Eva Burrows facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
Eva Burrows
AC OF
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Eva Burrows at The Salvation Army's Australia Southern Territory Training College
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| 13th General of The Salvation Army | |
| In office 1986–1993 |
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| Preceded by | Jarl Wahlström |
| Succeeded by | Bramwell Tillsley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 September 1929 Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 20 March 2015 (aged 85) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Residence | Melbourne |
| Alma mater | University of Queensland |
| Occupation | Salvation Army Officer |
General Eva Evelyn Burrows (born September 15, 1929 – died March 20, 2015) was an amazing Australian leader. She was a Salvation Army Officer who became the 13th General of The Salvation Army from 1986 to 1993. This means she was the worldwide leader of this Christian organization, which helps people in need. She worked for the Salvation Army from 1951 until she retired.
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Early Life and Education
Eva Burrows was born in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, on September 15, 1929. Her parents, Robert and Ella Burrows, were also Salvation Army Officers. Eva was one of nine children! Because her parents moved often for their work, Eva's early schooling was sometimes interrupted.
She finished her high school education at Brisbane State High School. There, she was chosen as a prefect and even the Head Girl, showing her leadership skills early on. From the age of seventeen, Eva studied at The University of Queensland. In May 1950, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, focusing on English and History.
Serving in The Salvation Army
In 1950, Eva Burrows joined The Salvation Army's International Training College in London. She officially became a Salvation Army Officer in 1951. After more studies at London University to become a teacher, she began her service in Africa.
From 1952 to 1967, she worked at the Howard Institute in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). She then became the Principal of the Usher Institute from 1966 to 1970. Later, she served at the International College for Officers in London from 1970 to 1975, first as an Assistant Principal and then as the Principal.
Eva's leadership roles grew steadily. In 1975, she became the leader of the Salvation Army's Social Services for Women in Great Britain. Then, in 1977, she led the Salvation Army's work in Sri Lanka. By 1980, she was leading the work in Scotland, and in 1982, she became the leader for the Australian Southern Territory.
Becoming General of The Salvation Army
In 1986, Eva Burrows was elected General of The Salvation Army. This was a very close election, decided by just one vote! At 56 years old, she became the youngest person to lead the organization. She was also the only woman among seven candidates.
During her seven years as General, Eva was incredibly effective. She managed the Salvation Army's operations in about 90 countries. She also helped bring back the Army's original goal of spreading its message and helping people, especially by leading its return into Eastern Europe after the fall of communism. Because of her excellent work, her term as General was extended for an extra two years.
Even after her time as General, Eva Burrows remained active. She served on the Board of the International Bible Society for ten years and was a champion for campaigns like "Be A Hero." She also wrote a book called A Field For Exploits: Training Leaders For The Salvation Army.
Later Life and Passing
Eva Burrows passed away on March 20, 2015, at the age of 85, in Melbourne, Victoria. She was surrounded by family and friends. It's a touching story that two nurses from Africa sang the Zimbabwe national anthem with her on her final day. Another nurse caring for her was from Usher, a school where Eva had once been the principal.
Honours and Awards
Eva Burrows received many important awards for her service. In 1986, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This award recognized her great service to the community and her work for social justice as a world leader. In 1994, this was upgraded to the even higher honour of Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).
She also received several honorary degrees from universities around the world. These included an Honorary Doctor of Liberal Arts from Ewha Womans University in Seoul in 1988, and an Honorary LLD from Asbury University in the USA in 1988. In 1993, her old university, The University of Queensland, gave her an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree.
On January 1, 2001, Eva received a Centenary Medal for her service to the Australian community. In the same year, she was also added to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, which celebrates important women from Victoria, Australia. In 2012, she was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
Just a few months after her passing, on July 3, 2015, Eva Burrows received the highest honour of The Salvation Army: the "Order of the Founder". This special award was given to her posthumously (after her death) during a ceremony in London that celebrated 150 years of The Salvation Army.
