Can you name an Army with outposts in over 100 countries, yet 0 weapons?
While dictating a letter to his secretary, former Methodist minister William Booth described his do-gooder organization as “a volunteer army”. His son, Bramwell, piped up, saying “I’m no volunteer!”, and William amended his statement saying instead “We are a Salvation Army”. And the rest, as they say, is history. Members wore military uniforms, were given titled ranks, and carried on the Army’s mission of tending to the poor and needy. From its start in London in 1865, the organization has established centers in 113 nations worldwide.
You’re listening to General William Booth Enters Heaven, sung by Radiana Pazmor. It was the first ever recording of a Charles Ives song, and was made on December 5, 1934.
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