(Above) Reflectors of Holiness recite the doctrines of The Salvation Army in their Declaration of Faith

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INSPIRE continued Saturday morning, July 1, with the ordination and commissioning of the Reflectors of Holiness at Massey Hall in Toronto.  

The Reflectors of Holiness entered the auditorium behind their sessional flag, carried by Cadet Krishna McFarlane, bearing lanterns that dispelled the darkness and represented the light of God. The cadets took their places on the stage as the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS) sang Reflecting His Likeness, the sessional song of the Reflectors of Holiness.  

Additional musical support for the service was provided by the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) and NEON worship team. 

Major Deana Zelinsky, training principal at the College for Training, presented the cadets and auxiliary-captains to The Salvation Army’s international leaders, General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, and Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd, territorial leaders, describing them as “true and passionate Salvationists.” Cadet Jeremy Avery and Aux-Captain Glenna Cryderman presented the Officer’s Covenant before Colonel Evie Diaz, chief secretary, stood before the Reflectors of Holiness as they recited the doctrines of The Salvation Army in their Declaration of Faith.  

“Stand firm on the rock-solid Jesus Christ,” said Commissioner Rosalie Peddle to the Reflectors of Holiness Session in the moments before their ordination and commissioning. “While we need to be a forward-thinking, serving, empowering Salvation Army, we can’t ignore that our holy God needs holy people who are committed to live holy lives, standing firm and grounded in their faith,” she said, also charging them to hold fast to God and stay close to Jesus. 

“We rejoice that God has called you, equipped you and gifted you for sacred service and therefore affirm that you are ordained as a minister of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and I now commission you as an officer of The Salvation Army with the rank of lieutenant,” Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd said to each cadet and auxiliary-captain as they stood before them. They also shared a portion of Scripture that had been selected for each of them.  

While the new officers left the stage to prepare for the next portion of the service, the congregation watched “Cadets and Kidettes in Community,” a video highlighting the Reflectors of Holiness and their children. In keeping with tradition, the CSB played Montreal Citadel as the new lieutenants re-entered the auditorium wearing the distinctive red trim of Salvation Army officers and saluted the territorial leaders.     

Lieutenant Jeffrey Robertson spoke on behalf of his session-mates and proudly shared the cultural diversity represented in the Reflectors of Holiness. “We are Canadian-born, Mexican-born and Jamaican-born followers of Christ,” he said. “Our backgrounds, our cultures, our experiences intertwine to create something very beautiful and strong as we fulfil a passion and desire to live out our sessional name.”  

In his message, the General reminded those gathered that they must also reflect the holiness and light of Christ in the communities where they serve. “Lord, breathe your life into us,” he said. “We need a Salvation Army that’s alive and well, in touch with his spiritual well-being, cleansed by the Holy Spirit!”  

Following the ordination and commissioning service, a special luncheon took place to recognize recipients of the Fellowship of the Silver Star, parents and mentors who have made a spiritual impact on the lives of the new lieutenants. The event provided an opportunity for those gathered to share time with their loved ones and greet the international leaders. 

A candidates’ reception was held later in the day that allowed those who have felt the call of God on their lives for full-time service as Salvation Army officers to share in conversation with the General and Commissioner Peddle. 

Celebrating the Army of Today 

Music was at the forefront of Saturday evening’s worship service, entitled “Celebrating Our Present,” at Massey Hall, beginning with a prelude by a massed divisional youth band and continuing with performances by a massed chorus, Christian Sisters with Voices, NEON, Robbie Lee and the Four Crest Dancers from Gitwinksihlkw, B.C. Colour-changing wristbands worn by members of the congregation created a vibrant display, lighting the audience in The Salvation Army's signature colours of red, yellow and blue. 

The service commenced with a heartfelt prayer led by Captain Juan Chirinos, corps officer at Montreal Citadel, delivered in both English and French. Commissioner Floyd Tidd then greeted the congregation and representatives from Canada and Bermuda’s partner territories, and welcomed officers from the Canada and Bermuda Territory who are currently serving internationally. 

The congregation celebrated Partners in Mission with a march of international flags, highlighting the global reach and impact of The Salvation Army. Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray, director of international development, introduced Colonel Samuel Baah, territorial commander, Malawi Territory, and Colonel Lyn Hills, territorial president of women’s ministries, Germany, Lithuania and Poland Territory, who shared inspiring testimonies of witnessing God’s work in their respective ministries. Commissioner Floyd Tidd then called upon Michelle Mailman, a young person from Wetaskiwin Corps, Alta., who was acknowledged for her dedication in helping her corps surpass its fundraising target for Partners in Mission. After presenting a cheque in the amount of $1,800 to the General, Mailman was awarded the Territorial Commander’s Youth Leadership Award for “exceptional service, outstanding commitment and extraordinary innovation offered by a young person to give hope to those in need.” 

A heartfelt video dedicated to the service of the international leaders was screened as an expression of gratitude as they prepare to retire next month. The Peddles were presented with gifts from different regions within the Canada and Bermuda Territory, including pottery from Bermuda, a piece of silverware from Canada’s Indigenous communities, and a painting depicting their home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

“Our God is on the move,” said Commissioner Peddle in her message. “There’s a fresh and beautiful wave of God’s Holy Spirit flowing across our world. We have seen it here in the last week. I remind you that if you can’t feel the wave, then you’re not in the water. You’re not feeling the moving of his Spirit and you’re going to miss out.” 

The service concluded with the familiar words O Boundless Salvation as the crowd stood to sing, wave Salvation Army flags and raise their hands in celebration. 

People of Prayer 

Earlier in the day, Salvationists gathered for a prayer breakfast with the General and Commissioner Peddle. After words of welcome by Lt-Colonel Brenda Critch, divisional secretary for spiritual life, Ontario Division, Psalms were shared in English, Spanish, Nisga’a, Korean and French. Major Norman Garcia, corps officer at Meadowlands Corps in Hamilton, Ont., led attendees in sentence prayers around their tables, based on the names of God.  

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle encouraged those gathered to be saturated in prayer, to soak in God’s presence and to soar to new heights. “If ever God’s people need to be praying, it’s now,” she shared. “We are living in days of great challenge for the church. Our world is filled with uncertainties and complexities. Salvation Army, if we’re going to be fully engaged in spiritual warfare, then we have to be people of prayer like never before in our history.” 

Major Glenda Bishop, divisional corps mission consultant for the Ontario Division, led a time of intercessory prayer, and after a moving musical rendition of The Lord’s Prayer by Salvationist Cameron Rawlins, Lt-Colonel Shawn Critch, divisional commander, Ontario Division, dismissed attendees with words of blessing. 

Canada Day at Yonge-Dundas Square 

Torontonians and out-of-town visitors of all ages and ethnicities celebrated Canada Day with The Salvation Army at Yonge-Dundas Square, which was filled with Salvation Army tents, posters and advertisements. 

“I’ve never seen Yonge-Dundas Square like this before,” said Captain Peter Kim, corps officer, Grande Prairie Community Church, Alta., who hails from Toronto. “I feel like a tourist but it’s wonderful to see the Army represented. There are so many newcomers to Canada and tourists taking selfies and panoramic views of the square, and every time they do, they’re seeing the Army shield and ‘Giving Hope Today.’ I think that’s wonderful because when they post that, they’re posting The Salvation Army to the world.” 

A roster of impressive entertainment from both out-of-town and local acts, including rock group The Color, hip-hop entertainer Rayto, and the Elevation Rhythm ensemble performed. All were greeted with applause and enthusiasm, and many in the crowd joyfully danced and sang along. 

“The gospel is being sung and preached through music, and different cultures, different religions, different backgrounds are dancing to worship music,” said Captain Kim. “It’s wonderful to see.” 

“This is The Salvation Army,” said Captain Jason Dockeray, territorial children and youth secretary. “It’s exciting! The youth are loving it, the community’s loving it. We have every race, every creed, every nation, here at the square, singing to Jesus with The Salvation Army. It’s amazing!”

Sunday morning commenced with a self-guided prayer walk. In addition, a prayer room was available at the Westin Harbour Castle hotel throughout the conference and congress for quiet moments of reflection. 

Sunday Praise and Worship 

The Sunday morning holiness meeting at Massey Hall began with a musical prelude by NewFound Brass and Chorus. After Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd opened the meeting with All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name and a prayer, vocalist Wendy Woodland of Corner Brook Temple, N.L., sang To the Glory and Praise of God. Kathryn and Kyle Higgins and their daughter shared a choric Scripture reading from Ezekiel 37, and NewFound Brass’ band selection, Christ of Calvary, was followed by a special Partners in Mission offering.  

An Award of Exceptional Service was presented to Major Lucy Pilgrim and her late husband, Major Warrick Pilgrim, in recognition of the significant post-retirement service they gave in 11 appointments. All officers engaged in post-retirement service then stood and were acknowledged by the congregation. 

During the prayer focus, violinist William Barter and dancer Jalianne Li accompanied Jesus, Be the Centre as the congregation’s bracelets once again illuminated. 

In his message, General Peddle told stories of our “vast Army around the world that’s standing firm…. standing against darkness, pushing forward into the injustices of the world, with shield and banner held high. This is the Army that God has raised up. We will not become a valley of dry bones; we will signal that we are available to him.” In response, dozens lined the mercy seat and stood in the aisles, praying with each other. 

Later in the service, Major Deana Zelinsky, training principal, introduced the new lieutenants who received their appointments from Commissioner Floyd and Tracey Tidd. When the General put out a call for officers, more than 30 candidates flooded the stage, signalling their willingness to be used by God. 

In conclusion, Commissioner Floyd Tidd thanked General and Commissioner Peddle, Colonel Evie Diaz, and Lt-Colonel John Murray who represented the INSPIRE Executive Committee and a host of conference and congress planning groups. 

After a benediction and grand recessional with Army and national flags, Salvationists spilled onto Shuter St. outside Massey Hall for a final time of fellowship and celebration.