Salvationists and friends from the Ontario Great Lakes and the Ontario Central-East Divisions filled the Guelph Citadel sanctuary for the welcome service for Commissioner Susan McMillan, new territorial commander, on November 2, 2014.

Major Morris Vincent, divisional commander, Ontario Great Lakes Division, welcomed the capacity crowd, while Ella Donkersgoed and Tyler Jones presented flowers to Commissioner McMillan and Colonel Sharon Tillsley, territorial secretary for women's ministries. Major Wanda Vincent, divisional director of women's ministries, Ontario Great Lakes Division, opened the gathering with prayer, thanking God for sending Commissioner McMillan to the Canada and Bermuda Territory at this time.  Colonel Mark Tillsley, chief secretary, introduced Commissioner McMillan as a person of integrity with a passion for the mission of The Salvation Army in Canada and around the world.  He further noted that she is a gifted individual who speaks three languages and clearly displays the heart of an evangelist.

In her response, Commissioner McMillan shared that it is a joy and blessing to be "home" again, after many years abroad, and that she has always been conscious of God's leading and provision in all of the places and circumstances where she has served over the years. “Do what God wants you to do with your life and it will be a wonderful adventure,” she instructed the congregation.

Sarah Burford from Chatham Corps and Lieutenant Graciela Arkell from Cornerstone Community Church brought warm words of welcome to the new territorial commander.  Joyful Noise, a musical group from Toronto's Cedarbrae Community Church, treated the audience to two numbers: Bright Happy Day and OYE.

The Guelph Citadel Band and Songsters also blessed the congregation with their music abilities during the program. Under the leadership of Bandmaster Allan Hicks, the band offered a moving rendition of the selection Precious Fountain/William Hines and the songsters, led by Donna Harris, sang All That is Within Me.

Referring to Revelation 3:7-13, Commissioner McMillan shared a message about an "open door."  She pointed out that just as the Apostle John wrote about the doors of opportunity that Jesus, the holder of the key of David, had opened for the church in Philadelphia, so too Christ has opened doors of opportunity, individually and corporately, for The Army today. She challenged her listeners to step through those doors in faith, knowing that Jesus will provide the strength and power needed to follow his will.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sandra Rice, divisional commander, Ontario Central-East Division, led the closing song, King of Love, and, following the benediction by Colonel Sharon Tillsley, the band offered a rousing postlude, Montreal Citadel. The evening concluded with a time of refreshments and fellowship.