Edward Higgins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
Edward Higgins
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| 3rd General of The Salvation Army | |
| In office 14 February 1929 – 11 November 1934 |
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| Preceded by | Bramwell Booth |
| Succeeded by | Evangeline Booth |
| 3rd Chief of the Staff of The Salvation Army | |
| In office 1919–1929 |
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| General | Bramwell Booth |
| Preceded by | T. Henry Howard |
| Succeeded by | Henry Mapp |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 November 1864 Highbridge, Somerset, England |
| Died | 14 December 1947 (aged 83) |
Edward John Higgins (born November 26, 1864 – died December 14, 1947) was an important leader in The Salvation Army. He was the third person to hold the top job, called the General, from 1929 to 1934.
He was born in Highbridge, Somerset, England. His father was also a respected leader in The Salvation Army and traveled a lot for the organization. Edward's mother passed away when he was eight years old.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Edward Higgins became an officer in The Salvation Army in 1882 when he was 17 years old. He spent much of his early career working in the United States. During this time, there were some disagreements among Salvation Army members in America. Edward Higgins was known for helping people get along and find solutions, which earned him a lot of respect. In 1888, he married Captain Catherine Price.
When Higgins was 42, a senior leader named Bramwell Booth asked him to oversee the important evangelistic work in the United Kingdom. By this time, Higgins was a great speaker and had strong leadership skills, which were very helpful in this new role.
The Siege of London
One notable event was "The Siege of London" in November 1912. This was a special 10-day effort to bring prayer services to people right in the heart of London. It was very successful and was even repeated in 1913 because it helped so many people.
Becoming General
In 1919, Bramwell Booth appointed Edward Higgins as his Chief of the Staff. This meant Higgins was the second-highest leader in The Salvation Army. He was not someone who liked political arguments, but he took on this big responsibility with dedication.
The year 1929 was a very important time for Higgins and for The Salvation Army. For the first time ever, a special group called the High Council was called to choose a new General. The previous General, Bramwell Booth, was asked to step down because of his health. When he refused, the High Council chose Edward Higgins to be the new General. This made Higgins the first General to be chosen by the High Council.
Leading The Salvation Army
Even as the international leader of The Salvation Army, General Higgins remained kind and friendly to everyone. During his time as General, he made sure to celebrate 100 years since the birth of William Booth, who founded The Salvation Army.
He also led a large gathering at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Important people attended this event, including the Prime Minister at the time, Stanley Baldwin.
Retirement and Later Life
General Higgins retired on November 1, 1934. His farewell meeting was held at the Royal Albert Hall. Prince Albert, who later became King George VI, attended the event with his wife, the Duchess.
After retiring, General Higgins and his wife moved to Florida and later to Canada. They had seven children. Even in retirement, he continued to show great interest in smaller local Salvation Army groups, just as he had cared about bigger issues when he was in charge. Mrs. General Catherine Higgins passed away in 1952.
Edward Higgins also wrote several books, including Stewards of God and Personal Holiness. General Edward Higgins passed away at the age of 83.
