I was recently asked to accompany Chairman of South Holland District Council, Coun Francis Biggadike and his wife Freda, to attend a blue plaque unveiling ceremony of William Booth the founder of the Salvation Army.
William Booth was 23 when in 1852, without any theological or ministerial training of any kind, he was invited by the Spalding Free (or Reformed) Methodists to become minister.
Both Francis and I are both Methodists and it was appropriate for us to be wearing our chains of office to support one of the first Methodist Ministers.
The unveiling party met outside Barclays to listen to the Salvation Army Band. We then walked behind the band to Bridge Street where we were joined by more people including Colonel Bramwell Booth, the great-great-grandson of William Booth, who unveiled the plaque.
The Civic Society worked with the Salvation Army to establish where William Booth stayed to ensure the plaque was erected in the correct position. They established he lived in Bridge Street in a property now occupied by Boots Opticians.
On behalf of the Chairman, may I thank everyone concerned in making this such a special event.
Rodney Grocock
Vice Chairman
South Holland District Council
(On behalf of Coun Francis Biggadike)
