Clarence Wiseman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Right Honourable General
Clarence Wiseman
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| 10th General of The Salvation Army | |
| In office 1974–1977 |
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| Preceded by | Erik Wickberg |
| Succeeded by | Arnold Brown |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Clarence Dexter Wiseman
June 19, 1907 Moreton's Harbour, Colony of Newfoundland |
| Died | May 4, 1985 (aged 77) Scarborough, Ontario |
Clarence Dexter Wiseman (June 19, 1907 – May 4, 1985) was an important leader in The Salvation Army. He served as the tenth General of The Salvation Army from 1974 to 1977. This means he was the worldwide leader of this Christian organization.
Contents
Early Life and Becoming an Officer
Clarence Wiseman was born in Moreton's Harbour, Newfoundland, on June 19, 1907. His parents were officers in The Salvation Army. Because of their work, his family moved homes often.
When he was 19, Clarence began training at The Salvation Army Training College in Toronto. He became an officer on July 4, 1927. His first jobs were helping lead local Salvation Army centers, called corps, in Toronto.
Marriage and Service During Wartime
On January 29, 1932, Captain Wiseman married Captain Janet Kelly. They both worked for The Salvation Army. Soon after their marriage, they led corps together until 1940.
During World War II, Captain Wiseman joined the Canadian Forces. He became a chaplain, which is like a spiritual leader, for soldiers. He served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Engineers. His battalion first trained near Toronto, then moved to Great Britain. Clarence and Janet Wiseman were separated for five years during this time. After two years as a chaplain, Clarence Wiseman became a senior representative for The Salvation Army's Canadian War Services. He helped soldiers and their families during the war.
Leading The Salvation Army
When the war ended in June 1945, Clarence Wiseman returned to Canada. After a short break, he and Mrs. Wiseman became leaders of The Salvation Army's work in Newfoundland. They served there for over eight years.
In 1954, the Wisemans moved back to Toronto. Clarence Wiseman, now a Colonel, became the field secretary for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Three years later, he became the chief secretary. This meant he was second in command of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.
International Leadership Roles
In 1960, Clarence and Janet Wiseman took their first overseas job. They went to Kenya, where Clarence Wiseman led The Salvation Army's work in East Africa. Two years later, they moved to England. Commissioner Wiseman became the principal of the William Booth Memorial Training College. This is a school where new Salvation Army officers are trained. He held this important role for five years.
In 1967, Canada celebrated its 100th birthday. That year, Clarence Wiseman became the territorial commander for Canada and Bermuda. He was the first Canadian to hold this top leadership position in his home country.
Becoming the General
In 1974, Commissioner Wiseman was chosen as a candidate for the office of General. This was the second time he had been nominated. He was then elected to be the tenth General of The Salvation Army. He took command on July 6, 1974.
General Wiseman was 67 years old when he became General. He served for three years because the retirement age was 70. During his time as the international leader, he traveled all over the world. The Salvation Army also started its work for the first time in Guatemala during his leadership.
Retirement and Legacy
General Wiseman retired on July 4, 1976. Another Canadian, General Arnold Brown, took over from him. Even in retirement, General Wiseman stayed busy. For nine years, he led many religious campaigns in North America and other countries.
In 1976, he received a special honor called the Order of Canada. This award recognized his lifelong dedication to The Salvation Army. It also honored his inspiring leadership at home and around the world.
He wrote two books about his life: A Burning in My Bones (1980) and The Desert Road to Glory (1982).
General Wiseman passed away at his home in Scarborough, Ontario, on May 4, 1985. His wife, Janet, passed away later in 1993.
