John Larsson facts for kids

John Alfred Larsson (born April 2, 1938) is a Swedish writer and composer. He is also a leader in The Salvation Army. He served as the 17th General of The Salvation Army.

Early Life and Education

John Larsson was born on April 2, 1938. His parents, Sture Larsson and Flora Ethel Mildred Benwell, were both officers in The Salvation Army. His grandparents were also officers.

John spent his early years in different countries. He lived in his home country of Sweden, and also in Denmark, Chile, and Argentina. His grandfather, Commissioner Karl Larsson, was famous for starting The Salvation Army's work in Russia in 1914.

John Larsson became an officer in The Salvation Army in 1957. He joined from the Upper Norwood Corps in London, England. He also studied at the University of London. There, he earned a degree in Divinity.

Career in The Salvation Army

After becoming an officer, John Larsson worked in various roles. For one year, he was a corps officer in northern England. A corps is like a local church or community center for The Salvation Army.

He then spent seven years working at the International Training College in London. This college trains new officers for The Salvation Army. After that, he returned to lead local corps again.

Family Life

In 1969, John Larsson married Captain Freda Turner. At the time, John was working at the corps in Ealing. They have two sons, Karl and Kevin Larsson. Both of their sons are also members of The Salvation Army.

International Service

John and Freda Larsson served in many different places around the world.

• In 1980, they moved to the South America West Territory. John became the Chief Secretary, and Freda was the Territorial Home League Secretary.
• In 1984, they returned to the International Training College. John became the principal, which means he was in charge of the college. Freda worked as the librarian.
• In 1988, they moved to International Headquarters in London. This is the main office for The Salvation Army worldwide. John helped plan how to separate the international and national parts of the organization. Freda helped married women officers.

Leadership Roles

The Larssons continued to take on important leadership roles:

• In 1990, they became leaders for the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. John was the Territorial Commander, and Freda led women's organizations.
• In 1993, they moved to lead the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory.
• In 1996, they took on similar roles for the Sweden and Latvia Territory.

Chief of the Staff

In 1999, John Larsson became the Chief of the Staff. This is the second-highest position in The Salvation Army worldwide. His wife, Freda, became the World Secretary for Women's Organisations. This role was later called Women's Ministries.

Author and Composer

John Larsson is a talented writer. He has written several books about Christian faith and The Salvation Army's history:

• Doctrine Without Tears
• The Man Perfectly Filled with the Spirit
• Spiritual Breakthrough
• How Your Corps Can Grow
• 1929 (a history book)
• Inside a High Council (explains how The Salvation Army's High Council works)
• Those incredible Booths: William and Catherine Booth as parents

He is also a skilled composer of music. He worked with John Gowans to create ten full-length stage musicals. These musicals tell stories through songs and performances. Some of their musicals include:

• Take-Over Bid (1967)
• Hosea (1969)
• Jesus Folk (1972)
• Spirit (1973)
• Glory (1975)
• White Rose (1977)
• The Blood Of The Lamb (1978)
• Son Of Man (1983)
• Man Mark II (1985)
• The Meeting (1990)

General of The Salvation Army

On September 6, 2002, John Larsson was elected as the General of The Salvation Army. This is the highest leadership position in the organization. He took over from General John Gowans, who was retiring.

General Larsson served until April 1, 2006, when he retired. Shaw Clifton then became the next General of The Salvation Army.