J. S. Woodsworth

James Shaver Woodsworth (July 29, 1874 – March 21, 1942) was a pioneer in the Canadian social democratic movement. Following more than two decades ministering to the poor and the working class, J. S. Woodsworth left the church to lay the foundation for, and become the first leader of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), a social democratic party which later became the New Democratic Party (NDP).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The oldest of six children, Woodsworth was born in Applewood Farm, near Toronto, Ontario, to James and Esther Woodsworth. His father was a Methodist minister, and his strong faith had a powerful factor in shaping his later life. His grandfather, Richard Woodsworth, had opposed William Lyon Mackenzie in the 1837 Rebellions. As a result, Woodsworth had an appreciation of the value of both social responsibility and tradition.

July 29: July 29 is the 210th day (211th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 155 days remaining....

1874: 1874 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar)....

March 21: March 21 is the 80th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (81st in leap years). There are 285 days remaining....