Mr. Booth's travels in Australia and finally of their wedding before a vast audience of nearly six thousand people in the great Congress Hall, London.
After an all too short wedding trip they returned to the responsibilities of a great religious movement. Soon came the call to America which resulted in their trip across the Atlantic and the appointment to full charge of the Salvation Army work in the United States.
For the first years their efforts in this country were marked by hardships and at times fraught with dangers. As the pioneers of a religious organization they received much abuse, and were the target for scoffers' tongues and the skepticism of the unbelieving. They were actually stoned upon the streets and often were saved from rougher treatment only by intervention on the part of the police.
A few months after Mrs. Booth's arrival in America her son was born and during a long and serious illness which followed, she suffered from deprivations which almost resulted in the loss of her life. During these weeks her husband, with the burden of the work upon his shoulders and the ceaseless concern regarding her health, was threatened with a nervous breakdown, and for a time it seemed that the battle would be too difficult and that they would have to give up and return to England. But neither Mr. nor Mrs. Booth are to be numbered among those who can complacently accept defeat, and little by little they turned the tide of opposition. Before many months had passed a small company of stanch friends had rallied to their aid and with this encouragement, giving them added incentive for their work, they started a campaign which swept the movement forward to its zenith of success during the last years of their leadership.
When their son was five years of age a daughter came to add to the happiness of the little family. She was named Myrtle Theodora and her dedication was attended by hundreds of friends of Mr. and Mrs. Booth. Feeling that the country would be better for the children they decided to make their home in the suburbs of New York.
Just at this time came another experience of trial, for on
