The Salvation Army Founder
|
Born to Samuel and Mary Moss Booth on April 10, 1829, in Nottingham, England, William was no stranger to poverty. One evening in 1844, when he was 15 years old, while walking home from a Wesleyan chapel meeting, William realized his sinfulness and sought forgiveness from God. He dedicated his life to God to bring the good news of salvation to others. He promised: 'God shall have all there is of William Booth!' In June, 1851 William began to preach full time. He met and married Catherine Mumford in 1855. In 1865 they began the Christian Mission. Preaching to a small street congregation in the slums of London, England. William believed that it wasn't enough to point people to a loving, compassionate Saviour. He knew that the people were hungry and had to be fed; they were dirty and had to be shown how to clean up and regain their dignity. He adopted the motto -- Soup, Soap and Salvation. He began soup kitchens where the poor could get good, hot food all during the cold winter. In May 1878, Bramwell Booth, William's son and George Scott Railton, secretary of The Christian Mission, were reviewing a news report on the work of The Christian Mission. The report read: "The Christian Mission ... is a volunteer army recruited from among the multitudes who are without God and without hope in the world, devoting their leisure time to all sorts of labourious efforts for the salvation of others." Booth stood behind Railton and read over his shoulder. As he read the words "volunteer Army," he exclaimed "No! We are not volunteers, for we feel we must do what we do, and we are always on duty." Then he crossed out the word "volunteer" and wrote "salvation". From that time onward, The Christian Mission became known as The Salvation Army. Gradually the "Army" became more than just a part of the name. William Booth was referred to as the "General". Members were called soldiers and began to wear uniforms. During the years William Booth was General, 1878 - 1912, The Salvation Army spread around the world to 58 countries. William Booth was promoted to glory in 1912. He was 83 years old. Just before he died he met with some soldiers and he left them with this challenge: While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, I'll fight. While women weep as they do now, I'll fight. While little children go hungry as they do now, I'll fight. While there yet remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight. I'll fight -- I'll fight to the very end! And that is exactly what he did! |
 Published by Salvationist Publishing and Supplies, London, England (1886). Reprinted from The War Cry March 28, 1885. It's titled "You're Going too Fast!" |
