Born 20 July 1883 and dedicated to God by her grandfather, William Booth, Catherine Bramwell-Booth (first child of Bramwell and Florence Booth) lived a life that had a powerful influence on the world around her.
From her childhood Catherine was involved in the ministries her parents led for The Salvation Army, being taken with them to their various appointments when busy schedules required this. Catherine’s direct involvement in Army service began in the corps where she played in the band and sang trios with her sisters in the open-air meetings. She became a Salvation Army soldier on her 15th birthday.
In her late teens she heard God’s call to fulltime service as an Officer but her natural shyness made her reluctant to respond, however, eventually realizing that God’s power would help her, she entered training college in 1903. She was a lively cadet with a great sense of fun but she also applied herself to her studies and was commissioned in 1904. Her appointments included Bath and Walthamstow and, after 10 years, she returned 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.
Following a period as International Headquarters Under Secretary for Europe Catherine—now 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, like the one with Michael Parkinson below, thrilled listeners and viewers as she revealed a deep sense of spirituality and a disarming frankness.
Awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1971 in recognition of her Army service, she was also honored as the Best Speaker of the Year in 1977 (at the age of 94!), 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 congratulations from the British Parliament and was also admitted to the Order of the Founder, the Army’s highest honor. She was Promoted to Glory on October, 3rd 1987 at the age of 104.
(Compiled and edited from the International. Heritage Centre Website)
Check out this interview with Catherine Bramwell-Booth (hat tip S.C.). Skip to remaining minute 5:35 for the first clip:
Youth Department