The Moose Jaw Salvation Army is welcoming new leadership as it transitions to a new corps officer this July. Hailing from Newfoundland, Major Byron Kean and his wife, Winnipeg-born Lieutenant Linda Kean are settling into their new home and are eager to continue advancing the organization’s role in the community.
As of July 1, Major Clarence Ingram and his wife Karen concluded their leadership roles in Moose Jaw, and their position has now been filled by Kean and his wife starting July 12.
A transfer like this is typical for members of the Salvation Army. The organization’s Toronto, Ont. headquarters assesses the ministry’s needs at hundreds of locations across Canada and seeks to pair suitable officers based on their qualifications, skills, and abilities.
Major Kean and his wife are now the official corps officers for Moose Jaw. The role entails a responsibility for the Moose Jaw Thrift Store, local community programs, and the Assiniboia Salvation Army location.
After a planned one-year term in Moose Jaw, Major Ingram, the former corps officer, has announced that he’s returned to his hometown of Cutknife, Sask.
“We’re all retired,” he said, “so we agreed to help out (in Moose Jaw) for a year and then move on again when somebody more permanent (was able to come in).”
Now serving the Salvation Army in Cutknife, Major Ingram’s role has changed somewhat and he’ll serve as the area commander. In his new role, he’ll be responsible for overseeing different congregations in the area.
Major Ingram spoke fondly as he reflected on his experience in Moose Jaw.
“Oh, we had a wonderful time while we were there…,” he said. “It was very certainly enriching (and) we enjoyed the experience.”
As Major Ingram announced his departure, his replacement, Major Kean, began his role on July 12 after arriving the night before. The journey included a cross-Canada trek of around 6,500 kilometres starting in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Nfld.
“We’re glad to (no longer) be driving every day,” he said. “It (was) tiring, but the drive was worth it.”
Major Kean has been an officer for 32 years as of next month, was born in Newfoundland, and has spent most of his career in eastern Canada and Bermuda. His wife, Linda, was born in Winnipeg and is already familiar with the prairies. She has served with the Salvation Army for five years as of November.
“We’re really looking forward to (working in Moose Jaw) and becoming a part of the fabric of the community,” he said.
The couple is getting to know their new community and it’s still too early to confirm any plans.
“We’re looking to concentrate on the church and get the church back to a place where it’s more vibrant within the community — let’s put it at that,” he said.
“I’m going to share something with you,” he continued. “It’s something that my wife said. She said, ‘I know we’ve got a long way to retirement, but I want to retire here.’ This was after only five days (in Moose Jaw).”
The couple hasn’t determined how long they wish to remain in Moose Jaw, but Kean said he anticipates at least five years. Terms, he said, usually run from one to around seven years.
“Thank you for welcoming us to Moose Jaw,” Major Kean said. “We look forward to serving Moose Jaw and the surrounding area in the coming years.”
The Moose Jaw Salvation Army has three locations: the Thrift Store, located at 175 First Avenue Northeast, the Donation and Sorting Centre, located at 670 High Street West, and the Salvation Army Church at 2 Wintergreen Drive.
To contact the Salvation Army, call 306-692-5899 or visit SalvationArmyMooseJaw.ca. You can follow the organization on Facebook at ‘The Salvation Army in Moose Jaw.’
