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HISTORY OF THE KETTLES
In 1891, a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area's poor. But how could he pay for the food? From his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England, the captain remembered a large pot, displayed on the Stage Landing, called "Simpson's Pot," where passersby would toss charitable donations. The captain presented his idea to the city authorities and received permission to place a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of San Francisco's Market Street. In its conspicuous position, the pot drew the attention of the people going to and from the ferryboats. Another urn, in the ferryboat waiting room, also attracted donations. Thus, Captain Joseph McFee launched a tradition that spread not only throughout the United States, but also around the world.
By Christmas 1895, thirty Salvation Army corps throughout the West Coast area were using the kettle. By 1897, the nationwide kettle effort resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy. In the United States, The Salvation Army annually aids more than 6 million people at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Your Local Salvation Army
2901 NE 14th St
Ocala, FL 34470-4817
(352) 629-2004
Majors George and Holly Patterson, Corps Officers
Captain Valencia Lewis, Assistant Corps Officer