the Home League Department was renamed the Women's MInistries Department. Today ministry is going on in corps community centers around the world, each with a different look, to meet the local needs.
