They changed their world

                                "WE MUST  HAVE OFFICERS!"


"Drunk for threepence:dead drunk for sixpence" such were the signs outside the grog shops and gin palaces in London's East End in the mid 1800's.

This was where William Booth decided to pitch his tent and begin his mission of redemption.

He had been an evangelist with the Methodist Church and was disciplined for employing unorthodox methods in his goal to gain converts. Not willing to recant he and his wife Catherine branched out and founded the Salvation Army.

Their first flag was planted in Mile End London in 1865, and the battle cry was sounded.

No preaching within the safety of the four walls of a building.
Their gospel was loud, strident, in-your-face and in the streets!
As converts came from the "worst" of society they were taught to play in the Army bands and give out copies of the "War Cry" to hand out in the public houses.

William took upon himself the title of 'General' and conferred ranks of colonel, major and captain, on his veteran troops. His motto was  "BLOOD AND FIRE"
In twenty short years the movement grew to be a social force, emptied the gin palaces, reduced the number of inmates in the jails and filled the Salvation Army citadels with transformed souls.

This Christmas when you pass the "Sally Ann" kettles ask the bell ringer if he knows who founded the movement and, if he gives the right answer, pass on a couple of bucks for a worthy cause.

The General will be pleased!

Jubilate.

Ian