Brigadier Julius Mack Satterfield was born on this day in 1887, in Charlotte, to S. S. and Addie Kimble Satterfield.
He began serving in the Salvation Army as a soldier when he was 14 years old.
He married Augusta Hammond in 1907. In 1911, they left their jobs to become probationary captains in the Salvation Army.
They shared the same rank during their careers, and served in several cities before coming to Winston-Salem.
They were made brigadiers, the highest rank field officers can hold, in 1947. They retired in 1952, but Julius continued to work for eleven more years as city commander, a post he held since 1941. And, even after giving up all official duties, Julius continued to support activities of the Salvation Army, such as working with the Christmas Kettle on Fourth Street.
Julius was honored during his career, and was awarded the Order of the Founder in 1954, the highest award in the Salvation Army.
The Satterfields saw much change during their years in Winston-Salem, when the Salvation Army consisted of a rundown citadel and a corps headquarters on Second Street. A new headquarters was dedicated in the week preceding Julius’ death in 1971. He was credited with much more than expanding the army’s resources. It was said of Julius, “his most important contribution was his dedication to personally helping those in need.”
Satterfield opened a home for transients in the tobacco market section, started a summer camp program for youngsters, saw to the building of the Red Shield Boys Club on Stadium Drive, and raised money for the Red Shield Girls Club.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
