WILLIAM & CATHERINE BOOTH (PART 12)

Eviction from the Methodist Church

William’s heart for reaching the poor with God’s salvation had resulted in his eviction from the Methodist Church, just as Catherine’s refusal to be quieted had resulted in her own eviction. This dismissal must have pained William greatly for he had always believed that “there was one God, and John Wesley was His prophet.”

Support from Edward Rabbits

William may have been rejected, but he was not alone. Among the Methodists was a wealthy shoe factory owner, Edward Rabbits; and, though the local Methodist elder did not prize William’s ministry, Edward did. In the controversy between the Methodist mainliners and the reformers, Edward had sided with the reformers and lost his membership.

Invitation to Preach with the Reformers

When he heard that William also had been kicked out of The Methodist Church, he invited him to join the reformers and preach under their banner; and, William, having nowhere else to go, accepted his offer. In the coming months, Edward Rabbits came to appreciate William’s calling even more.

Support to Preach Full-Time

One night, when hosting William for dinner, Edward told him that he would provide twenty shillings a week as his salary, for at least three months, if he would quit his pawnbroking job to preach full-time. William was startled, but the fact was that he had been dreaming for months of doing this very thing. He heartily agreed to Edward’s proposal.

New Lodging and Full-Time Ministry

Within a short time, William had left his employment, found new lodging, and set out to save the world as a revivalist.

Meeting Catherine Mumford

Sometime in early 1852, William was invited to a tea party at the home of Edward Rabbits. He felt that declining to attend would be remiss, even though he was not fond of such social gatherings. At the party, William was introduced to a number of other reformers, including a small, delicate, dark-haired young woman with smiling eyes. He immediately recognised her as the woman he had met after addressing a gathering of reformers at the Binfield Road Chapel in Clapham. Her name was Catherine Mumford.

Shared Passion for Temperance

By way of entertainment, William was asked to present a dramatic poem about a grog-seller—a thoroughly pro-temperance subject. Not everyone present subscribed to this stance, however; and, as he reached the end of the poem, William received some rebuffs from the audience; but, before he could defend himself, the young woman stepped forward and presented one of the best arguments for banning alcohol that he had ever heard. Obviously, there was much more behind those shining eyes than he had initially perceived.