Catherine Booth

Catherine Booth, daughter of the founder of the Salvation Army, was diminutive and frail, strict in her personal habits - no cards, novels, alcohol or frivolous clothing - and lived in a period when women in positions of public responsibility were rare. Yet, she was held in both affection and awe. Her preaching was likened to that of a lawyer, arguing her case, mastering her facts and pressing home her claims. She moved people deeply with her verbal skills, commitment and passion. In spite of personal faults and physical weakness, she was unselfish in her devotion to God: she consecrated herself completely to her vocations as wife, mother, friend, advocate and preacher.