Preheat oven to 350 degrees (175 degrees C). Grease and lightly flour one 8 inch square baking pan.

Cream shortening and sugar until light. Add the egg and molasses and beat thoroughly.

Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.

Bring water to a boil and add alternately with flour mixture to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy.