Ballington Booth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
Ballington Booth
Founder of Volunteers of America
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| 1st General of Volunteers of America | |
| In office March 1896 – October 1940 |
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| Preceded by | Office Established |
| Succeeded by | Maud Ballington Booth |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 28, 1857 Brighouse, England |
| Died | October 5, 1940 (aged 83) New York, US |
| Resting place | Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, New York, US |
| Spouse |
Maud Charlesworth
(m. 1886–1940) |
| Parents | William Booth Catherine Mumford |
| Signature |  |
Ballington Booth (born July 28, 1857 – died October 5, 1940) was a Christian leader from Britain. He helped start a group called Volunteers of America. This group helps people in need. He was also its first General, leading it from 1896 to 1940. Before this, he was a leader in The Salvation Army.
Early Life and Work
Ballington Booth was born in Brighouse, England. He was the second child of William Booth and Catherine Booth. His parents were the people who started The Salvation Army in 1878.
When he was a teenager, Ballington started preaching at outdoor meetings for The Salvation Army. He often finished by singing and playing his concertina, a small musical instrument.
By age 23, he became a high-ranking leader in The Salvation Army. He worked as a training officer. Later, he moved to Australia, then to the United States and Canada.
In 1886, he married Maud Charlesworth. She later became known as Maud Ballington Booth. They were sent to the United States in April 1887. They both became American citizens in 1895. In 1891, during a time of great economic hardship, Ballington Booth started shelters for men. These were similar to ones already in places like San Francisco.
Starting Volunteers of America
Ballington and Maud Booth did a lot to help organize The Salvation Army in the United States. However, they left the group when they were asked to move to other countries. Ballington also had disagreements with his brother, Bramwell Booth, who was a top leader in The Salvation Army.
So, Ballington and Maud decided to start their own group. They wanted to help poor people and those who were struggling in America. On March 8, 1896, they began "God's American Volunteers." This group was soon renamed Volunteers of America.
When the Booths left The Salvation Army, many of its leaders, members, and wealthy supporters joined them. In the first year, about two-thirds of the Volunteers of America members had been part of The Salvation Army. Many simply changed the 'S' on their uniforms to an American flag. They also used many Salvation Army songs, but with new words. Their symbols and flag looked similar to The Salvation Army's too.
Just as William Booth was called the 'General' of The Salvation Army, Ballington Booth became the General of Volunteers of America. In this role, he talked with President Woodrow Wilson about how World War I affected people. Booth offered the help of Volunteers of America, but President Wilson politely said no. At the same time, The Salvation Army was allowed to send its workers with American soldiers overseas.
Ballington Booth also spoke with President Franklin Roosevelt about helping people during the Great Depression. He led Volunteers of America for 43 years. After he passed away in 1940, his wife Maud Booth became the new General.
Ballington Booth wrote a song called The Cross Is Not Greater in 1892. He wrote both the words and the music.
