Arnold Brown (General of The Salvation Army) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
Arnold Brown
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| 11th General of The Salvation Army | |
| In office 5 July 1977 – 14 December 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Clarence Wiseman |
| Succeeded by | Jarl Wahlström |
| 13th Chief of the Staff of The Salvation Army | |
| In office 1969–1974 |
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| Preceded by | Erik Wickberg |
| Succeeded by | Arthur E. Car |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 December 1913 London, England |
| Died | 26 June 2002 (aged 88) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Arnold Brown (born December 13, 1913 – died June 26, 2002) was a very important leader in The Salvation Army. He was the 11th General of The Salvation Army, which is like being the worldwide head of the organization. He held this top position from 1977 to 1981.
Contents
Life and Work
Early Life and Family
Arnold Brown was born in London, England. His parents were both "officers" in The Salvation Army, which means they worked full-time for the organization. When he was still a young boy, his family moved to Canada.
He started his training to become an officer in 1935 from a local Salvation Army church, called a "corps," in Belleville. After leading two corps, he spent 10 years working in the editorial department at the main office in Canada. He became the assistant editor of The War Cry, a well-known Salvation Army magazine. During this time, he wrote a book about the first 50 years of The Salvation Army in Canada, called What Hath God Wrought?.
On September 15, 1939, Captain Brown married Lieutenant Jean Barclay. They worked together for 42 years in The Salvation Army. They had two daughters, Heather Jean and Beverley Ann.
Leadership Roles
In 1962, Arnold Brown, who was then a Brigadier, became the leader for young people in Canada and Bermuda. He was a very inspiring speaker and leader. His work with young Salvationists left a lasting impact on many of them.
In 1964, Lieutenant-Colonel Brown moved to the international headquarters to work in public relations. He was quickly promoted to Colonel. He led a creative campaign called 'For God's Sake Care!'. This campaign helped people in the United Kingdom learn more about The Salvation Army. It also changed how The Salvation Army did its public relations work forever. He also helped set up advisory boards in the UK.
Arnold Brown was also very involved with the Rotary Club, which is a global service organization. He held high positions in the London club and internationally. He often spoke at Rotary conferences around the world, sharing the story of The Salvation Army and how it helps people in need.
Becoming General
After his excellent work in public relations, Commissioner Brown became the Chief of the Staff in October 1969. This is the second-highest position in The Salvation Army. He served in this role for five years. Then, in 1974, he returned to Canada to lead The Salvation Army there.
Three years later, in 1977, the High Council of The Salvation Army elected him to be the 11th General of The Salvation Army. He officially started his new role on July 5, 1977.
When he was elected, General Brown was asked what he wanted Salvationists (members of The Salvation Army) to do. He said he wanted them to do "everything they can to make better known Jesus Christ and his saving power." He also wanted them to show God's grace by living good lives and serving others.
General Brown and his wife traveled a lot during his four-and-a-half years as General. In 1980, he started the International Staff Songsters in London. He always stayed interested in their music and ministry.
Honors and Books
Arnold Brown received many awards for his writing and his work helping the poor.
- In 1978, he became a Freeman of the City of London.
- In 1981, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.
- Also in 1981, he received honorary doctorates from two seminaries in the USA.
He wrote several books, including:
- What Hath God Wrought? The History of the Salvation Army in Canada
- The Gate and the Light (his autobiography)
- The Mountain the Wind Blew Here
- With Christ at the Table and Occupied Manger - Unoccupied Tomb
Later Life
General Brown passed away at age 92 in a hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto, in The Salvation Army's special plot.
General Brown was especially interested in the work of The Salvation Army in Nigeria. He visited Lagos, Nigeria, several times and was always warmly welcomed by the local Salvation Army leaders.
See Also
