General William Booth by Rev Dr Herbert Boyd McGonigle

William Booth (1829-1912) founded the Salvation Army. He converted to Methodism as a young adult and was a fervent believer in evangelical Christianity. In 1865, William Booth and his wife, Catherine founded The Christian Revival society. This organisation was committed to helping the poorest of the East End of London. In 1898 they changed the name to the Salvation Army as Booth saw himself as a soldier serving God. To Booth the most important aspect of his work, was not the material aid, but seeking to ‘save’ souls.