Catherine Booth
Catherine Booth
Heroine: a woman having the qualities of a hero; a woman admired and emulated for her achievements and qualities; the central female figure in an event or period.
As common as Christmas wreathes, the Salvation Army bell-ringers can be seen standing in front of stores with their red kettles each December collecting for the needy. Who better to honor this month than their co-founder, a courageous mover and shaker woman?
Catherine Booth was born in England in 1829. From an early age, she was a serious Christian girl. Before the age of 12 she had read her Bible through eight times, and while bedridden at age 14 she kept herself busy writing articles for a magazine which encouraged people not to drink. Later she became a member of the local Band of Hope.
She met and married William Booth, a Methodist minister, had eight children and adopted two more, and together began the work of the Christian Mission when she was 36 years old. They devoted their lives toserving the industrial urban poor of London, and changed the name to the Salvation Army in 1878.In that day, it was unheard of for women to speak in adult meetings, however, Catherine was convinced that women had an equal right to speak, and when the opportunity was given for public testimony she went forward. That was the beginning of something new. People were greatly challenged by her preaching; she was especially effective in reaching and caring for women, and also alcoholics whom she helped to make a new start in life.
The Booth’s unconventional methods - open air meetings held in the streets with drums and musical instruments - encountered opposition. Members were often arrested for "disturbing the peace;" "Take their flag, tie it round their necks and hang ‘em," fumed the mayor of Folkestone. Following outdoor services in Sheffield William Booth "reviewed" his stalwart soldiers. They were bespattered with egg-yolk, mud, and blood, their brass instruments battered beyond repair." But their works of Christian social compassion and practical concern are legendary. Almost every type of outreach and care for the poor and downtrodden imaginable were attempted and successfully implemented by them.
William was faulted for welcoming the poor, ne’er-do-wells and street toughs to his services. Church leaders wanted him to promise that the welcome mat would be rolled up and put away. Catherine answered for him "Never!” from the balcony of their church. Little wonder that she wrote, "The more I see of fashionable religion, the more I despise it."
Today in the name of political correctness some stores are prohibiting The Salvation Army bell-ringers from their premises.
Quotes by Catherine Booth:
“If we are to better the future we must disturb the present”“We are made for larger ends than Earth can encompass. Oh, let us be true to our exalted destiny.”
“The waters are rising, but so am I. I am not going under, but over.”
Related:Pioneer in Female Ministry
Catherine Booth Hospital
Life & Legacy of the Booths
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