William Booth was a minister in 1865 concerned with the poor and homeless in London's East End. During his ministry in 1878, people began to leave their old ways of life and join the "Lord's Army." "The Salvation Army" became the name for this new ministry. When the ministry spread to Salisbury, it was not received very well. Workers in the Army were mistreated and hit by bricks and eggs when they preached. A builder living in Salisbury, Charles Fry, came to the rescue offering protection for the preachers. He and his three sons fought off the offenders. They also played music for the ministry and drew crowds for the preachers. Thus was born the Salvation Army Brass Band. A few years later, Fry wrote, "The Lily of the Valley," a popular song played by modern day "Army workers."
I have found a friend in Jesus. He's everything to me. He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul; The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see; All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He's my comfort, in trouble He's my stay. He tells me every care on Him to roll; He's the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star; He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
