Major Alison Cowling Installed as Maritime Divisional Commander
Caption: Colonel Mark Tillsley, left, and Major Stan Folkins, right, join incoming Divisional Commander Major Alison Cowling in song during her installation ceremony at Fairview Citadel in Halifax.
The Maritime Division recently celebrated the arrival of its new top soldier, Australian-born Major Alison Cowling as Divisional Commander.
At a ceremony held at Fairview Citadel, Major Alison Cowling was officially installed as Divisional Commander and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries for the Maritime Division, serving Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. With this appointment, Major Cowling becomes the second active female Divisional Commander in the Canada and Bermuda Territory, replacing Major Douglas Hefford who was appointed to the same position for the Newfoundland and Labrador Division.
The installation service was conducted by Colonel Mark Tillsley, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory, with officers from across the division taking part in the service. Music was provided by the Fairview Citadel Senior Band as well as the talented children of the Kentville Community Church Singing Company.
“I can’t tell you how relieved I am to get that over with,” Major Cowling joked as she addressed the congregation following her official installation. She went on to speak of her vision for the Maritimes before delivering a sermon on the “new things God is doing right here, right now”.
Major Cowling grew up in MacLean, a rural community in New South Wales, Australia, before entering The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in 1976. Her 35 years as an officer have taken her overseas to places as far away as Papua New Guinea and London, England, and back to her native Australia. Major Cowling arrived in Canada five years ago, and served as Assistant Chief Secretary at Territorial Headquarters in Toronto, Ont.
“I am excited to be in the Maritime Division and look forward to my ministry here,” Major Cowling said. “It’s a privilege to partner with the fine staff at Divisional Headquarters and serve the good folk in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. I plan to visit every unit as soon as possible, to get to know the officers and employees and the hard work that they do to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Lieutenant Lance Gillard of the Dartmouth Community Church likened the ceremony and celebration to that of a naval captain taking over a new ship during his welcoming of Major Cowling. Lt. Gillard and his wife, Monika, represent one of the 34 units Major Cowling will lead and support as Divisional Commander of the Maritime Division.
“The former Captain would be rowed to shore by a ship; the Heffords took the ferry” Lt. Gillard joked during his welcoming speech. “I am sure that we all look forward to the days to come as we look to you for your leadership and your support in the Division.”
