Catherine Booth
Catherine Booth, wife of Salvation Army founder William Booth, was known as the “Army Mother.” In her world, women had few rights, no place in the professions, and minimal presence in church leadership. Yet she became an evangelist, preacher, theologian, and co‑founder of The Salvation Army.
As a child, Catherine Booth was bright and tenacious despite long illnesses. By age 12, she had thoroughly studied the Bible from cover to cover—eight times. During her life, she became one of the most popular preachers of her era.
A prolific writer, Catherine Booth explored universal questions and provided forthright answers. She believed Christians must be passionate about their faith—that if we are indifferent, we lose the capacity for love and service. She wrote: “He doesn’t ask you to go to chapel or join the church and pray... but to get down and give up your heart to Him, to choose whom you will serve, and do it at once, and everything else will follow.”
In 1860, Catherine and William Booth attended Chapel in Gateshead. William was preaching in the pulpit, and Catherine was sitting in the congregation. As he finished speaking, William saw Catherine leave her seat and make her way to the front. He leaned over the pulpit and asked, “What is the matter?” “I want to say a word,” Catherine replied.
William then addressed the congregation: “My dear wife wants to say a word.” Catherine mounted the pulpit and confessed her disobedience to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to speak publicly about Jesus. As she shared her weakness, the congregation was moved to tears. News spread quickly that a woman had preached—and from then on, she was in great demand.
None of this would have happened had William Booth not allowed Catherine to speak. He recognised her abilities, spirituality, and love for souls, and welcomed her into a shared ministry.
