In The Army Now - Catherine Booth

1829–90

Catherine Booth and her husband, William, understood something very important: serving the Lord is serious business. It’s not a casual, when-you-get-around-to-it thing. It’s a war, the church is God’s army, and our “weapon” is love.

Reportedly, by the time she was twelve, Catherine had read through the Bible eight times. Though she was often sidelined because of a curvature of her spine, she managed to grow up into a bright, vivacious young woman, quite active in religious groups. Along the way, she fell in love with a talented young preacher named William Booth. They married in 1855.

Over the next dozen years or so, Catherine bore eight children, but she also participated in William’s pastoral and evangelistic ministry, first by speaking in children’s meetings and eventually by preaching to adults, as well. She had a knack for public speaking, clearly and logically setting forth her case and calling for a response. After hearing her speak, one man remarked, “If ever I am charged with a crime, don’t bother to engage any of the great lawyers to defend me; get that woman!”

In 1865, the Booths held tent meetings in a poor section of London, and there they found their calling. Starting the Christian Revival Society (which later became the Christian Mission), they provided not only preaching, but also food.

William was dictating a letter in 1878 when he described the society as “a volunteer army.” Hearing this, the oldest Booth boy, Bramwell, said, “I’m not a volunteer. I’m a regular.” So the word volunteer was scratched and replaced with salvation. The organization has been known ever since as the Salvation Army.

The name provided a new theme for the ministry. Workers wore uniforms and were led by “officers.” William Booth became the first “general,” while Catherine was always known as the “mother” of the Salvation Army.

This was more than a gimmick. The military terms captured the importance of the cause as well as the need for complete dedication to it. They also created an argument for the participation of women in leadership—if our divine Commander-in-Chief is calling for people to serve in a “war effort,” why should we care whether the officers are male or female?

Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.

Ephesians 6:13