Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/378724
retirements >> Lt. Colonels Reynolds retire LT. COLONEL JAMES REYNOLDS O n June 9, 2014, in West Nyack, N.Y., Lt. Colonels Blanche L. and James W. Reynolds retired from active service as Salvation Army offi cers. Lt. Colonel James Reynolds had served as secretary for business administration, and Lt. Colonel Blanche Reynolds had served as program resource manager in the Program Section. Approximately 250 family, friends, offi cers, and employees gath- ered at the Eastern Territory Headquarters (THQ) to express appre- ciation for the Lt. Colonels Reynolds' 38 years of faithful ministry. The service began with an exciting timbrel drill in recogni- tion of three generations of family in The Salvation Army (Lt. Colonel Blanche Reynolds, Captain Amy Merchant, and grand- daughters Mariah, Madison, and Meaghan Merchant). Lt. Colonel Gary Aschperslager, an "Overcomers" sessionmate of the Lt. Colonels Reynolds (1974–76), welcomed everyone. Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, offered a heartfelt prayer. Then Lt. Colonel Hugh Steele, Adult Rehabilita- tion Centers (ARC) commander, shared a thoughtful devotional based upon the New Testament book of Philemon. Matthew Reynolds and Captain Amy Merchant, the Lt. Colonel Reynolds' son and daughter, offered a touching tribute to their parents. Then Madison and Meaghan Merchant, the Reynolds' granddaughters, performed a worshipful sacred dance. Major Margaret Davis, director of women's Ministries and retired offi cers' representative for the Massachusetts Division, blessed the festivities by singing "He's Been Faithful." Com- missioners Eva D. and Israel L. Gaither then presented the Lt. Colonels Reynolds with their retirement certifi cates. The Gaithers thanked the Lord for the Reynolds' combined 76 years of service. In response, the Reynolds thanked the Lord for His faithful- ness throughout their ministry as offi cers. Major James M. Betts III, general secretary for the Greater New York Division, led the congregation in the spirited singing of "Victory in Jesus." In conclusion, Dr. Paul Wood, a family friend, of- fered the benediction. He and his wife, Dr. Kathleen Wood, were instrumental in the life of Lt. Colonel Blanche Reynolds during her formative years. Everyone then enjoyed a time of fellowship in the THQ din- ing room. Holiness Institute for Soldiers October 16–19, 2014 Cost: $150 www.armyonitsknees.org "Our Journey in a Bible-Shaped Life of Holiness"