Carrying The Cross - Eliza Shirley

1863–1932

A brass band playing gospel songs? Really? Holding religious services on city streets, in front of taverns? It’s hard to fully appreciate how outrageous the Salvation Army was when it started. William and Catherine Booth began an innovative ministry in England in the 1860s, but it wasn’t until 1878 that they gave this organization its name: the Salvation Army. If they were serious about offering salvation, the Booths reasoned, they would have to go where the sinners were—out to the streets, the slums, the pubs.

At one of these open-air meetings in her hometown, fifteen-year-old Eliza Shirley was dazzled. She saw women offering a call to salvation as fervently as any man would. Her father was a part-time preacher, and Eliza had grown up mimicking his style. Now, perhaps, she could put all that “training” to good use. Answering a call to dedicate her life to Christian service, she eagerly stepped up to join the Salvation Army. Her parents made her wait until she was sixteen.

Shortly after her birthday, she and another young woman were appointed to the Salvation Army’s work in a coal-mining town in northern England. It was a difficult area, but they began to see conversions among the miners. Then Eliza received word that her parents were moving to America and wanted her to come along. When she talked with William Booth about the move, he reminded her of her commitment to the ministry. They were doing great work in England; they needed everyone on board. Yet somehow that conversation included the possibility of Eliza starting a new Salvation Army operation in the United States. Booth wouldn’t commit any official support or funding, but he let Eliza use the Salvation Army name.

So in 1880, the Shirley family sailed to Philadelphia, where with the help of her parents, Eliza set up a new outreach to the poor and spiritually needy. In time, William Booth recognized her work and sent support. Soon the Army’s salvation message was spreading through the cities of a new continent.

Genuine ministry is hard to contain. You can try to limit it to one place, one style, or one type of people, but the Spirit of God keeps expanding outward. Whatever ministry you’re involved with, let Eliza’s story convince you to consider where it’s going next.

I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy.

Joel 2:28