Catherine Bramwell-Booth

Born July 20 1883 and dedicated to God by her grandfather, the Founder, Catherine Bramwell-Booth (first child of Bramwell and Florence Booth) was to become a far-reaching influence on The Salvation Army and in wider spheres.

From her infancy Catherine was involved in the demands which Army service made upon her parents, being taken with them to their various appointments when busy schedules required this.

Catherine's direct involvement in Army service began in the corps at High Barnet, playing in the band and singing trios with her sisters in the open-air meetings. She was sworn-in as a Salvation Army soldier on her 15th birthday and was later given responsibility for the newly-formed 'Band of Love'.

In her late teens she became aware of the call to officership but her natural shyness made her reluctant to respond, however, eventually realising that God's power would help her, she entered training at Clapton in 1903. She was a lively cadet with a great sense of fun but she also applied herself to training. Later, as a cadet-sergeant, she was remembered for her individual care of cadets.

Commissioned in 1904, her appointments included Bath and Walthamstow and, after 10 years, a return to the training college staff, where she was home officer for women, and later chief side officer. Her letters of encouragement to officers who had been in her charge were a continuing source of inspiration. In 1917 Catherine gave unstinting service in relief work at the Silvertown explosion.

Following a period as International Headquarters Under Secretary for Europe the commissioner became the Leader of the Women's Social Services in 1926. Her last appointment was as International Secretary for Europe, from which position she retired from active service in 1948, having completed 45 years of officership.

During the early years of her retirement Catherine lived quietly with her sisters at Finchampstead but she was already busy working on the biography of her grandmother. She published this work in 1970 under the title Catherine Booth - the story of her loves.

Towards the end of her long life the commissioner found new opportunities for evangelism through radio and television. Interviews with Malcolm Muggeridge, Michael Parkinson, Russell Harty and others thrilled listeners and viewers as she revealed a deep sense of spirituality and a disarming frankness.

Awarded the CBE in 1971 in recognition of her Army service, she was also honoured as the Best Speaker of the Year in 1977, and presented with the Humanitarian Award of 1981 by the Variety Clubs International.

The commissioner loved life and this was most evident during her 100th birthday celebration, a time when she received parliamentary congratulations, and was also admitted to the Order of the Founder, the Army's highest honour.

Catherine Bramwell-Booth’s promotion to Glory at age 104 on Saturday 3rd October 1987 was the end of an era.