Sift together flour, baking soda, ginger and salt. Using an electric mixer, cream shortening until light and fluffy in large bowl. Add sugar gradually, beating after each addition. Beat in egg thoroughly; blend in molasses.

Gradually stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture. Beat thoroughly. Stir in water. Turn into greased and floured 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in 3500 F oven 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool on rack.