The History of NightWatch

In December of 2004, Murray Preston, then a missions specialist with the Salvation Army in Greensboro and a minister of music, took a small group of friends downtown, not to check out the club scene or the restaurants, but to re-establish an age-old Salvation Army tradition — to share the love of Christ with the lost and hurting.

On the corner of Market and Elm Streets at 12:30 a.m., they set up musical instruments, blankets, coffee, and donuts. Singing Christian tunes and Christmas carols they drew the attention of a few, but there was one in particular that stayed with Murray. A homeless man going through a trash can just across the street. Getting his attention, Murray was able to ask if The Salvation Army could offer him a cup of coffee, donut, or shelter for the night at the Center of Hope.

“How much?”
“It’s free, no charge.”
“I don’t have any ID.”
“That’s okay for our overflow, it is open for all who need shelter on a night with below freezing temperatures like tonight.”
“No thanks.”
“Well then friend can I offer you this blanket to help keep you warm?”

Tears entered his eyes and with thanks he received what Murray says must have been a gift more valuable than gold. A prayer for his safe keeping was shared and he made his way down the cold street to his haven, wherever that may be.

The events of that night echoed more than a century of tradition of Salvationists who had stood on corners, with Bible in hand, offering hope in the name of Jesus. And that December night would mark the birth of what we now call “NightWatch,” an evangelical street ministry to the homeless in Greensboro, led by volunteers from churches across our community.