COMMISSIONERS EDGAR AND LOUISE GRINSTED

Edgar Grinsted, is a son of early-day Salvation Army officers. His youthful ambition was to be an artist, and he was studying art in London when he became a pilot officer in the Royal Naval Air Service, and later a flying instructor, Royal Air Force, at the time of World War I.

After demobilization, he entered the Salvation Army's Training College in London, and, in 1919, became an officer. For fifteen years he had charge of evangelistic centres in various parts of Britain, including Star Hall, Manchester; Regent Hall, Oxford Street; Congress Hall, Clapton, after which he served as youth work organizer for the Liverpool district, and as a Divisional Commander for the Brighton South West London and Manchester areas.

In World War II he organized Salvation Army relief work in London's public air-raid shelters and was also associated with the Army's work among members of the forces.

Following a short period as Youth Organizer for England and Wales, he assumed wider responsibilities for supervising Salvation Army youth work throughout the world. As International Youth Secretary he travelled extensively, conducting conferences and rallies.

In 1951 he became leader of The Salvation Army in Scotland and Ireland, and, three years later, was transferred to Sydney to take command of the Army's forces in Eastern Australia. He took up his position as British Commissioner in September 1957.

Mrs. Grinsted was Captain Louise Kitching at the time of her marriage to the Commissioner in 1921. Daughter of one of William Booth's first Commissioners, she is a sister to General Wilfred Kltching (R).

Both Commissioner Grinsted and his wife have outgoing personalities. They like people! They are particularly interested in speaking to the young, and the young find them interesting to listen to. There is a cordiality and warmth in the Commissioner's greeting that immediately makes you feel-"This man can be my friend."

Mrs. Grinsted has had, in remarkable measure, the blessing of God upon her labors. She has served the home league and other women's organizations in Great Britain with great devotion and endeared herself to many thousands in the Old Country.