In October 1873, Mrs Booth commenced a series of meetings at Chatham. Describing the first of these, “the Chatham News” says: –
Mrs Booth possesses remarkable powers as a preacher. With a pleasing voice, distinct in all its terms, now colloquial, now persuasive, she can rise to the height of the great argument with an impassioned force and fervour that thrills her hearers. “In her demeanour, her looks, her words are particularly emphatic. She can indeed “suit the actions of the word, the word to the action“. And yet there is no ranting – nothing to offend the most fastidious taste – but much too enchain attention. “The matter is full, the manner excellent.“
The lady is engaged in a good work and we wish her Godspeed. We may safely prophesy that if she continues her addresses in Chatham, the spacious lecture hall will not contain those who wish to hear her.“
Unfortunately, after three Sundays Catherine was struck down with illness again and she had to be carried from the building. William stood in for her while she recovered.
At the farewell meeting on November 23rd, the hall was densely crowded, numbers being unable to gain admission. The service was a powerful one and 22 persons came forward for salvation. The usual desire was expressed and gratified for the formation of a branch of the Mission, and Chatham has since been one of the most encouraging battlegrounds of the Salvation Army .‘
From, ‘Catherine Booth, Mother of the Salvation Army, Volume II, by Booth-Tucker, pages 24-25.
I do not know where the meetings were held.