“LA HARECHALE”

Evening Star, Issue 22572, 13 February 1937, Page 11

“LA HARECHALE”

Mrs Catherine Booth-Clibborn, the eldest daughter of the late General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, and sister of General Eva Booth, the present general, is announced to speak at the Concert Chamber from February 21 to March 1. This noted evangelist was given the title of ‘ The Marechale ’ as a token of affection by the French people. She gave 25 years’ service, commencing at the age of 18, pioneering the work of the Army in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Holland. The Marechale encountered very severe opposition in France. She was only a young girl of 18 when she commenced the work there. It »as the time when, greatly through the instrumentality of her mother, women were commencing to assert their rights to a place on the public religious platform. At first this young, intrepid leader had to at times have police protection when holding meetings, and some had to be terminated on account of the riotous behaviour of the Parisian apaches. With the assistance of her helpers—some of whom boro honoured French titles—she persevered, with the result that her labours wore recognised (as those engaged in the same work have been recognised all over the world).

The Marechalo inherited not only many of the groat gifts of her father, but also the spirit and compassion of her mother, the great-hearted Catherine Booth. Miss Frances Willard described “ The Marechalo ” as “ the greatest woman preacher of to-day.” Canon 11. B. B. Hammond, well known to many New Zealanders, recently stated: “ She knows human nature, ifs needs and its frailties, and she has led many thousands to the foot of the Cross. Probably no person outside a few notable priests has heard as many confessions as the Marechale.” Canon Hammond further declared that “ her only equal in adaptability that I have met is Bisnop Taylor Smith. The vivid, convincing stories of the conversion of infidels, outlaws, and degenerates was just an extra chapter _to the acts of the apostles. It is impossible to do justice to her amazing story, but I have tried to say enough to make you determined to hear ‘ The Marechalo ’ if you uet a chance.” It has been claimed that the Marechale’s story is “ a religious romance more fascinating than fiction.”