RAPID CITY - The Rapid City Salvation Army will celebrate its 100th anniversary Saturday with a free concert by the Salvation Army Chicago Staff Band.

"It certainly is a historical milestone," Mark Kirkeby, Rapid City Salvation Army development director, said. "With a charitable organization, we've been fortunate to have the support from our citizens all these years through their good will."

William Booth, a London minister, started the Salvation Army in 1865, going into the streets to preach to the poor.

By the early 1900s, the organization had spread to several nations, including the United States.

Today, the Salvation Army is in 106 nations.

Kirkeby said that the Rapid City branch was one of the first Salvation Army branches established in the Midwest.

He said the amount of social services available to those in need has increased dramatically since then.

"There are a lot of things available today," Kirkeby said. "One hundred years ago, there was only The Salvation Army to help those in need with housing, food and other things."

Kirkeby said the Rapid City branch has changed several buildings, one of which was destroyed during the 1972 flood.

Its next move is scheduled for January 2008, when the new thrift store on St. Patrick Street is opened.

"Through the years, we've outgrown the thrift store on Main Street," Kirkeby said.

The new facility will be three times the size of that one.

Eventually, Kirkeby said, he hopes that building will eventually house the Salvation Army's social service and administration offices.

Each year, the Rapid City Salvation Army helps provide food and housing for those in need, runs the Coats for Kids program and provides emergency services and disaster relief, among other community services.

The branch also runs summer camps for less fortunate children, feeds the homeless and provides transportation or gasoline vouchers for those starting new jobs.

Last year, during the Christmas season, the Rapid City branch distributed 2,241 food baskets to those in need, as well as 8,665 toys and clothing items.

In the past year, the branch has served 5,594 people.

The majority of funding for the Salvation Army's projects comes from community donations.

In addition to Saturday's concert, Kirkeby said, a citywide prayer service will be held Sunday.

"Numerous churches have been invited to participate, and it's just a celebration," Kirkeby said.

Kirkeby said the Chicago Staff Band is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

"They'll perform here to inspire and entertain," he said. "It should be a very exciting evening."

If you go:

What: The Salvation Army 100th Anniversary Celebration Concert by The Salvation Army Chicago Staff Band

When: Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m.

Where: Rushmore Plaza Civic Center theater

Cost: Free

Contact Katie Brown at 394-8318 or katie.brown@rapidcityjournal.com