Effective March 1, Lt-Colonels Donald and Ann Copple have been appointed as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women's ministries for Canada and Bermuda. They succeed Colonels Glen and Eleanor Shepherd who will be retiring from active service. In order to fulfil their new responsibilities for two years, the General has extended the Copples' active service until February 2010.

Entering training from Point St. Charles, Montreal, Lt-Colonel Ann Copple was commissioned in 1963 as a member of the Servants of Christ Session. Lt-Colonel Donald Copple was commissioned the following year as part of the Heroes of the Faith Session, having entered college from Flin Flon, Man. Following their marriage in 1965, they ministered at several corps appointments in Ontario, including Port Colbourne, Wingham, London East, Chatham and Sarnia. A change came in 1976 when they were appointed to the Toronto College For Officer Training, first as sectional officers, then with responsibilities as field co-ordinator and library assistant. As secretary to Major Miriam Evenden, Ann also helped in the development and organization of the new Heritage Centre.

In 1981 the Copples returned to corps ministry, with six years at Mississauga Temple and two at Scarborough Citadel, both in the Greater Toronto Area. Another significant change came in 1989 when they were appointed to divisional work in the former Newfoundland Central Division, with Donald as divisional secretary and Ann as divisional secretary for women's ministries. Returning to Ontario, they ministered in similar capacities in the former Ontario West Division. In 1995, they were appointed to THQ where Donald served as assistant property secretary, property secretary and then assistant chief secretary. During this time Ann served as assistant to the territorial women's ministries secretary. Donald was pleased to serve as executive officer of the Canadian Staff Band from 1997 to 2001.

Following almost 40 years in Ontario, the Copples were appointed as divisional leaders of British Columbia South in 2001. Their responsibilities increased when the division expanded to include the whole province in 2003. Since 2006, they have served as divisional leaders for Ontario Central, which in 2007 became the Ontario Central-East Division.

Salvationists in Canada and Bermuda welcome Lt-Colonels Donald and Ann Copple in their new roles as part of the territorial leadership team and look forward to serving under their ministry.