Maritime Division says goodbye to outgoing officers this week

Transfers are a part of army life. The Salvation Army is no different, and the end of June marks the annual change of appointments for many of the 900 officers here in the Territory.

Typically serving appointments of three to five years, moving about the country and beyond is familiar ground for Salvation Army officers. This week, the Maritime Division is saying goodbye to 12 officers and one longtime employee as this year’s annual change takes place.

Among the list are Majors Clarence and Karen Ingram. The Ingrams have been stationed at DHQ for four and a half years, Major Clarence serving as Divisional Secretary for Business Administration, and Major Karen serving in the twin role of Divisional Secretary for Adult Ministries and Divisional Prayer Coordinator. The Ingrams have among the biggest of moves this time around, embarking on a transfer out of the Territory to the Caribbean island of Jamaica.

The desire to take on an overseas appointment has been with the Ingrams for a while, really taking hold during another island appointment in Bermuda just over five years ago. While stationed in Bermuda – which is coupled with Canada as one Territory – the Ingrams had the opportunity to visit what would later become their home when the Bermuda band was invited to the Jamaican Congress.

“I’m looking forward to the people and the way they worship,” recalls Major Karen. “We really liked it.

“Jamaica is poverty stricken, certainly more so than Bermuda, but it has character and most importantly people just want to serve the Lord and be happy, no matter what they have in material things. It is our desire now to make this journey and do our best there and be able to help the Jamaican people, to discover what needs are there and if there’s anything we can do to meet those needs, we’re going to do it.”

Major Karen admits that this time of transition is always difficult, especially when thinking about the people and the connections that she is forced to leave behind. She gets through it, however, by remaining focused on the excitement of the mission ahead in a new land.

“If I focus on leaving I would get upset, because I am leaving my grandchild, my friends, my comfort zone,” she says. “If I keep focused on the mission, then everything is going to be fine. It’s only a short plane ride away.”

Major Karen’s thoughts are likely echoed by the hundreds of Salvation Army officers and family members that will hit the road in the coming weeks for new appointments.

In addition to the Ingrams, we say goodbye to 10 officers and one longtime Director in the Maritimes. Moving on is:

Captain Sean and Major Marilyn Furey, leaving the Dartmouth Community Church and heading to Channel-Port aux Basques, in Newfoundland.

Captains Stephen and Karen Holland, leaing Bridgewater Corps and heading to Simcoe Community Church, in Ontario.

Majors Bond and Marina Jennings, leaving Fairview Citadel and heading to Whitby Community Church, in Ontario.

Majors Daniel and Glenda Roode, leaving Sydney Community Church and heading to Grande Prairie Community Church, in Alberta.

Lieutenants Ian and Deanna Scott, leaving Charlottetown Community Church and heading to Weston Community Church, in Winnipeg.

Pauline Fryer, Director, Correctional and Justice Services Railton House in Dartmouth, entering retirement.

Goodbye and safe travels. Thank you for Giving Hope Today in the Maritimes.