Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/378724
territorial news >> Divisional leaders installed in Mass. DREW FORSTER O n Sunday, July 13, Commissioners Barry C. and E. Sue Swanson, territorial leaders, installed Majors David B. and Margaret W. Davis as the new Massachusetts divisional leaders. A capacity crowd attended the cer- emony in Boston at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. From the west coast of the United States and from the Caribbean, family and friends participated in the joyous occasion. Members of the Davis and Wiltshire families joined Majors Clement and Evangeline Leslie, who served as fl ag bearers for the ceremony. Alan Wilthshire II, brother of Major Margaret Davis, beautifully performed on piano "O Boundless Salvation." Major Davis, who in her testimony shared Ephesians 2, also said, "We are God's workmanship. I'm excited to see what the Lord will do." Following a moving installation ceremony, Major David Davis shared a sermon on redemption. As an analogy, he told the story of a friend who felt ashamed of his new but freshly– stained basketball sneakers. Equating the stain to sin, the divisional com- mander described the wonderful dif- ference his friend felt after he cleaned those shoes. "As the stain was removed, he be- came alive again," Davis said. Throughout the day, old and new friends greeted one another with smiles and hugs. Palpable was the sense of Salvation Army history and legacy in the making. "We are so thankful for the way God is leading you and for your obedience to His will," wrote retired Majors Alan and Marjorie Wiltshire (Major Margaret Davis' parents) on Facebook. "Your appoint- ment brings back beautiful memories of the years we spent in ministry in that divi- sion 22 years ago—like it was yesterday." Since the installation, the Davises have been busy—traveling the division, get- ting to know their soldiers and offi cers, and catching a vision for "what God will do" in Massachusetts. They're also learning "Massacheng- lish." During the installation ceremony, the division welcomed the Majors Davis with a lighthearted video on how to speak the language of Bay State resi- dents. The clever movie featured soldiers and offi cers helping the new divisional leaders understand words such as "grin- dah" (grinder)—a submarine sandwich! See the video at http://vimeo. com/100624158. 3 www.saconnects.org