Little did England realize, perhaps, what she was contributing to her young daughter, America, when little Mrs. Annie Bamford, a native of Staffordshire, England, stood on deck a great liner and through misty eyes watched the land of her youth receed until it was lost behind the distant waves.

Since early childhood she had known the Lord as a personal Saviour, loved, attended, and developed into a professional singer.  Thus she began a public life that through all the years has unfolded like a great rosebud gradually changing into the full-blown-rose-life that all who come in contact with her so enjoy.

Thrust into an early widowhood by the untimely death of her husband ( professional musician) she faced life bravely and reared her three children.  At times she ministered to the lowliest, while at others, she darted in and out of the circles of aristocracy, mingling with them as naturally as though she bore their distinguished titles.

During the World War of 1914, she left the homes of the rich and her missionary office in London to become an outstanding "war-worker," and finally to accompany her son upon his return to America from whence he had gone to the assistance of his Mother country.

A few years later found her in Midland Bible School (Christian Missionary Alliance) Kansas City, Missouri, where she became a member of the faculty and City Missionary for all Kansas City.  During her service there, she ministered to the blind, in the slum districts, and in hospitals where few cared to go.  It was there, too, that she received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and met P.C. Nelson.

Upon invitation from California, she left the institution and went to Glendale where she organized a full Gospel church and pastored it for two years, after which time she became a part of the Nelson Evangelistic Party and, finally, one of the founders of Southwestern Bible School where she reigns to-day, "Queen Mother of Southwestern," ever loving and being loved, molding young lives for singly service--a service like her own.  (Southwesterner..1940).

"Not to be spoken, never to be penned--our esteem for Mother Bamford.   To us she is the refreshing dew of the morning, that sparkles upon every life she touches; the showers that cool the fevered heat of the day; and the misty calmness that soothes the ache of a weary world.  In her one can see the fulfillment of God's promise.  "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.   I will guide thee with mine eye."  Drinking from this heavenly fountain, she guides our institution safely onward--Mother, the "Spirit of Southwestern".

Hardships, trials, and temptations oftentimes beat unmercifully upon the students that attend Southwestern.  Then it is that they seek the coveted stool by Mother's chair and pour out their troubles to her understanding ears.  After a little talk to Jesus and Mother's admonition, "Look to the Lord, dear,"   discouragement vanishes.  A smiling, tear-stained face leaves her room with the determination to be an overcomer.

Correction is the consequence of true love.  Mother's instructions to her children come from a heart of love, desirous to mold pure, unselfish, submissive lives for the Master's use.  Whether led to lands beyond the seas or called to labor in the highways and byways of our own fair land, students shall never forget the little Mother who guided them through rejoicings and sorrows, instilling in their hearts explicit faith in Christ.

Her words, her actions, yes, her very life speaks forth the prayer of her heart--"Others".  (Southwesterner .. 1939).

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