On Wednesday, April 25, 2007, a large group of officers and employees gathered at territorial headquarters in Toronto to welcome General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton on their first official visit to the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Following introductions and a prayer by Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan, territorial commander, both Commissioner Clifton and the General brought greetings to the assembled staff before meeting privately with members of the territorial Cabinet. The occasion marked the beginning of a five-day visit to Canada in which the international leaders would share in celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of William and Catherine Booth College in Winnipeg.

Thursday morning began with a prayer breakfast attended by Salvationists and friends of the Army from the Toronto area, including many advisory board members, business executives, government and religious leaders. Taking the theme Compassion Unleashed, the occasion also marked the celebration of 125 years of Salvation Army ministry in Canada.

Following officers’ councils in the afternoon, a large congregation of Salvationists and friends gathered at Bayview Glen Church to greet the international leaders and be inspired by their message.

The meeting was a wonderfully rich and diverse expression of Army ministry and included participation by Salvationists from various ethnic backgrounds, representing the multicultural mosaic that is Toronto.

Music for the occasion was provided by the Canadian Staff Band, the Ontario Central Youth Chorus and a composite praise and worship team from various local corps. In his inspirational testimony, youth chorus member Will Currie shared how happy he was to be a Christian and how God was helping him to be a witness to his unsaved family.

Multimedia helped introduce the international leaders to the congregation. In her response, Commissioner Helen Clifton cited the example of how her parents had been invited to the Army as children and how that led to their acceptance of Christ in their young lives. She encouraged those present never to forget the importance of personal invitations.

Later in the meeting, the General emphasized the importance of the mercy seat and encouraged his listeners to follow the example of Andrew in bringing others to Jesus. “We must never forget that we are a Salvation Army,” he commented. “The souls of people are our top-most priority. Nothing else matters.” A large response then followed as many came forward to kneel in dedication. The meeting then ended on a note of praise and celebration as people rose to affirm their united testimony in song: “Glory, glory, hallelujah, he reigns!”

On Friday it was off to Winnipeg for celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of William and Catherine Booth College. In the first event of what was to prove a busy weekend, Salvationists and supporters of the Army’s ministry gathered for a celebration banquet honouring both the college and the Salvation Army’s long history of work in the city.

During the evening, General Clifton presenting the Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service to Dr. William Norrie. A long and valued friend of The Salvation Army in Winnipeg, Dr. Norrie worked diligently during his tem as mayor to help the Army procure various properties from which it continues to serve today. Included are the current site of Booth College and the auxiliary building hosting the college library and the new College for Officer Training. The General had the rapt attention of the audience as he shared about the Army’s ongoing advancements worldwide. He spoke clearly of the Army’s God-given mandate and expressed appreciation to those who faithfully support and encourage its ministry.

The celebration continued on Saturday evening at Southlands Community Church, where a packed hall of Salvationists enthusiastically honoured the college’s many achievements. Present faculty and students, as well as those who from the college’s first year of existence, shared their memories of those early days.

During the Sunday morning baccalaureate service, the graduates were challenged and affirmed in the studies and spiritual development they had achieved thus far. The General invited them to consider where they might find themselves in 20 years, trusting that their decisions and preparation to this point would find them fully engaged in service to others.

It was a particularly moving moment as Dr. Donald Burke was installed as the college’s fourth president. An integral leader and faculty member since its inception in 1982, Dr. Burke responded with clarity and ready acceptance to the challenge given by the territorial commander. Deeply aware of the college’s legacy, he confirmed his commitment to deepen and extend its influence as a global centre for excellence in education and training for Salvationists of the future.

Since it was opened as Catherine Booth Bible College in 1982, students have come and graduated from 40 countries around the world, including representatives from every continent. Certificate and degree programs have grown to match the needs of students preparing for Salvation Army ministry. In addition to graduates from Canada, the class of 2007 included students from the United States, Haiti, India, the Ukraine and Zimbabwe.

In his address during the afternoon graduation exercises, the General explored the parallels between the education and graduation of Booth College students with the act of first-century church leaders in selecting seven men to “serve tables” (see Acts 6:1-15). The qualification of those early believers is just as applicable to the new graduates. They are to be of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit, seeking the full wisdom of God, having no salary, yet reaping immeasurable rewards. That first-century graduation ceremony included a process to select those with the necessary qualifications. They were affirmed by the church and appointed to their work of service. In the same way, today’s graduates have met the rigorous criteria of the college, are affirmed and encouraged by the assembled congregation, and sent out to use their skill, knowledge and dedication in service to their communities.

Report by Lt-Colonel Ray Moulton, Editor-in-Chief, and
Major Ken Smith, Associate Editor, Salvationist,
Canada and Bermuda Territory

Photos:
General in Toronto
The General addresses Salvationists at Bayview Glen Church, Toronto