American Minute - Apr. 10 - William Booth & the Salvation Army

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

Millions of people in 91 countries are helped by The Salvation Army, founded by William Booth, who was born APRIL 10, 1829.

William Booth began by ministering to the poor, drunk and outcast.

He fought to end teenage prostitution in England.

Awarded an honorary degree from Oxford, Booth traveled the United States, met President Theodore Roosevelt and opened a session of the United States Senate with prayer.

William Booth wrote:

"While there is a drunkard left, while there is a lost girl upon the streets, where there remains one dark soul without the light of God-I'll fight! I'll fight to the very end."

Years after his death, William Booth's daughter, Evangeline, became their new leader.

President Franklin Roosevelt sent her a telegram, September 4, 1934, saying:

"Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as General of the Salvation Army throughout the world.

In these troubled times it is particularly important that the leadership of all good forces shall work for the amelioration of human suffering and for the preservation of the highest spiritual ideals."

FDR concluded

"Your efforts as Commander-in-Chief of the Salvation Army...have earned the gratitude and admiration of millions of your countrymen."

American Minute - Mar. 28 - Salvation Army begins in the USA, 1885

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

On MARCH 28, 1885, the Salvation Army was organized in the United States.

It was begun in England by "General" William Booth in 1865, who conducted meetings among the poor in London's East End slums.

Originally named the Christian Mission, he designed uniforms and adopted a semi-military system of leadership.

On December 1, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson remarked to the Salvation Army in New York:

"For a century now, the Salvation Army has offered food to the hungry and shelter to the homeless-in clinics and children's homes, through disaster relief, in prison and welfare work, and a thousand other endeavors.

In that century you have proved time and again the power of a handshake, a meal, and a song.

But you have not stopped there. You have demonstrated also the power of a great idea."

President Lyndon Johnson continued:

"The voice of the Salvation Army has reminded men that physical well-being is just not enough; that spiritual rebirth is the most pressing need of our time and of every time; that the world cannot be changed unless men change.

That voice has been clear and courageous-and it has been heard.

Even when other armies have disbanded, I hope that this one will still be on the firing line."