Edward Higgins

General Edward Higgins
Horace Rumbold and Edward Higgins (at far right), Germany, 1932
3rd General of The Salvation Army
In office February 1929 – November 1934
Preceded by	Bramwell Booth
Succeeded by	Evangeline Booth
3rd Chief of the Staff of The Salvation Army
In office 1919–1929
Preceded by	T. Henry Howard
Succeeded by	Henry W. Mapp
Personal details
Born	(1864-11-26)26 November 1864 Highbridge, Somerset, England
Died	14 December 1947(1947-12-14) (aged 83)
Religion	Christian

Edward John Higgins (26 November 1864 – 14 December 1947) was the third General of The Salvation Army (1929–1934).

He was born in Highbridge, Somerset, England. His father became a much revered Commissioner in the Army's ranks, and travelled extensively in the interests of the organisation. His mother died when he was 8 years of age.

He became an officer in 1882 at the age of 17. Most of his earlier career was spent as an officer in the United States. During his time as an officer in the U.S., there was great divisions amongst the American Salvationists. He was known as the peace maker, thus earning him a lot of respect. In 1888, he married Captain Catherine Price.

When Higgins was 42 years of age, Commissioner and Chief of the Staff Bramwell Booth gave him the oversight of the evangelistic work in the United Kingdom. By this time, Higgins was a great speaker, and had a lot of leadership skills which was needed in this role.

The Siege of London was a 10-day effort that took place in November 1912. It was an attempt to bring a prayer service to the people out in the core of London. It was such a huge success that it was repeated in 1913.

In 1919, General Bramwell Booth appointed him as his Chief of the Staff. Higgins was never one to lead a political agenda, but he took his new role in stride. However, 1929 was a real test for Higgins and a critical time in the history of The Salvation Army, the calling of the first High Council to elect a new General. General Bramwell Booth was asked to resign because of his ill health over the past several months. He refused, however, and was then reluctantly deposed from office, to be succeeded in the election of Higgins. As General Booth sued, the matter was put in the hands of the court. The court ruled in favour of the High Council. Thus, Higgins was the first General to be elected by the High Council.