Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill have been honoured at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) as they prepare to enter retirement following more than 33 years of Salvation Army officership and ministry around the world.

International leaders, colleagues, friends and invited guests gathered on September 10, 2026, at IHQ in London for a morning of celebration, worship and reflection ahead of the Hills’ retirement on October 1, 2026.  

Commissioner Garth Niemand, International Secretary for Business Administration, described it as a day of "laughing and crying at the same time," celebrating God’s faithfulness while saying goodbye to two much-loved members of the IHQ family.

One Encounter that Changed a Family

For Commissioner Edward Hill, one story encapsulated both his family’s Salvation Army heritage and the potential impact of seemingly small acts of service.

In the 1920s, an unnamed Salvation Army officer walked into a sawmill in Longview, Washington, and began speaking with the men working there. One was Edward’s great-grandfather, Al Irish, whose family was experiencing profound loss. Two of his children had died during the influenza epidemic and his wife was seriously ill. The officer listened and prayed with him.

Within days, the officer arrived at the family home with practical help. So moved was Al by the care the officer had shown to people he barely knew that he decided his family should become involved with The Salvation Army.

Exactly a century later, in 2026, his great-grandson concludes his own active service as a Salvation Army officer. 

"If we’ve done any good, if we’ve had any influence, if we’ve forwarded the mission at all, we can trace the credit all the way back to that unnamed Salvation Army officer. The pastoral and practical influence of that officer helped change the trajectory of my family for generations. My encouragement would be for all present to seek opportunities in the future to offer a kind word, encouragement and practical support to those in need, believing that we too can profoundly impact the life of others," Commissioner Hill said. 

"The Lord Has Directed Your Steps"

Commissioners Edward and Shelley Hill were commissioned in June 1993. Their ministry has included appointments in the U.S.A. Western Territory; Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory; Canada and Bermuda Territory, where they served as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women's ministries; and as International Secretaries for the Americas and Caribbean Zone at IHQ.

Presenting their retirement certificates, General Lyndon Buckingham paid tribute not only to their most recent appointments but to more than three decades of ministry. "Only heaven itself will reveal the people’s lives that have been impacted, ministered to and changed under the influence, ministry, leadership and service of the Hills," he said.

Reflecting on Psalm 37, the General added: "The Lord has been with you. The Lord has enabled you. The Lord has sustained you. The Lord has directed your steps. The Lord has used you."

Leadership With Laughter, Humility and Loyalty

Major Wendy Mouland, who has served as Private Secretary to the Chief of the Staff, spoke of the Chief’s humour, humility, loyalty and kindness. "You have led well, you have loved well, you have served faithfully," she told him.

The General also acknowledged a colleague whose "quick mind," honesty and willingness to tackle difficult issues he had valued throughout their years of working together. He thanked the Chief for championing the international Compass initiative and for helping advance that mission. 

Family

Commissioner Shelley Hill described IHQ colleagues using the Hawaiian word ohana, meaning family. "You are IHQ ohana, and you will always hold a very special place in our hearts," she said, encouraging colleagues to continue serving ‘with great joy, with excellence, with humility and, most important, with God’s love’.

Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham paid a warm tribute to Commissioner Shelley, describing her as "my sister in Christ, partner in ministry and very dear friend."

Reflecting on their years of shared ministry, she continued: "You brought passion and experience, creativity and a fresh approach to women’s ministries," adding that women had valued Commissioner Shelley’s focus on finding new ways of reaching women and girls in their communities. "How blessed and grateful I am to God that he weaved this season of our lives together," she said.

Commissioner Edward Hill spoke of his gratitude for God’s "amazing grace and abounding love," for Commissioner Shelley as his partner in life and ministry, and for the movement they had served in together. "I have no regrets about this life commitment," he said. "I think it’s the best use of my life." Quoting 1 Corinthians 15:58, he concluded by encouraging those continuing in service to "stand firm" and give themselves fully to the work of the Lord. 

Commissioners Edward and Shelley Hill will enter honourable retirement on October 1, 2026, having completed 33 years and three months of active officer service.

Report and photos: IHQ Communications