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Order of the Founder
Instituted on 20 August 1917 by General Bramwell Booth, the Order of the Founder is the highest Salvation Army honour for distinguished service.
History of the Order
In 1917, five years after the death of William Booth, his son, General Bramwell Booth, inaugurated the Order of the Founder ‘to mark outstanding service rendered by officers and soldiers such as would in spirit or achievement have been specially commended by the Founder’.
The first awards were made in 1920 to 15 officers and one soldier. Three years later, seven officers and one local officer were honoured, but since then the awards have been made much more sparingly and, to date, 144 officers and 88 lay Salvationists have been recognised with the Army’s highest honour, a mere 232 in total over 88 years.
The first presentation was to a soldier, Private Herbert Bourne, for outstanding Christian witness and service during military service in the First World War. A few senior leaders such as Commissioner Henry Howard, General Evangeline Booth and Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth have been recipients but, much more commonly, faithful and devoted service by less well-known personalities has been acknowledged.
The honour is rarely given because every nomination is carefully scrutinised by a panel of senior leaders at International Headquarters. Salvationists have every reason to be proud of those who have been awarded this outstanding recognition for meritorious Christian example, witness and service.
Recipients of the Order of the Founder 2003-2006
CSM Bertil Rodin (Sweden and Latvia Territory). Having given outstanding service in both extent and quality and initiated several projects awakening the social consciousness of fellow Salvationists, CSM Bertil Rodin is still involved in the Skangal Project in Latvia, doing excellent work for the Kingdom of God. Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 5 October 2003.
Lieut-Colonel Lance and Lieut-Colonel Faye Rive (New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory). Throughout their 36 years of officership, Lieut-Colonels Lance and Faye Rive have rendered sacrificial service of far-reaching influence. As a result of a tragic accident in 1992 while on active service in Nigeria, Lieut-Colonel Lance Rive became a tetraplegic. However, with determination and courage, Lieut-Colonels Lance and Faye Rive have pursued a remarkable spiritual ministry, at home and through the Internet, which has been a worldwide inspiration. Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 22 February 2004.
CSM Kenneth Burton (USAEastern Territory). Giving outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty, CSMKenneth Burton has made a unique contribution to the ministry of The Salvation Army through a deep spiritual commitment to youth and music. CSM Burton is an exemplary Salvationist and a leading voice for and among African Americans in the USA Eastern Territory. Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 12 June 2004.
Lieut-Colonel R. Eugene Rice (USAWestern Territory). Throughout 65 years of officership, Lieut-Colonel Eugene Rice has given outstanding and sacrificial service, above and beyond the call of duty, in the interests of the work of The Salvation Army. Lieut-Colonel Rice has been a dedicated soul-winner in prisons, playgrounds and boardrooms, and is a constant witness to the power of Christ’s love and redemption. Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 14 June 2004.
Major Joy Webb (UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland). Throughout her officership, Major Joy Webb has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the creative and innovative use of music, poetry and drama in evangelism and worship, achieving unparalleled success in expressing the gospel in the popular idioms of the day while constantly reflecting the standards of the gospel in her personal life. Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 3 July 2004.
Brigadier Gertrude McClellan Purdue (USA Southern Territory). In recognition of her exemplary Christian witness, her tireless work on behalf of others, her personal efforts to promote racial reconciliation, her pastoral ministry with people of all ages and circumstances, and her persistent encouragement and mentoring of hundreds. Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 21 August 2005.
Commissioner Herry William George Williams (United Kingdom Territory). As plastic surgeon and strategic health administrator his gifts have been applied to all sectors of society, but especially the disadvantaged. As Salvation Army leader his gifts have created new directions in territories, in international development and ecumenically. As writer and artist his gifts have enabled us to know more of his observations of God’s world, God’s ways and God’s people. Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 17 November 2005.
Geoffrey John Dalziel (Australia Southern Territory). Awarded for his exemplary Salvationism and his spiritual leadership as a local officer of outstanding influence. Of impeccable moral character, John Dalziel has been the face and voice of The Salvation Army in the Australian media. In clearly delineating the ethical standards and compassionate ministry of the Movement, he has enhanced the reputation of The Salvation Army with the Australian community at large .Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 3 November 2005.
Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service
On 24 February 1941, General George Carpenter instituted this order to mark the Army’s appreciation of distinguished service rendered by non-Salvationists who have helped to further its work in a variety of ways.
Recipients of the Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service 2003-2005
Mr Herbert L. Wallace Jr (Mexico Territory). Mr Wallace receives the order in recognition of outstanding service on behalf of the poor and needy in Mexico City through his service on The Salvation Army’s Advisory Board. Admitted to The Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service on 29 May 2004.
Dr Noel Francis Murphy, CM, KM, LLD (Hon) (Canada and Bermuda Territory). Dr Murphy receives the order in recognition of his meritorious service to The Salvation Army. He has given generously of his time, influence and counsel over many years through leadership of the advisory board, Red Shield Committee and Christmas Cheer Program. Admitted to The Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service on 25 June 2004.
Mr Merrill R. Fie (USA Western Territory). In recognition of his vision, leadership, generosity and compassion in advancing the mission and ideals of The Salvation Army, Mr Merrill R. Fie was admitted to The Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service of The Salvation Army and awarded The Distinguished Auxiliary Service Cross, which is the insignia of the Order, on 12 December 2005.
Certificate in Recognition of Exceptional Service
The certificate is awarded to Salvationists (officers and soldiers) and friends who work in or for The Salvation Army, whose work, although not being considered for recommendation to the Order of the Founder or the Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service, has been of such outstanding value that it should be placed on permanent record. The service being recognised is outstanding in length or quality, work of an unusual nature for the benefit of the Army not being overlooked.
The award was adopted internationally by General Arnold Brown in May 1980, having been in use in Canada since before 1971.
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