This Week in Texas Methodist Hiatory March 13 Famous Orator, Evangeline Booth, Speaks in Houston, Backded by Methodist Chori March 21, 1922 One of the most famous orators of the early 20th century came to Houston and spoke in the City Auditorium on March 21, 1922. The orator was Evangeline (Eva) Booth, the 7th child of William and Catherine Booth, founders of the Salvation Army. By 1922 Booth was well known as one of the main administrators of the Salvation Army that provided leadership opportunities to both men and women. Eva grew up in the Salvation Army and by 15 was selling the organization’s newpaper in the slums of London. When she turned 21 in 1887, she achieved the rank of sergeant and was assigned to some of the roughest sections of England. In 1896 her father as General of the Salvation Army sent her to New York City to deal with a crisis. Eva’s brother, Ballington had created a rival organization, Volunteers of America, and was in the process of seceding from the Salvation Army. When she arrived at the New York headquarters, she found the doors locked to her so Eva climbed in through a rear window, wrapping herself in an American flag and signing Over Jordan Without Fear while accompanying herself on a concertina. She quelled the revolt. Eva was appointed Territorial Commander of the US and Canada and held that position until 1934. A test came during World War I when General Pershing did not want Salvation Army members to accompany his American Expeditionary Force to the battlefield of France, but Eva persisted, and eventually sent 250 war workers. Her appearance in Houston was a great event. Lt. Governor of Texas Lynch Davidson introduced her, Mayor Oscar Holcombe welcomed her to the city. The First Methodist Church Choir sang. The Humble Company band played. Members of the American Legion served as ushers. Booth spent the day inspected Army work in Houston. The visit was part of an inspection tour. The previous Sunday afternoon she had spoken in Dallas to overflow crowds. She retired in 1939 and lived in up state New York where she died in 1950.