The San Francisco call., 1896-09-30
MOTHER-HEART
OF VOLUNTEERS
Mrs. Maud Ballington
Booth Speaks of Her
Children.
Impressive Inaugural Campaign
Service at Metropolitan
Temple.
THE RECORD OF six MONTHS.
Sketch of the Organ zation's Wonder.
ful Progress in a Short Space
of Tine.
THE RECORD OF six MONTHS.

"a Loving Greeting'-such was the
welcome, emblazoned in letters of azure
and gold, accorded by the Volunteers OF
America TO their guests at last nights in
augural campaign service in Metropolitan
Temple.
The troops Assem- bled at their head
quarters in the old Young Mems Christian
Association Building on Sutter street, and
marched to the corner OF Fifth and Jessie
streets, where a very creditable open-air
concert was given by the battalion brass
band. Meanwhile people were pouring
into the temple, the interior of which was
elaborately yet tastefully adorned with
hangings and flowers Soon the building
was packed and when the exercises began
there was room for no more.
Major Blackhurst presided, and when
he led Mrs. Maud Ballington Booth to the
central seat on the platform there was
burst of applause. Those on the platform
knelt moment in silent prayer, after
which the hymn Nearer, My God, to
Thee," was sung with a spirited chorus
after each stanza The Rev. William
RAIDER, pastor of the Third CONGREGATIONAL
Church, then led in prayer.
MISS montgomery gave most artistic
and expressive rendering of 1.-The Holy
City," being accompanied on the piano
by Major Blackhurst, who proved himself
an able, sympathetic accompanist.
After a brief reading from the ''Volun-
teer Daybook," or manual of devotion,
and an oft-repeated chorus, Major Black
hurst delivered a graceful address of well
come TO Mrs. Bailington Booth, whom he
introduced as 1.-The mother-heart of the
Volunteers"
The enthusiasm with which the little
lady was greeted was indescribable. Four
times did she attempt to speak. each time
being interrupted by bursts of cheering,
hats and handkerchiefs being waved amid
cries of GOD bless Mrs. Booth" and huz-
Zas without number.
81 have come from my post in Sing
Sing" said Mrs. Booth, "and naturally
gravitated toward San Quentin. There 1
found glad welcome and hope twenty
seven precious souls were saved.
GAS yet the Volunteers of America are
a little weak band, only six months old.
We are not here to promise great things
nor to make am mbitious schemes. The
Volunteers are animated by love of God,
love of country and love of the outcasts-
not by spirit of controversy nor a wish
10 tear open old sores. do not wish to
attempt justification of the course pur-
sued by myself and my husband six
months ago. That course was forced
upon US and resulted in the birth of
this movements movement brought
forth amid tears, prayers and heartrend-
ing agony.
1--WE expected q longer, harder fight
than we have had. The commander and
/, when the work of nine years was closed
ainst us, were minded to retire into
private life. Our hearts were crushed and
sorrowful. But friends besought US to set
them TO work with us for God. Day after
day on our knees We sought for light and
guidance and at last out OF the primal
chaos came order. First we took a name.
England has its paid troops, Germany its
compulsory military service and France
its conscription, but this country in lis
days of darkest peril has ever relied upon
its volunteers. The name soon became
popular and is now our recognized title.
'Our aim has been misunderstood and
misrepresented. We have been accused
OF neg lecting the lower orders of society,
OF having no rescue homes, and of keep
Ing away from the slums. AS a fact, we
wish and intend to go wherever Christ
may wish US to carry his message of hope
to the homeless. This is our field. Let us
grow lttle-we are only six months old
and we will try to labor in it as best we
NAV.
'We started with five officers in three
rooms. We have now in New York head
quarters consisting of three floors, with a
stain OF forty-tive officers. Our posts
throughout the Union number lie, and
our officers upward of 300 We nave no
life vows. The commander and l never
took vows for life, as we came into the Sal
vation Army before the swearing-in service
was instituted.
"Our work is a National one, though we
shall gladly let any Volunteer leave our
ranks to work for God in foreign lands.
and try to raise the money for his fare"
Mrs. Ballington Booth then announced
that she had secret which she would re-
veal this evening. She also gave a sketch
OF the orders secular branch, the DE-
tenders League" and invited new mem
bers into it's ranks. A band of winsome
lasses in cadet blue uniforms went through
the audience and soon recruited score or
so OF defenders" each of whom pied ged
So year for the support of the cause.
The doxology was sung, and after a
brief prayer Mrs. Ballington Booth pro-
nounced the benediction.