COLONEL CLARENCE WISEMAN

Wiseman was born at Moreton's Harbour, Colony of Newfoundland on June 19, 1907. Being the son of Salvation Army officers, he moved frequently from one home to another as his parents’ postings necessitated. As he grew up there were some years of indecision and it was the evidence of remarkable conversions taking place around him which renewed and confirmed his faith and his service. His decision led him, from Guelph, Ontario, to the Toronto training college and he was commissioned on July 4, 1927 with the rank of lieutenant. His first appointment was to Bedford Park Corps (Toronto). Six months later he was transferred to Yorkville Corps, Toronto, both appointments being as assistant to the commanding officer. After a year in work he was appointed to the editorial department in Toronto.

In 1932 the then Captain was married to Captain Janet Kelly who had been attracted to the Army through joining the lifesaving groups. She entered the training college form Danfoth and in 1927 was commissioned and served in corps and editorial work before her marriage. Soon after their marriage Captain and Mrs. Wiseman were appointed to London South Corps. Together, they commanded such corps as Toronto Temple and Montreal Citadel until mid-1940.

On the outbreak of the start of World War, the then Major Wiseman became the Army’s first chaplain overseas service with the Canadian forces with the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Engineers. At the time the battalion was involved in training exercises just north of Toronto but were soon drafted to Great Britain. Clarence and Janet Wiseman were parted for five years. After two years as chaplain, Clarence Wiseman received orders to resign his military commission, and was appointed as senior representative for The Salvation Army Canadian War Services, with headquarters in Cockspur Street, just off Trafalgar Square.

When the war ended in June 1945, Clarence Wiseman returned to Canada and after a brief furlough he and Mrs. Wiseman were appointed as leaders of the Army's work in Newfoundland where they served for more than eight years.

At the beginning of 1954 the Wisemans returned to Toronto where the now Colonel Wiseman was appointed field secretary for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Three years later he was appointed chief secretary, second in command of The Salvation Army's forces in Canada and Bermuda.