On Saturday, December 4, Robert (Bob) and Shirley McArthur were presented with the Order of the Founder. They are only the fourth married couple to be given this award. The ceremony took place at the Christmas with The Salvation Army event held at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall and hosted by the Ontario Central-East Division.

Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis, territorial leaders, were proud to recognize the sacrifices made by the McArthurs, soldiers of North York Temple, over the past 25 years to aid the Caribbean Territory. Their interest in the territory began when they heard Caribbean missionaries explain the worsening conditions of Salvation Army facilities.

“The Caribbean Territory is strong today in a real, positive sense because of Bob and Shirley McArthur,” said Commissioner William Francis after a photo slideshow demonstrating the work of the McArthurs was played for the congregation.

For 25 years, the McArthurs led many mission trips to the Caribbean—restoring, renovating and building Salvation Army facilities. “Thirty-five units throughout the Caribbean are standing testimonies to the quiet, patient, love and joy brought to that land by Bob and Shirley McArthur,” continued Commissioner Francis.

As he presented the award, first to Bob, Commissioner Francis said, “It is my pleasure to present this most prestigious award in recognition of two decades of exemplary service to The Salvation Army and in acknowledgement of the selfless and sacrificial investment of personal resources.”

Following a similar presentation to Shirley, Commissioner Marilyn Francis prayed for the couple.

“Tonight we applaud the McArthurs, but they wouldn't want applause for they gave because of the King of Kings who gave his life for them,” she said. “There are those in the world whose lives are better because Bob McArthur and his lovely wife gave.”

Bob and Shirley's family, members of McArthur Properties, and Joe Turley, manager of the teams that go to the Caribbean for mission work, attended the event.

The McArthurs have travelled to the Caribbean Territory for the purpose of renovating, repairing and rebuilding Salvation Army corps and social service buildings. Over and above the team members' financial contributions, the McArthur's have self-financed all projects from their own resources.

Prior to departing on a mission trip, Bob visits the country to ensure adequate accommodation for the team of approximately 35 members, and organizes supplies of building materials. If possible, these supplies are locally purchased to assist the country's economy. Shirley actively supports Bob in this process through administration and trip organization.

History of the Award

The Order of the Founder was established by General Bramwell Booth in 1917 and first presented in 1920. In the 90 years since, there have been 241 recipients, an average of two or three awarded per year, with 23 of them—10 percent—Canadian (including the McArthurs).

Before being awarded with the Order of the Founder, cases presented to international headquarters are carefully researched and the award is only given to those officers and soldiers whose skillful and passionate work would have merited the attention and approval of The Salvation Army's Founder, General William Booth.

Some of the missions organized and conducted by the McArthurs:

February 1996, Cuba: Repair and renovate Salvation Army senior citizens residence
February 1997, Belize: Renovation at seniors' residence and Salvation Army feeding centre for young children
February 1998, Barbados: Renovations on Wellington Street Corps, Carlton Corps and Speightstown Corps
March 1999, Haiti: Renovations on Bethany Children's Home and Salvation Army school in Fond-Des-Negres
February/March 2000, Barbados: Renovations at Diamond Corners Corps; repairs at Wotton Corps; construction of playground at Wellington Corps
March 2001, Guyana: Renovation and construction at East La Penitence Corps; painting and construction at Divisional Headquarters
February/March 2002, Jamaica: Renovations and repairs at Cave Valley and Blue Fields Corps
January/February 2003, Barbados: Complete construction on building at Four Roads; repairs and construction at Central Corps and Long Bay Corps
January 2004, St. Lucia: Work and renovations at Castries Corps and officers' quarters
January/February 2005, Jamaica: Reconstruction of hurricane-damaged Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Kingston
January 2006, Barbados
January 2007, Jamaica: Construction of a new corps building at Blackness Outpost; refurbishment at Savanna-La-Mar Salvation Army school; redecoration of Lennox Bigwoods Corps' officers' quarters
February 2008, Jamaica: Renovations of dormitories and walkways covers
February 2009, Jamaica: Work on College for Officer Training