GOD & TEXAS: Salvation Army

In the mid-1880’s, the streets of Calcutta, India, offered much intrigue for visiting sailors. While the food and shopping were appealing, Calcutta (now Kolkata) had become a world-renowned center for commercial sex workers. When the fleets berthed in port, business boomed. 

For many years, Captain Adam Janelli had served in both the English and Italian merchant marines. Born in Parma, Italy in 1851, he traveled the world indulging in the allurements provided in the ports of call, including Calcutta. With pleasure on his mind, Janelli followed the crowds to a scene that captivated him. The sounds of tambourines, brass instruments, drums, and singing encouraged him to know more. 

These musicians were dressed in military uniforms and were preaching the Gospel of Christ. He was amazed to learn that this ministry also helped those trapped in poverty, crime, and prostitution. It was here that Janelli became a committed Christian and a life-long advocate for the work of the Salvation Army. He no longer pursued selfish pleasure but sought to fulfill Philippians 2:4 (NIV), “Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Janelli returned to England, became friends of Salvation Army founder General William Booth, and studied at their school in Clopton. Following his marriage to Louisa Elizabeth, they immigrated to Texas in 1888, eventually settling in Dallas. In 1889, Adam Janelli preached his first sermon on the corner of Main and Ervay. With the support of General Booth, Janelli established the first Salvation Army outpost in Texas. 

Taking no salary from the ministry, Janelli started an advertising business in Dallas. But it was his sacrificial outreach to the poor and homeless that endeared him to the community. To those who loved him, he became known as “Mr. Salvation Army,” and was usually seen wearing his official uniform. When Janelli died in 1925, he was still serving as corps treasurer of the Downtown Citadel of the Salvation Army.

If you visit the corner of Main and Ervay in downtown Dallas, you will see a bronze plaque in honor of Adam Janelli that reads: “On this corner Adam Janelli, a valiant soldier of God, held the first Salvation Army open air service in Texas – June 12, 1889.”

Janelli found his “corner” to proclaim the truth of God’s word. His noble ministry challenges each of us today to find our “corner” to tell others the Good News of Christ. In the Old Testament, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jonah were well-known outdoor preachers. In the New Testament, John the Baptist and Jesus Himself, were street preachers who boldly declared the Truth. Proverbs 1:20 (NKJV) states, “Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares.”

This Christmas, when you pass those outdoor red kettles of the Salvation Army, respond with gifts and gratitude. It takes brave devotion and deep commitment to ring the bell in public. May all those who love Christ stand tall on their “corner,” and speak the Truth in love. 

For more inspirational reading please visit www.davidroseministries.com

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