Today, on International Women's Day, we are celebrating the leadership of the women who were Generals of The Salvation Army.
Three women from different times and backgrounds, Evangeline Booth, Eva Burrows, and Linda Bond all made a lasting impression on The Salvation Army.
Evangeline Booth, General from 1934 to 1939
'It is not how many years we live, but what we do with them'
Evangeline Booth was the fourth daughter of the founders of The Salvation Army, William and Catherine Booth. At 21 years of age, she commanded Marylebone Corps, its Great Western Hall being the centre of spectacular evangelistic work. Later as Field Commissioner in Great Britain she often faced strong opposition to The Salvation Army.
William Booth appointed her to train cadets in London, then as Territorial Commander in Canada (1896-1904) and Commander of The Salvation Army in the United States of America (1904-34).
Evangeline Booth was elected General by the High Council in 1934.
Eva Burrows, General from 1986 to 1993
'I do not preach Christianity, I preach Christ, as a living Saviour'
Born in Australia, Eva Burrows was appointed to corps in the UK before serving at Howard Institute, Zimbabwe.
After a time leading Women's Social Services in Great Britain and Ireland, she was appointed as Territorial Commander in Sri Lanka, then Scotland and finally Australia Southern.
As General, she led the Army's return to Russia and Eastern Europe after the fall of communism. Known as 'the people's General', her excellent record led to her term as international leader being extended for a further two years.
Linda Bond, General from 2011 to 2013
'May God continually stir us and empower us to be the people he called us to be and do what he has called us to do'
From Nova Scotia, Canada, Linda Bond was the third woman to be elected General. She served in local corps ministry, on the staff of Salvation Army national and divisional headquarters, and as part of the training staff for new officers in her home territory of Canada and Bermuda.
She also served The Salvation Army internationally, leading the Army's work as Territorial Commander in both USA Western (2002-04) and Australia Eastern (2008-11). At International Headquarters she was Secretary for Spiritual Life Development and International External Relations.
