This April, Lillian “Lil” McLeod celebrated an impressive milestone as a Salvationist—96 years on the Salvation Army roll at Medicine Hat Community Church, Alta., and 80 years as a senior soldier.

Since she was a child, Lil has been a dedicated member of the corps in Medicine Hat and supporter of The Salvation Army, and she continues to live out her faith through the gifts of the Spirit: hospitality, service and giving.

“Growing up, I remember my mom actively living out her soldiership,” says Lil’s daughter Major Margaret McLeod, who is the assistant training principal and mission and ministry formation co-ordinator at the College for Officer Training in Toronto. “At the time I was too young to understand what that meant. But looking back, I see it in the way that she offered her gifts within the church. She took on leadership opportunities, offered rides to senior citizens and a place at our family dinner table—particularly on holidays because she didn’t want anyone to be alone.

"I do believe her walk with God is strengthening in her golden years." - Major Margaret McLeod

“Mom’s older now and her ability to live out her soldiership has changed,” continues Major Margaret. “She’s not driving, she’s not making meals or inviting people into her home anymore. But she continues to be thoughtful and caring, and she doesn’t want anyone left alone when she could provide something for them. I do believe her walk with God is strengthening in her golden years."

Church Roots

Lil was born in 1927 as a third-generation Salvationist. Her grandmother, an officer in England in the early days of The Salvation Army, came to Canada at the start of the 1900s. Lil’s mother, Elizabeth Whitrid, married her father, Bill Wilson, whose family was associated with the Army in Medicine Hat.

As the middle of three sisters, Lil remembers being actively involved in the corps alongside her family. She was a part of the Sunbeams and Guards groups, a member of junior and senior bands, and she would often babysit children from the church, including officers’ kids whose parents were busy with corps duties.

As she grew older, Lil began to take on leadership roles such as teaching children about the Bible and The Salvation Army through directory classes. Later, she participated in the corps’ Brownie pack as an assistant Brown Owl and then Brown Owl, a position that she held for 25 years. She also assisted with the home league ministry at the Medicine Hat corps, serving as home league secretary for 25 years, and was acting corps treasurer for a brief time.

In 1955, Lil married Murray McLeod, and together they had four children, Kathy, Bob, Bill and Margaret. Though Murray grew up attending the United Church, the two decided to raise their family in The Salvation Army, and their children grew up attending the Medicine Hat corps as their mother had.

“Growing up in The Salvation Army, I learned about a personal faith in Jesus and watched it being lived out by my parents and mentors,” says Major Margaret. “I was really fortunate to have Spirit-filled, influential people in my life who continually guided me on my Christian journey."

Celebrating Legacy

In April 2024, family, friends and many members of the congregation at Medicine Hat Community Church came together to celebrate and honour Lil’s 80 years of soldiership. Following a church service, the congregation was invited to stay for lunch and fellowship, supported by then corps officers Majors Norman and Cindy Hamelin. On display were Lil’s memories of her life as a soldier, including her Articles of War and photos of Lil as a young Salvationist.

“At Mom’s request the celebration was low key. She was thrilled to have her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren present—it was a proud moment for her to have family at church with her,” says Major Margaret. “We sang her favourite songs, and friends from her social circle were able to attend the service. She was thrilled.”

During the celebration, when asked what advice she would give to someone who might be considering soldiership, Lil’s response was simple: “Go ahead! It is a good adventure and will bring you close to God."

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