The Crest
On some artefacts in connection with The Salvation Army, one can see an emblem with a prickly appearance. This emblem is the crest of The Salvation Army. One can find it on a wide variety of objects, e.g. on a clock as well as on the kettledrum of a Salvation Army brass band or in books published by The Salvation Army.
Where does it originate?
In the year 1878 the Christian Mission changed their name to The Salvation Army. Soon afterwards, Captain W. H. Ebdon suggested a crest. In the year 1879 it was first found on the letterhead of the Salvation Army Headquarters.
The Captain's initial suggested design was changed only slightly and a crown was added.
The number of the dots in the lower part of the crest varied from time to time over the years. Nowadays the crest usually has seven dots.
The meaning of the crest:
The cross: The cross of the Lord Jesus Christ
The "S": Salvation from sin through Jesus
The ray on the outside of the circle: The Fire of the Holy Spirit
The dots: The Truths of the Gospel
The swords: The Salvation War *
The Crown: The crown of Eternal Life
"Blood and Fire": The Blood which was shed by Jesus for our sins and the Fire of the Holy Spirit
* The Salvation War is not a war by force of arms. The weapons of the Salvationists are not guns and bombs but rather the Bible, prayer and practical love to others.