Hardship From a Young Age
William Booth, born on April 10, 1829, in Nottingham, England, faced hardships from a young age. His family's financial struggles, compounded by the death of his father Samuel in 1842, marked his early years. Apprenticed to a pawnbroker at thirteen, Booth was deeply moved by the plight of the impoverished, which stirred his social conscience.
God Shall Have All of William Booth
In 1844, Booth had a dramatic conversion experience on the streets of Nottingham. He recalled, 'God shall have all there is of William Booth.' This profound moment led him to embrace faith in Christ, with a sudden conviction of his own shortcomings, followed by repentance and a newfound belief. The relief of having his guilt lifted was a pivotal turning point in his life.
Preaching to the Poor
Following his conversion, Booth was determined to share the Gospel. Together with his friend Will Sansom, he began preaching to the poor in Nottingham, delivering his first sermon in Kid Street. His commitment to evangelism saw him making hundreds of hospital visits and holding open-air meetings. Booth was inspired by the preaching of Reverend James Caughey, an American evangelist, which reinforced his belief in the importance of soul-saving.
The Salvation Army Is Born
Despite initial challenges, including resistance from church leaders and difficulty integrating converts from poor backgrounds into established churches, Booth persevered. By 1852, he became a full-time preacher at the Methodist Reform Church in Clapham. His marriage to Catherine Mumford in 1855 further strengthened his ministry.
Booth's work eventually evolved into the establishment of the Christian Mission in 1865, which transformed into the Salvation Army in 1878, focusing on salvation and social reform. Throughout his life, Booth's encounter with Jesus fueled an unwavering dedication to serving both God and humanity.
